April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and understanding the connection between this movement disorder and dementia is important.
With Parkinson’s disease, normal activities can be impeded by slow movement, stiffness, and loss of balance. Tremors, smaller handwriting, and a softer voice are also common physical symptoms. These changes occur because nerve cells in the brain break down, resulting in lower levels of dopamine. It is this lack of dopamine that causes muscles to function less effectively and makes movement more difficult.
Research shows that within 10 years of diagnosis, about 45% of people living with Parkinson’s develop Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). In addition, brain inflammation appears to be an early driver of PDD.
Parkinson’s and dementia are not two separate diseases that simply happen to coincide. They are part of the same family of neurodegenerative diseases, driven by the same misfolded protein spreading through different regions of the brain.
How Lifestyle Choices May Make a Difference
So, are there preventive measures for Parkinson’s and dementia? Yes—and they are lifestyle habits we have heard about time and time again.
Exercise – Regular physical activity is at the top of the list because it has clear benefits for brain health. Exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, supports dopamine function, and helps clear metabolic waste. People living with Parkinson’s can continue to exercise to the best of their ability through programs like Rock Steady Boxing.
Sleep – The brain’s waste-clearing mechanism operates primarily during sleep. Sleep disruptions have been linked to the protein buildup associated with Parkinson’s.
Diet – An anti-inflammatory diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, appears to support brain health and shows protective associations for both Parkinson’s and dementia.
Cardiovascular risk management – Managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol is strongly emphasized for dementia prevention. Research is also emerging on the benefits of managing these risk factors for Parkinson’s. There is some thought that hypertension and type 2 diabetes may be linked to Parkinson’s disease dementia.
Social engagement and cognitive stimulation – The benefits of these lifestyle factors are well known in dementia and have been less studied in Parkinson’s. However, building brain resilience through an active lifestyle likely offers some protection.
Parkinson’s-specific risk factors also include exposure to pesticides, TCE and other industrial solvents, as well as heavy metals.
The bottom line is that lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, sleeping well, eating a largely plant-based diet, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and staying socially and mentally active are essential in reducing the risk of Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
How Springpoint at Home Can Help
If you are caring for someone with Parkinson’s or PDD, Springpoint at Home’s Certified Home Health Aides (CHHAs) can help manage Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including support with walking and mobility. Our Aging Life Care Advisors™ can also assist with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) and support those with a Parkinson’s diagnosis through a comprehensive care plan. In addition, they serve as advocates and provide resources that help older adults age in place safely.
To learn more about how we can help, call Springpoint at Home today at 609-366-1900.
