Brain Health and Nuts

A balanced diet is a foundation of good health. For people with Parkinson’s, a balanced diet is even more important. Of all the foods that have been studied for their potential to promote brain health, research into nuts has shown promise.

• Walnuts. Walnuts contain an essential fatty acid called omega 3 and a variety of minerals, which early studies associate with a decreased risk for dementia. Try eating 5 to 10 each day.

• Pistachios. Emerging evidence shows these nuts (the vitamin K and antioxidants in them) may have potential for helping to re-establish lost connections between neurons. They also contain a small amount of lithium, which may help to improve mood. You can eat a few of them two or three times a week.

• Macadamia nuts. Oils in these nuts may increase the production of neurotransmitters that help brain cells communicate with each other. They are high in calories, but a few a day is good for you.

• Cashews. Iron, zinc and magnesium in cashews may boost serotonin — a neurotransmitter linked to good mood — and may reduce memory loss.

• Almonds. Although they have little effect on brain health, almonds contain fibre, which helps relieve constipation (a common symptom in PD).

• Brazil nuts. These nuts contain selenium, a mineral that may have the potential to counteract environmental toxins like pesticides and herbicides. Eat no more than one or two a day.

Some Parkinson’s Friendly Gift Ideas

If you’re unsure what to gift your loved one who is living with Parkinson’s, here are some thoughts and suggestions which may help.

•  Maintaining dental health is important for people living with Parkinson’s as symptoms can complicate dental care.  An electric toothbrush or toothpaste dispenser helps with these daily dental tasks.  Simplify other self-care tasks with an electric razor too.

• It is common for people living with Parkinson’s to experience weight changes: some lose weight while others gain. A failsafe gift for any foodie can be to schedule a delicious meal delivery from a local restaurant or buy their groceries for the week.

• Research shows that the Mediterranean diet can lower the risk of cognitive impairment for everyone, so a Mediterranean diet cookbook might be of interest.

• For the TV buff, what about a monthly subscription to a channel your loved one hasn’t tried yet which you know they’d enjoy.

• A custom photo book has limitless possibilities and can be a great conversation piece. Pick a theme with sentimental value — previous family holidays, a dedicated page to each person in the family, favourite locations. Viewing photos from the past can help with memory.

• Self-care is essential for people with Parkinson’s and their carers.  A light therapy lamp can help ease or prevent seasonal depression, while a spa set of lotions can help address skin changes, another Parkinson’s symptom.  Look for products that address oily, itchy, dry and inflamed skin.

• Aromatherapy shower steamers and bath bombs can help promote relaxation before bed.  Silk sheets and satin PJs are not only comfortable but have the added bonus of helping them slide out of bed a little easier.

And don’t forget that the Parkinson’s online shop has a large variety of greetings cards and gifts, everyday living aids, Parkinson’s UK merchandise and much more besides.

Telephone Befriending Service

Parkinson’s UK has partnered with Re-engage to offer older people with Parkinson’s, and the people who love and care for them, a telephone befriending service. To use the service, you must be a person with Parkinson’s or their carer, aged 60 or above, and able to speak on the telephone.

The Call Companions service offers a regular chat with someone who really listens. This service is completely free and is available not only to people with Parkinson’s but also to carers of people with Parkinson’s. Re-engage will match the person with a friendly, Parkinson’s-trained volunteer with similar interests. The calls take place every 1 or 2 weeks for a casual chat. 

You can sign up yourself, call the PUK Helpline who will refer you and Parkinson’s nurses can also refer too.

All volunteer befrienders are fully trained and will be familiar with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, but you don’t have to talk about Parkinson’s in the call.

To read more or to sign up:

• Go to www.parkinsons.org.uk/call-companions, or

• Call PUK Helpline 0808 800 0303, or

• Email them on hello@parkinsons.org.uk.

You can also call Re-engage on 0800 716 543.