Mindfulness as a Therapeutic Tool for Parkinson’s

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

Mindfulness is more than just relaxation—it’s an active practice that can help people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) manage symptoms, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. In a recent Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s podcast, experts and individuals living with Parkinson’s shared valuable insights on the power of mindfulness and meditation. Let’s explore how mindfulness can be a useful tool in your daily life.

Mindfulness: A Tool for Awareness and Control

One of the key takeaways from the podcast was how mindfulness naturally integrates into the lives of people with Parkinson’s, often out of necessity. As Parkinson’s affects movement, daily tasks require a heightened level of attention. Guest Sree Sripathy noted that mindfulness became a necessity for her as Parkinson’s forced her to focus on movements that once felt automatic.

“With Parkinson’s, I find that all of the things that I used to do that came naturally to me no longer do… I really have to focus on the moment, which is really what the basis of mindfulness is all about—being present in every moment.”

Mindfulness, in this sense, becomes a tool for regaining a sense of control over one’s body. By focusing on simple tasks—whether it’s walking, eating, or stirring food on the stove—one can anchor themselves in the present moment and reduce stress.

How Mindfulness Helps Manage Symptoms

The podcast featured Dr. Sarah Mulukutla, an integrative neurologist, who discussed the neurophysiological effects of mindfulness. She explained how mindfulness trains the brain to focus, manage stress, and activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the body’s “rest and digest” system).

Scientific studies indicate that mindfulness can:

• Reduce anxiety, one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s.
• Decrease rigidity and improve movement—some patients experience fewer episodes of freezing of gait when practicing mindfulness techniques.
• Enhance focus and emotional resilience, making it easier to handle daily stressors.

In the discussion, Ken Hill, a care partner, shared how mindfulness helps him manage stress and navigate the unpredictability of Parkinson’s in his wife’s life.

“I’ve stopped trying to figure out what’s next with Parkinson’s. Instead of constantly preparing for the next stage, I focus on what’s in front of us today, trusting that we will handle whatever comes.”

This perspective is incredibly valuable—mindfulness is not just beneficial for individuals with Parkinson’s but also for caregivers coping with the emotional toll of the disease.

Simple Ways to Start Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness doesn’t require a meditation cushion or a silent room. It can be seamlessly integrated into daily life through small, manageable techniques:

1. Mindful Breathing – Focus on your breath for a few moments, inhaling and exhaling slowly. Try coherent breathing, where you inhale for five seconds and exhale for five seconds, which has been found to be calming for both the nervous system and motor symptoms.
2. Mindful Walking – Instead of letting your mind wander, pay attention to each step, the sensation of your feet touching the ground, and the sounds around you.
3. Body Scanning – Take a few minutes to notice how different parts of your body feel. This technique can help with muscle relaxation and awareness of tension.
4. Sensory Awareness – Focus on one sense at a time. For example, if you’re eating, concentrate on the texture, taste, and smell of your food instead of letting your mind race.
5. Daily Gratitude & Reflection – As Ken Hill suggested, finding small accomplishments each day (like making your bed) can help shift focus from stress to achievement.

Mindfulness as a Lifelong Tool

One of the most powerful messages from the podcast was that mindfulness offers a way to manage the daily challenges of Parkinson’s by fostering acceptance and focus, rather than striving to eliminate stress or symptoms entirely. Mindfulness is not about eliminating stress or erasing symptoms—it’s about navigating them with greater ease. As Sree beautifully put it:

“Mindfulness doesn’t get rid of my dyskinesia. It just helps me not get dyskinetic about my dyskinesia.”

For those new to mindfulness, Dr. Mulukutla recommends guided meditation apps like Healthy Minds or coherent breathing exercises available on YouTube. These are excellent starting points, especially for those who may struggle with traditional meditation.

Join the Conversation!

Have you tried mindfulness in your Parkinson’s journey? What strategies have worked for you, and what challenges have you faced? Share your experiences in the comments below to help others learn and grow from your insights. By sharing, you can contribute to building a mindful and supportive community for those navigating Parkinson’s.

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DALL-E Prompt:

A person with Parkinson’s practicing mindful walking in a peaceful park, focusing on their steps and surroundings. The scene captures calmness, with soft natural lighting, green trees, and a serene pathway.

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Disclaimer:

AI-generated medical content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. I hope you found this blog post informative and interesting.
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