We attended a presentation by a dietician recently telling us all about what someone needs to eat to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. Her information came from years of study working with others who have this diagnosis. A lot of what she said were things I had heard before but it was good to review them and have them all put together in one discussion. And she had great handouts of what to eat and what not to eat which made her words easier to understand. The only one question I wish I had asked her is what about me?

Because, like many CarePartners, I cook for both of us and am not sure I am ready to make all these changes in my diet. I get the concept of cooking for my husband to help him stay healthier but will these changes be good for me too? Do I have to give up some of my favorite foods simply because a study said they might be detrimental to someone with PD? I certainly can’t eat them in front of him, that would be too cruel, so how do I make this all work for both of us?

What I am saying is that while I am sharing my husband’s journey with Parkinson’s Disease, I also have a life to live. All of my decisions can’t simply be based on what is best for him without considering the impacts on me. It may sound selfish but maybe that’s okay. She did say that her recommendations can be adapted to accommodate personal preferences and needs. Perhaps those personal preferences sometimes just need to be mine?