Three ways to reduce Parkinson's symptoms

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects 1 million Americans, and researchers project the number will double by 2040. That may be the result of environmental assaults, like exposure to pesticides, genetic and epigenetic influences, and age-related factors that lead to problems with mobility, speech, cognition, sleep quality, gastrointestinal functions, and even the sense of smell and taste.

But there's ever more research showing that folks with Parkinson's can take steps to improve symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

-- A new study in the Journal of Movement Disorders reveals that tai chi can improve motor function, ease freezing of gait, and boost walking ability. Bodyweight strength-training exercises like planks and strength training with elastic bands and dumbbells can also improve motor function, and balance and help overcome gait-freeze. And home-based yoga can improve balance and increase the amount of physical activity a person can do.

-- Clearing out ultra-processed foods from the diet may also slow down the early appearance of Parkinson's symptoms. That's because not only do ultra-processed foods contribute to chronic body-wide inflammation, insulin resistance, and poor metabolic regulation, but research in the journal Neurology shows that folks eating ultra-processed foods are more likely to have subtle but measurable symptoms of PD years before they experience full-blow tremors and balance problem. These early signs include rapid eye movement, sleep problems, constipation, depression, body pain, impaired color vision, excessive daytime sleepiness and reduced ability to smell.

-- Therapeutic plasma exchange, a safe procedure that removes trouble-making proteins from your blood, may also ease Parkinson's related tremors and improve cognition.

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.longevityplaybook.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@longevityplaybook.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.


(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.