Things to Know When You Are Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, with Padma Mahant, M.D.

When a person is diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, it is normal to feel overwhelmed. But you don’t have to face it by yourself. In an interview with The Educated Patient, Padma Mahant, M.D., board-certified neurologist and director of medical affairs at CND Life Sciences, says it’s important to build a care team — a group of people who can help you manage the disease. This might include your regular doctor, a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist. While specialists can be hard to find, especially for people living in smaller towns, you can still look for doctors who have experience treating Parkinson’s disease.

Support groups can also be a big help. They connect you with other people going through the same thing and can guide you to local resources like therapy programs or clinics. You’ll be able to learn from others’ experiences and feel supported.

Mahant encourages patients to learn as much as they can about Parkinson’s disease. Trusted organizations like the Michael J. Fox Foundation and the Davis Phinney Foundation offer great resources.

If you’re interested, you can even take part in research studies or clinical trials. These opportunities let you contribute to important discoveries that could help future generations.

Beyond medical treatments, Mahant shares ways patients can take control through lifestyle choices. Things like regular exercise, healthy eating, good sleep and reducing stress can actually protect your brain and slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Exercise, especially, can improve mood, reduce fatigue, help with balance and even strengthen brain cells.

Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet) may also help. It can improve digestion and reduce inflammation, both of which play a role in Parkinson’s disease.

Finally, Mahant shares hope for the future. Thanks to ongoing research, new treatments are being developed to improve symptoms and slow the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference, and she encourages patients to explore all the resources available to help them live well with Parkinson’s disease.

5 Things to Know When You Are Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease:

• Build a care team you trust: Look for doctors with experience treating Parkinson’s, such as neurologists or movement disorder specialists. If you can’t access a specialist, ask about doctors with a strong interest in Parkinson’s.
• Your Parkinson’s journey is unique: No two patients are the same. Your symptoms and progression may be different from others.
• Exercise is powerful medicine: Regular movement improves balance, mood and energy and may even protect brain cells and slow disease progression.
• Reducing stress matters: Mindfulness, social connection and staying engaged can reduce inflammation and improve well-being.
• New treatments are on the horizon: Ongoing research is leading to better therapies, with hope for treatments that slow progression.