What is good to eat for Parkinson's disease?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on December 10, 2024
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Patients with Parkinson's disease should pay special attention to their diet. It is recommended that the food eaten by Parkinson's patients mainly includes the following types: First, patients can eat more fresh cabbage, vegetables, celery, and fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, and tangerines, because these fruits and vegetables help supplement some vitamins. Vitamins have an antioxidant stress effect, which may play a role in preventing the further development of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, these foods can supplement water, promote gastrointestinal motility, and alleviate constipation, which is beneficial for the constipation caused by Parkinson's disease. Second, people with Parkinson's disease can eat more walnuts or black sesame seeds, as well as some other nuts, as these foods also nourish brain cells. Moreover, patients with Parkinson's disease must ensure a balanced diet that includes a variety of grains, such as rice, millet, corn, and sorghum, which are all consumable.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

Parkinson's disease is mainly divided into two types. One type is familial Parkinson's disease, which definitely has a clear genetic predisposition. This disease is caused by mutations in some genes that lead to disruptions in some internal environments and the accumulation of abnormal proteins, eventually causing the death of neurons. Since the disease is caused by genetic mutations, there is definitely a certain genetic predisposition, and reproductive counseling is necessary to prevent the birth of offspring with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, most cases of Parkinson's disease are sporadic, and these diseases may be related to acquired factors, such as long-term mental stress, excessive pressure, brain trauma, or cerebrovascular diseases in patients, which can all lead to Parkinson's disease. This type of disease is definitely not inherited, so there is no need to worry too much.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is Parkinson's disease scary?

Parkinson's disease is not a terrifying disease, as its onset is relatively hidden and slow, with gradual progression. Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms, prolong their lives, and enhance their quality of life through rehabilitation training and medication. However, there is no effective cure for Parkinson's disease at this time; current treatments only relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with Parkinson's should not be afraid and must regularly visit neurology outpatient clinics for follow-up. Neurologists will provide appropriate medications for Parkinson’s and guide the daily life of patients. Moreover, patients must prevent falls. Parkinson's is not a terrifying disease; what is dangerous is arbitrarily stopping or reducing medication without listening to the doctor's advice. (Note: This answer is for reference only, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be taken blindly.)

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Neurology
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Causes of Parkinson's Disease

The cause of Parkinson's disease is mainly due to a part of the brain called the brainstem, which has some black moles and clusters containing a large number of neurons that can produce dopamine. The death of these neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, caused by various factors, leads to Parkinson's disease. This results in noticeable slowness of movement in the limbs, muscle rigidity, as well as tremors, and unstable walking and other clinical manifestations. The causes of the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra include genetic factors. Additionally, age is the biggest cause of the disease. Furthermore, dysfunctions in mitochondrial function, ischemia and hypoxia in the midbrain, certain traumas, and the use of drugs that deplete dopamine can all potentially cause Parkinson's disease.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common degenerative disease in the elderly, primarily causing the death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, leading to corresponding clinical manifestations. Research has confirmed that other systems may also be damaged in the early stages of Parkinson's disease symptoms. The early symptoms may primarily include: First, patients experience persistent constipation, which is a very important early symptom of Parkinson's disease. Second, some patients may experience sleep disturbances, mainly characterized by tossing and turning, shouting out loud during sleep, without being aware of it. Additionally, some patients in the early stages may also experience a reduced sense of smell, constipation, cognitive impairment, and other clinical manifestations. There are also some early motor symptoms, mainly that the patient becomes clumsy and inflexible in the movements of one side of the body. These are the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

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Neurology
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What is needed to diagnose Parkinson's disease?

The definitive diagnosis of Parkinson's disease primarily relies on the patient's medical history, clinical manifestations, and a thorough physical examination by a neurologist. If the onset of the disease is very slow, presenting with symptoms such as bradykinesia and tremors, and the neurologist observes heightened muscle tone and slow movements during the examination, a high suspicion of this disease is warranted. Additionally, certain auxiliary tests are necessary, commonly including: First, testing the patient's sense of smell is crucial, as a reduced sense of smell is very important in diagnosing Parkinson's disease. Second, some brain MRI scans are needed mainly to exclude some secondary Parkinson's syndromes. Third, a brain PET-CT scan can be performed to examine the functionality of the striatum. Furthermore, an ultrasound of the substantia nigra in the midbrain can also be conducted, which holds significant value in assisting the diagnosis.