One of the things that struck home hard for me at the Neurologists yesterday is he said that studies show that people with metabolic syndrome have a tendency to have their Parkinson's progress faster than those that don't have it. For that reason a healthy life style is of most importance in the treatment of this disease.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors -- high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and belly fat.
I fit right in this category. :-<
My blood pressure and blood sugar are under control with medication and my cholesterol and triglycerides are only a tad high, but I sure need to be diligent in watching these things closely -- as we all should.
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TheresaCurley
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I'm not exactly understanding what you are saying GymBag. What I think you mean is if a person is genetically inclined to be heavy but for whatever reason they are skinny they are not very happy? Hmmm maybe...I don't know.
I know that I'm a lot happier when my weight is down to about 130. I'm 5'2" and it is 138 right now. Not sure if I'm genetically inclined to be heavy or not, my Mom was quite heavy but my sisters never were. I'm not sure if over-weight is a prerequisite for metabolic syndrome or not.
Interesting, it sounds like you found a good doctor. I am not surprised that Metabolic syndrome will negatively impact PD but it is a good reminder. My guess is that Metabolic syndrome - high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and belly fat -will put you at risk generally for multiple health conditions, including cardiac issues, diabetes, and stroke. Also, if you have any additional health condition in addition to your PD (a comorbidity), you will further complicate your PD and management of your PD. As I am guessing you know, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and low HDL cholesterol can be greatly impacted by exercise and diet. If you have high blood sugar you need to reduce sugar intake. If you have high blood pressure you need to exercise. Your cholesterol - a reduced fat intake. I suspect that everyone knows these things already so I am probably just stating the obvious. On a bright note, turkey is a very healthy, low fat food. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Yeah P-oui it is obvious but having a doctor tell it to your face hits home hard much more than a friend saying it. He agrees with every one here that the best thing I can do for myself is get exercise and eat properly. Which I try to do but I could do better. We talked about my fatigue and how after exercising for a bit I feel like I'm just going faint from exhaustion. He said that with Parkinson's there is the tendency to have a condition where your blood pressure drops after standing or exerting yourself for awhile.
It is because factors like high blood Sugar and pressure cause long term damage to the brain as well as residual nerve damage. And if you're overweight it's just more burden for your body to handle while it's already struggling to move and balance.
As someone with PD, that's the last thing you need.
And dont believe that "genetically inclined" excuse. That's something most people tell themselves to avoid worrying about their weight. You can improve and prevent it so don't be worried just do your best.
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Parkinsonian Syndrome?
Parkinson syndrome 
