Did you know

according to the Parkinson’s Foundation, there are over 10

million people living worldwide diagnosed with Parkinson’s
disease?

1
 Living Well With Parkinson’s
disease: The Best Interventions to
Promote Health and Quality of
Life
Gwyneth Holzman
Independent Research
Mt. Hebron High School
Dr. Kiehl
Overview
1. What is Parkinson’s disease?
2. Research Question & Hypothesis
3. The most effective ways to slow the progression
while boosting health and quality of life
4. Data Collection
5. Analysis
6. Conclusion

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What is Parkinson’s disease?
◦ A neurodegenerative disease in which the
dopaminergic neurons in the brain
deteriorate over time
◦ Common symptoms include: tremor,
changes in gait, lack of facial expression,
speech changes, bradykinesia, handwriting
changes, constipation, depression,
stooped posture, and more
◦ No cause or cure
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Research Question & Hypothesis
- Exercising frequently
What are the most - Maintaining a balanced
diet
effective ways of - Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
promoting health and

quality of life in those

suffering from Parkinson’s

disease? 5
 How can someone with Parkinson’s
disease work to improve their health &
well-being?
★ Cope with symptoms
★ Increases balance,

Ph
★ Maintain balance, mobility, and e
cis

ys
mobility, and
everyday skills r

ica
e
Ex coordination

lT
★ Neuroprotective effect

he
★ More efficient dopamine usage ★ Reduces fatigue

ra
py
★ Slows progression ★ Decreases pain
★ Alleviates symptoms
★ Keeps the brain sharp
★ Regain independence

y al
ap n
★ New ways to do

er tio
D
ie

Th upa
t everyday tasks
★ Foods with antioxidants ★

cc
Utilize assistive

O
★ Lots of fluids devices
★ Foods high in fiber ★ Helps adapt to life
★ Maintain a healthy diet with PD

6
Data Collection
◦ Interviewed five individuals Rich Wildau
with Parkinson’s disease
over the phone
◦ Goal was to determine the Lorraine Wilson
best ways to cope with PD
◦ Five questions Kevin Schmid
◦ Personal Journey
◦ Experience with
exercise Judy Freitag
◦ Attendance in PT/OT
◦ Diet/Nutrition
◦ Community & Support Neil Weierbach
system

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Analysis: After speaking to the interviewees, it is clear
that the following are the most effective interventions
for living well with Parkinson’s disease…
It is critical for people with Parkinson’s
to find an enjoyable way to exercise
and stay physically active. Not only
will this will maintain overall health,
but it has been proven that exercise
can slow the progression of
Parkinson’s and have a
neuroprotective effect on the brain.
It is crucial for people with Parkinson’s
to attend occupational therapy, if
necessary. Occupational therapists
work with Parkinson’s patients to learn
new skills and ways of doing daily
tasks, so that they are able to adapt to
a Parkinson’s lifestyle.
Maintaining a healthy diet is essential
to having a good lifestyle. Although
there is not abundant research to
support a specific diet regimen, it
seems that eating in a healthy manner
is beneficial to those with Parkinson’s,
especially when it comes to combating
symptoms.
Building a community and/or a
support system is essential for people
suffering from Parkinson’s because
they need people they can depend on
in order to cope with this difficult
diagnosis. A caretaker may be
necessary for some.
Physical therapy proves to be
important for individuals with
Parkinson’s because physical
therapists take the time to instruct
people to learn stretches and
exercises. These activities will
ultimately decrease fatigue and pain
and promote coordination and
balance.
It is often helpful for those with
Parkinson’s to find activities they
enjoy to help cope with some of the
hardships of having Parkinson’s. For
example, journaling, drawing,
gardening, biking, hiking, dancing, and
more can be very fun ways to keep
the brain and body sharp.
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Conclusion
Getting diagnosed with a
terminal illness is extremely
difficult, especially when there is
no cure. People with PD should
be informed of the changes they
can make in their lives to benefit
their health and quality of life.

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Thanks!
Any questions?

10
References
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