In my blog post last week I shared practical, action-based strategies for helping with Parkinson’s brain fog. I received a lot of positive feedback from people who tried those tips. Now I would like to dive into some nutritional tips. I want you to know that one of the simplest ways to combat brain fog (regardless of whether you have Parkinson’s or not) is HYDRATION!

That’s right! You’ve heard me talk about water before and all of its health benefits. Water helps with everything from maintaining healthy blood pressure to being able to Poo daily. 💩

Recently a group of trainers asked me, “Kimberly, how do you implement self-care in your own life?” I must admit that running a very full business with many exciting events happening on an ongoing basis, the mental stress can take a toll on my body. However, it didn’t take me long to think of my answer to their question: my drum! Most of the time I like to be with my beautiful Parkinson’s drumming circle. Sometimes I need time alone to dance or drum. It’s my happy place.

Drumming and drum circles are currently being used as therapy for people with brain injuries, Parkinson’s disease, physical injuries, arthritis, cancer, Autism, PTSD, addictions, and more. Studies have found numerous health benefits from drumming.

It’s a well-known fact that Parkinson’s disease can affect the voice. One of the secondary motor symptoms that people with PD may experience is a change in speech, or speech difficulty. It can cause significant communication problems, reduced social interactions and isolation. However, not everyone with PD will have changes in their speech.

There are several ways PD may affect speech:

My Young On-Set Fighters wanted to share what they experienced when telling their loved ones and friends about their Parkinson’s disease, since it is a recent experience for them. You might be looking for these answers right now, so I thought it would be helpful to share.  I’ve added a few points which have brought comfort to individuals during their initial conversations with me.

The timing of this discussion is completely up to you, especially if you are newly diagnosed and your symptoms are not noticeable yet. Please remember that this experience is going to be different for each person. Your personal relationships with people are different. These are just general guidelines, so feel free to tailor them as you need to.