Fall – Seasonal Strategies for People with Parkinson’s Disease

By Theresa Harczo, RN, Providence Brain and Spine Center, Portland, OR

Manage your TIME and MOOD when Daylight Savings ends on November 3^rd

• This time of year, your brain might release chemicals that cause depression symptoms. ³ Talk to your Primary Care provider about antidepressants, talk therapy, and other options if you notice these signs:
  • Low mood
  • Lack of energy or interest in usual activities
  • Changes in weight or sleep patterns
  • Social withdrawal
• Even for those who don’t experience depression, mood boosting activities are important!
  • Stay socially engaged with friends and family.¹
  • Be active outdoors and watch the leaves change colors.
  • Try yoga or meditation.²
  • Get sun exposure, when possible, or use light therapy with at least 10,000 lux to release serotonin.⁴

Don’t lose your cool in the COLD

• Have you noticed differences in your motor symptoms when the seasons change? Cold weather can increase tremor⁵, stiffness, and slowness. Autonomic dysfunction caused by Parkinson’s can make it harder to regulate your body temperature.⁶ Find ways to keep cozy:
  • Dress in layers of clothing, including a snug-fitting base layer
  • Sip hot beverages throughout the day
  • Keep a spare pair of gloves and a scarf in your bag or car
  • Take a warm shower or bath, or try a homemade foot bath

Enjoying a good night’s SLEEP without going into hibernation

• When the sun sets earlier, our bodies get signals to go to sleep earlier. But don’t be tempted to crawl in bed right after dinner, or you might alter your sleep schedule too much! Try to keep consistent with going to bed and waking up at the same time most days.⁷
• Control your climate! Support your body’s internal clock with these strategies:
  • Turn on interior lights during the evening to stay alert
  • Set your thermostat for a comfortable room temperature, not too warm or cold
• Treat yourself to fun, active hobbies when the days are shorter, and the air is cooler. You deserve to enjoy these months as much as any other!

Sources

1 https://www.abbott.com/corpnewsroom/nutrition-health-and-wellness/6-free-ways-to-boost-your-mood.html  

2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31083878/ 

3 https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_do_our_brains_get_depressed_in_winter

4 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2015/178564 

5 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353802024010332?via%3Dihub

6 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780444640741000434?via%3Dihub

7 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295220305402?via%3Dihub

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