Roughly 1 million people live with Parkinson’s disease in the U.S, with 90,000+ new diagnoses every single year. Reports suggest that the numbers are expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030, which is alarming.
With so many people living with the condition, one factor that’s often discussed is how the weather affects the progression or the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Does it get worse? Do symptoms like tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movements, etc., tend to worsen?
Both the weather and climate significantly impact patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. This detailed guide will explain how.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder that has direct impacts on people’s muscles and movement.
The condition is caused by the gradual degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra, contributing to both motor and non-motor symptoms, often affecting people’s quality of life.
Some motor symptoms of PD include tremors, stiffness, slowed movement, impaired balance, etc. On the flip side, non-motor symptoms include sleep disturbances, fatigue, cognitive changes, blood pressure irregularities, and issues with temperature regulation.
What Effect Does Weather Have on Parkinson’s Disease?
Several aspects of the weather, hot, cold, and humidity, have direct impacts on the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Impacts of Cold Weather on Parkinson’s Disease
One of the leading triggers behind PD flare-ups is cold weather, which often worsens the majority of the motor symptoms that the patient is likely struggling with.
These include:
- The cold weather makes the muscles contract, which, in turn, causes rigidity. So, for someone already suffering from muscle rigidity, the cold weather can worsen it.
- Joint pain and slowness in movement also worsen and become more noticeable as a natural response to cold weather. The cold makes fluid motions harder, leading to the worsening of the symptoms.
- During colder weather, the peripheral circulation decreases, worsening the tremors and numbness.
- Among the non-motor symptoms, during colder weather, many patients also experience issues with their depression and fatigue getting worse.
2. Impacts of Hot Weather on Parkinson’s Disease
While the winter months are pretty challenging, the hot weather also comes forth with a lot of issues for the PD patients, including:
- Due to autonomic dysfunction in the PD patients, there are times when the patients might not be able to gauge or sense when they are thirsty, leading to dehydration.
- Impaired thermoregulation is one of the most common non-motor symptoms in PD patients, which can get worse during the hot months, leading to overheating.
- The hot weather often impacts the absorption of certain PD medications, further worsening the patient’s symptoms.
- During summer and hotter months of the year, the heat can dilate the blood vessels, leading to a condition called orthostatic hypertension, which can cause dizziness and falls.
3. Impacts of Humidity on Parkinson’s Disease
Beyond the hot and cold weather, even the moisture in the air around, aka humidity, has a direct impact on the symptoms. Whether the humidity is high or low, Parkinson’s patients experience issues in either case.
High humidity often contributes to discomfort, fatigue, and sweating difficulties. Since the patients already struggle with autonomic issues, humid weather further complicates body temperature regulation.
In case of low humidity, common issues include dehydration, dry skin, increased respiratory complications, etc.
How to Manage Your Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms During Weather Changes?
While shifts in weather are mandatory and expected to impact PD symptoms, there are proactive measures that you can take to curb the issue effectively.
During Colder Weather:
- Dress in layers and wear thermal wear.
- Keep homes well-heated and avoid cold drafts.
- Warm baths and heat packs relieve muscle stiffness.
- Indoor exercises like stretching or yoga help maintain mobility.
During Hot or Warmer Weather:
- Stay hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks.
- Avoid peak sun hours and stay indoors with air conditioning.
- Wear light, breathable clothing.
- Monitor blood pressure regularly.
Also, making necessary changes to regulate the humidity around you is vital to managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s. So, if needed, install a humidifier or dehumidifier, depending on how much the relative humidity is inside the home.
Do Changes in Barometric Pressure Affect Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms?
The short answer to that is yes.
Any rapid shifts in the barometric pressure, especially before storms, can impact the nervous system.
Some of the common issues include:
- Some patients sometimes report increased tremors or bradykinesia when the barometric pressure keeps falling.
- Some PD patients often explain feeling symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or nausea due to the falling pressure.
- Like arthritis sufferers, people with PD may feel more discomfort when the weather changes rapidly.
While it might be common to expect such symptoms, the key is identifying them and taking proactive measures to prevent them.
If you’re planning a fishing trip, understanding how weather affects your success is key—learn more in our guide on the best barometric pressure for fishing.
Final Words
The relationship between weather and Parkinson’s disease is a nuanced and evolving area of understanding. While weather is not a cause or cure for PD, it can act as an environmental factor that influences the expression and severity of specific symptoms. By being aware of these potential effects and complications, it is easier to navigate the condition and make it more bearable, despite shifts in the weather.
