AlanaL89
05-22-2006, 06:00 PM
my boyfriend is 17 years old & recently told me that he has parkinsons.(he was about 13 or 14 when diagnosed) i dont know very much about it & he doesnt really like to talk about it. he takes medication but i was wondering if theres anything else that could help him. has anybody found that things like diet and exercise help? and if so what types of exercise & foods? like i said i don't know much about parkinsons so any advise or info be greatly appreciated.
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Shakes 73
05-30-2006, 06:11 PM
AlanaL89,
Sorry to hear that your boyfriend has PD at such a young age. I assume that he has a Dr that he is working with and given the diagnosis. Unfortunatly Juvenille Parkinson's is becomming more and more common.
I myself am 32 and was diagnosed in my lated twenties. I am not a DR but this is what i've learned, hope it helps...
First of all, exercise is a must because if you don't use it, he'll lose it. Muscle stiffness and rigidness plus tremors often occurs in PD and exercise helps.
Diet: Avoid caffeine, foods that contain sugars such as high fructose corn syrup. Instead healthy diet is important: Veggies, fruits, raw nuts and seeds and whole wheat and grains are good. Proteins and meats can interfer with the absortion of meds if taken close to med time, as well as interfer with their effeciency.
The web is great source of info and ideas, so don't be afraid to use it for research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation website is a good resource to use on the web.
By supportive and caring, let him know you are there for support but try not to be pressuring. Stress can aggreviate PD symptoms. He's dealing with alot, as i am sure you know, when he's ready to discuss things he'll come to you - until then don't take it personally.
Hobbies and active projects are good to have as well. i hope that helps,
i wish you both all the best as well as your boyfriends family.
Take care.
Sorry to hear that your boyfriend has PD at such a young age. I assume that he has a Dr that he is working with and given the diagnosis. Unfortunatly Juvenille Parkinson's is becomming more and more common.
I myself am 32 and was diagnosed in my lated twenties. I am not a DR but this is what i've learned, hope it helps...
First of all, exercise is a must because if you don't use it, he'll lose it. Muscle stiffness and rigidness plus tremors often occurs in PD and exercise helps.
Diet: Avoid caffeine, foods that contain sugars such as high fructose corn syrup. Instead healthy diet is important: Veggies, fruits, raw nuts and seeds and whole wheat and grains are good. Proteins and meats can interfer with the absortion of meds if taken close to med time, as well as interfer with their effeciency.
The web is great source of info and ideas, so don't be afraid to use it for research. The Michael J. Fox Foundation website is a good resource to use on the web.
By supportive and caring, let him know you are there for support but try not to be pressuring. Stress can aggreviate PD symptoms. He's dealing with alot, as i am sure you know, when he's ready to discuss things he'll come to you - until then don't take it personally.
Hobbies and active projects are good to have as well. i hope that helps,
i wish you both all the best as well as your boyfriends family.
Take care.