When my husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s five years ago, we felt lost. There was so much we didn’t know, and the advice we received from doctors was minimal. We mostly heard about medications and basic symptom management. Over time, though, we realized that managing Parkinson’s requires a more holistic, tailored approach, something we wish we had understood from the start. Here's what I wish we’d known when we first began this journey.

Exercise is Crucial — Start Early

If there’s one thing I would emphasize most, it’s the importance of physical exercise. Early on, we didn’t fully grasp how essential exercise is in managing Parkinson’s. We thought focusing solely on medication would be enough, but regular physical activity has proven to be one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

My husband now follows a daily routine that includes stretching, strength exercises, and walking. These exercises help reduce rigidity, improve balance, and lift his mood. We didn’t start incorporating these exercises until later, but I now know how beneficial it would have been if we had made exercise a priority from day one. 

Better Medication Management and Diet Go Hand-in-Hand

When my husband was first diagnosed, we focused on taking his prescribed medications but didn’t pay enough attention to how his diet could impact their effectiveness. We later learned that protein can interfere with the absorption of Parkinson’s medications, something we hadn’t been told by the doctor. We’ve since developed a meal plan that avoids protein during medication windows, focusing on lighter, easily digestible meals at those times (mainly vegan). This adjustment has made a noticeable difference in how well his medication works. Beyond that, we also started focusing on a nutrient-rich diet to support his overall health, ensuring he gets plenty of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, berries, and fish and avoids dairy, gluten, ultra-processed food, red meat and alcohol. Regular blood tests have helped us identify any deficiencies that could impact his Parkinson’s symptoms, and we’ve adjusted his diet accordingly.

Holistic Approaches to Treatment Matter

We also wish we had explored alternative therapies earlier. Over time, we’ve learned that Parkinson’s treatment isn’t just about medication — it’s about supporting the body and mind in all ways. Practices like acupuncture, qigong, and autogenics have helped manage symptoms like stress and rigidity. We also explored supplements, but it’s important to approach these cautiously, working with professionals to ensure they don’t interfere with conventional treatments.

Mental Health is Just as Important

Parkinson’s is not just a physical disease; its emotional and mental toll can be just as significant. For my husband, the loss of his mother at a young age created a lot of unresolved grief and emotional trauma, which contributed to stress and worsened his symptoms. I wish we had recognized earlier that mental health plays a critical role in Parkinson’s management.

We’ve since incorporated meditation and mindfulness practices into his daily routine to help manage stress and improve emotional well-being. Therapy has also played a role in addressing past trauma, and it’s become clear that managing mental health is just as essential as managing physical symptoms.

Work with a Team — Not Just One Doctor

When my husband was first diagnosed, we primarily relied on our neurologist to guide us through treatment. While they are a key part of the care team, we’ve since learned how important it is to work with a broader range of specialists. A naturopath has helped explore natural remedies that complement medical treatments, and a dietitian has been invaluable in creating a nutrition plan tailored to his needs.

Routine is Vital

Along with exercise, having a set daily routine has been crucial in managing Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s can make it difficult to maintain structure, but we found that consistency in daily activities helped improve both physical and mental health. My husband’s routine includes time for exercise, medication, rest, and meals — all planned to help manage symptoms and keep him on track.

Get Rid of Chemicals in Your Life

We didn’t realize how much environmental factors could play a role in Parkinson’s. Over time, we’ve been eliminating harmful chemicals from our homes and daily routines. This includes switching to natural cleaning products, eliminating unnecessary plastics, and reducing exposure to chemicals in food and skincare. While it’s impossible to avoid everything, we’ve found that creating a cleaner environment has helped my husband feel better.

The Power of Social Support and Connection

The emotional toll of Parkinson’s disease is real, and it’s something we didn’t fully appreciate in the beginning. It’s easy to get caught up in the medical side of things and forget how isolating it can be. We didn’t know the importance of surrounding ourselves with a support network of family, friends, and fellow Parkinson’s warriors who truly understand the journey.

I’ve learned that the connections we’ve made — especially through support groups and online communities — have been invaluable. They’ve helped us learn new tips, share our experiences, and remind us that we’re not alone. This connection also brings hope and inspiration when things get tough. If I could go back, I would tell myself not to wait so long to seek out these support networks. There’s a whole community out there that can make the road easier to walk.

If I could go back and give myself advice when my husband was first diagnosed with Parkinson’s, I’d tell myself to take a more holistic, personalized approach. The conventional path is important, but it’s not enough on its own. Combining exercise, a tailored diet, medication management, alternative therapies, and mental health care has made a world of difference in how we manage Parkinson’s today. Parkinson’s is not just a physical disease; it requires addressing the person as a whole. By taking this approach, we’ve learned to live a better quality of life despite the challenges.

Parkinson’s management is an ongoing learning process. The key is to never stop researching, experimenting (safely), and building the right support system. We still don’t have all the answers, but we’ve learned that Parkinson’s is a journey best taken one step at a time, with the right tools and mindset.