Parkinson’s treatment is much more than just medication
Parkinson's disease changed my life not all at once, but gradually. And learning how to live with the disease has taken time.
Receiving medication to help me manage my symptoms has been an important part of my treatment. But over the years, I’ve come to understand that it’s not just about the medication. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep all play a major role in how I feel and function each day.
From the beginning, my neurologist encouraged me to stay active and exercise regularly. I was also referred to physiotherapy and nutrition counseling. But I’ll be honest – it took me years to truly understand the importance of exercise, nutrition, and sleep.
Exercise has always been a big part of my life. I’ve practiced karate for years, and after my diagnosis, I made the decision – with my neurologist’s support – to continue. I also started doing Asahi, a Finnish health exercise that focuses on body and mind, and trains particularly balance. Balance is one of the things Parkinson’s gradually takes away, and unlike other symptoms, it can’t be fixed with medication. Asahi has become an important part of my routine, and today, I even work as an instructor. I enjoy training with others who have Parkinson’s and older adults, helping them stay active and mobile.
When it comes to nutrition, I received good advice early on, both from a nutritionist and from literature by the Finnish Parkinson’s Association. Still, it took me several years before I actually followed that advice. But once I adjusted my diet, I began to see the difference. With Parkinson’s, especially when taking Levodopa, protein can interfere with how the medication works. Timing really matters here.
Over time, I’ve realized that the combination of medication, nutrition, exercise, and sleep is what makes the biggest difference. When I follow my daily rhythm – take my medication on time, eat regularly, sleep enough, and stay active – everything works well. Sometimes, I even feel like I need less medication when I keep my routines steady.
For me personally, it’s been difficult to accept that with Parkinson’s, not all days are the same. Some days are good and some days are not so good. It’s not always possible to stay perfectly in rhythm. What matters is paying attention and learning what helps.
Over the years, I’ve developed a few habits that support me: I avoid watching TV too late at night so I get enough sleep. I try to eat regularly, drink enough, and use alarms to remind me to take my medication. I’ve learned that too much protein during the day may mean I need more medicine in the evening. If I have a stressful event coming up, such as a presentation at a seminar, I adjust my medication timing accordingly. But I never exceed my prescribed daily dosage.
Parkinson’s disease requires a lot of time for taking care of yourself, and at least for me, this was a struggle in the beginning. Taking that time is very difficult when you are still in the working world. Only after I retired, I did really have time to focus on my well-being.
Managing my own health has become a big part of how I live with Parkinson’s. I’ve become more active in tracking my well-being, for example, blood pressure, weight, and even blood test results. Sometimes I wish I had a personal dashboard to bring everything together, something to show me how I’m doing and how my condition is developing. And to keep me accountable. It would help me spot patterns of what makes a good day and could maybe even provide guidance on when to eat and when to exercise.
Taking time to look after myself has become a priority. Learning to live with Parkinson’s means learning about myself, too.
Until next time,
Riaz
Riaz Zabihian
Riaz is Adamant Health's patient voice. He has been living with Parkinson’s disease for over a decade. In his blog, Riaz will share his personal experience of life with Parkinson's disease to provide support, inspiration, and practical advice for others affected by the condition.