Why is it that a decline in energy is common with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s?
There are a variety of factors that can lead to an increase in fatigue with Parkinson’s, including: stress, muscle stiffness, impaired sleep, depression and even certain medications. Parkinson’s symptoms create a decrease in efficiency of the body to move and function during regular activities making the body work harder than it would normally.
Ways to conserve energy:
1) Schedule your day:
a. Plan out scheduled rest breaks
b. Plan your daily activities around important daily activities
i. Ex- if you have a long day filled with doctors’ appointments, sit down during dressing and bathing in the morning to save your energy
2) Sit when able:
a. Sit to groom
b. Sit to dress
c. Sit to bathe
d. Sit to complete simple meal preparation
3) Use adaptive equipment:
a. Reachers to grab items too low or too high
b. Kitchen carts to decrease the amount you have to carry
c. Dressing aides: Button hooks, sock aids, elastic shoe laces and dressing sticks
d. Bathing: Long-handled sponge, shower chair and hand held shower head
e. Household work: use long-handled cleaning supplies (such as Swiffers or dust brushes)
4) Ask for help and divide up household responsibilities to others that can help
Important Reminders: With implementation of energy conservation strategies, you can be safer and more productive with your daily activities. Ask your Occupational Therapist for explanations or further suggestions of energy conservation strategies.