Authors: Therese Scott Duncan, Jamie Luckhaus, Sara Riggare, Uppsala University, Sweden

Reviewed by: Mónica M. Kurtis. MD, Movement Disorders Unit Director,Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting around 10 million worldwide. It is a chronic, progressive disease. With advances in treatment, people with PD today often live long and active lives despite their diagnosis.

Parkinson’s disease causes both motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms include tremor (shaking), slowness of movement (bradykinesia), muscle stiffness (rigidity), and balance or walking difficulties. These can affect daily activities like writing, dressing, or moving safely. Non-motor symptoms are equally important and may appear years before movement problems. They include loss of smell, constipation, sleep disturbances (such as acting out dreams), mood changes like anxiety or depression, and memory or thinking difficulties. Together, motor and non-motor symptoms shape the daily experience of living with Parkinson’s.

Effective Parkinson’s care goes beyond just taking medications. It involves a holistic approach: expert medical management and proactive selfcare by the person with PD (and support from caregivers). In fact, many doctors emphasize that the person living with Parkinson’s is the most important member of the care team, since daily lifestyle choices have a huge impact on symptom control.

Medical management: treatments and care team

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are many treatments to manage its symptoms. The cornerstone of PD therapy is medication – particularly levodopa, which the body converts to dopamine to replenish the brain’s low dopamine levels. Other drugs (like dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors) can also help address symptoms, and as the disease progresses, some individuals may benefit from technology-supported therapies such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery or different forms of pumps for more continuous therapeutic delivery. These medical treatments can dramatically improve symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness. Equally important is a comprehensive care team. Most Parkinson’s patients are cared for by a neurologist, and may also see physical therapists, occupational and speech therapists, nutritionists, and mental health professionals. This team approach addresses the many facets of PD – from movement difficulties and speech changes to swallowing, mood, and thinking problems. Still, day-to-day living with Parkinson’s largely comes down to what the person with PD and their family do at home. Selfcare is a key part of treatment, alongside the medical interventions.

However, most of the care in this chronic condition happens outside the clinic, led by patients themselves, often with help from their family members. In fact, Sara Riggare, a Swedish patient advocate, notes she spends only about one hour per year with her neurologist, while the remaining 8,765 hours each year are in selfcare, where she applies her own knowledge and experience to manage her PD (https://www.riggare.se/1-vs-8765/). This striking “1 vs. 8,765” hour ratio highlights that people with PD are primarily responsible for day-to-day disease management.

The power of selfcare in PD management

During those thousands of hours of selfcare, patients handle critical tasks: taking medications on schedule, monitoring symptoms, adjusting daily activities, exercising, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In Parkinson’s, selfcare encompasses exercise, nutrition, mental health care, and adapting daily activities. Effective selfcare strategies can help improve motor symptoms, cognitive function, and mood in PD. In other words, while medications address the chemistry, lifestyle measures help a person function at their best despite the disease. Below are some critical selfcare components in Parkinson’s care:

Regular exercise: Exercise is as important as medicine for PD. Staying physically active can help maintain mobility, balance, and independence. Multiple research studies have found that exercise can improve a range of motor and non-motor PD symptoms. Different forms of exercise are beneficial – from aerobic conditioning to strength training and balance exercises. Finding enjoyable activities is key – whether it’s dancing, gardening, or a Parkinson’s exercise class – so that exercise becomes a consistent part of life. Many patients find that exercise not only improves their physical symptoms but also boosts mood and confidence. More importantly, there is a lot of evidence suggesting that exercise may be neuroprotective and may actually slow down the progression of the disease. 

Healthy nutrition: A balanced diet supports overall health and can help ease certain Parkinson’s issues. There is no magic “Parkinson’s diet” that will cure symptoms, but good nutrition can help with symptom management. It’s also important to stay hydrated and consume plenty of fiber, since constipation is common in PD. In short, eating well in Parkinson’s is about keeping energy up, avoiding complications (like dehydration or constipation), and supporting overall brain and body health.

Mental and emotional well-being: Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just affect movement – it can impact mood, emotions, and thinking. Up to 50% of people with PD experience depression or anxiety during the illness. These symptoms are actually part of the disease process (due to brain changes), not just a reaction to having a chronic illness. Importantly, treating depression or anxiety can significantly improve quality of life and even physical function (a less anxious, more upbeat patient may move better and feel more motivated to exercise).

Cognitive and social engagement: Some people with Parkinson’s notice changes in their memory or thinking speed over time. Activities like reading, doing puzzles or brain games, learning a new skill, or even writing in a journal can help keep the mind sharp. Social interaction is equally vital – staying connected with family and friends can prevent isolation and lift spirits. Patients and family members might consider joining local Parkinson’s exercise groups or support networks, which provide both social support and practical tips.

Adaptation and safety in daily life: A practical aspect of Parkinson’s care is making adjustments to stay safe and independent. Simple changes – like using shower grab-bars, wearing slip-on shoes, or utensils with larger handles – can make everyday tasks easier. An honest assessment of when to start using supports (for example, a cane or walker to prevent falls, or asking for help with driving if reflexes slow down) is important. Such adaptations are not failures; they are smart strategies to maintain quality of life. Many can continue engaging in their favorite activities with minor modifications.

Living well with Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s affects not only the patient but also their loved ones. Informal caregivers (often spouses, adult children, or close friends) play a huge role in Parkinson’s care. Education is key – when caregivers also learn about PD, they can better assist with medications, exercises, and doctor’s visits. Care partners can help the person with PD implement the selfcare strategies outlined above: exercising together, preparing healthy meals, and encouraging social outings. It’s equally important that caregivers take care of themselves and seek support when needed (respite breaks, caregiver support groups, counseling) to avoid burnout.

Although Parkinson’s disease is progressive, many people lead rich, meaningful lives for decades after diagnosis. The key is a proactive approach: people who take charge of their health – exercising regularly, eating wisely, staying socially engaged, and learn about their medications can have better daily function than those who remain passive. Parkinson’s care is truly a partnership between patients, their families, and their healthcare providers. Medications and periodic neurology visits are crucial, but so is what the patient does between appointments. Patients’ experiential knowledge and daily efforts are key to managing Parkinson’s. Research on PD self-management has demonstrated that effective care should involve empowering patients and supporting their motivation and capabilities. Parkinson’s care is at its best when it is a two-way street: medical providers and patients working hand in hand to navigate the challenges of the disease.