This week I was asked if I could recommend someone local who has a good understanding of nutrition for Parkinson people. I’m not aware of anyone, so I did some research online and found a video that really impressed me. The panel addresses a number of issues I’ve been asked about such as protein and levodopa, unintentional weight loss, constipation, supplements, and more. They’ve packed a lot of good explanations and suggestions into 35 minutes, and I highly recommend it. Click here to view – it’s episode 3 on this page.

This video is on ParkinsonTV.org, part of the ParkinsonNet initiative – www.parkinsonnet.info (this is the link for the English language version) – led by Prof. dr Bastiaan Bloem. I heard Dr. Bloem speak at the World Parkinson Congress in 2016, and I appreciate how his explanations are so easy to understand.

Season one on ParkinsonTV covers the basics, and in season two they discuss mental health. In the episode on nutrition, they refer to the episode on medications (episode 2), and it’s worth watching, too. If you’re looking for something to do when you’re housebound on these snow/ice days, how about checking out these TV shows?

Cough and Cold Medication
This week I was also reminded about an issue with cough and cold medications, because it’s that time of year again, isn’t it? Here’s some helpful information from an educational supplement provided by the American Parkinson Disease Association, Medications To Be Avoided Or Used With Caution In Parkinson’s Disease:
medications that should not be taken with selegiline HcL (eldepryl, Deprenyl, Zelapar) and rasagiline (Azilect) – cough suppressant / Dextromethorphan / Numerous Brands.
With these over the counter (OTC) medications, it’s up to us to read the label. However, I’ve found that the instructions often give ‘fine print’ a whole new meaning, and this information about Parkinson’s is really hard to find. It’s a good idea to check with your physician or pharmacist before taking OTC cough and cold medications.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month – out of town events
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and information about events are starting to appear in my inbox. I thought I’d share these two with you so if you’re interested, you can save the dates on your calendar.
1)  The Parkinson’s Unity Walk takes place in New York City’s Central Park every year. The 25th walk will be on Saturday, April 27, 2019. Click here for more info. (If you watch the video from last year you might see a couple of familiar faces – time 2:02)
2)  The APDA Hampton Roads 2019 Optimism Walk at Neptune Park (31st and the Boardwalk) Virginia Beach is on Saturday, April 13, 2019; 9am to Noon. For details on setting up your team or joining one, call 757-495-3062 or check out www.APDAParkinson.org/va.

For Caregivers
1) BossySpa.com
This blog is written by a woman to support her sister who is caring for her husband with Alzheimer’s, every day she posts a reflection and note of support for her sister. It usually begins with a meditation on nature and ends with an instruction to give emotional support to caregivers. It’s very thoughtful and well-written. Recommended by Kristen – thank you!
2) JanetEdmunson.com
Janet shares her experiences as a caregiver for her husband, Charles, who lived with progressive supranuclear palsy, or PSP, a Parkinson-plus disorder. You can sign up on her website to receive a free weekly affirmation for caregivers (click here for examples). There are books and webinars, too. Ruth Ann has often shared the affirmations with us – thank you!

Hope to see you out and about again soon! Maybe next Monday at Cafe Alexandria or on Wednesday at Cafe Ashburn?

Cheers,
Sonia
email: Sonia@ParkinsonSocialNetwork.org