Parkinson's disease affects 1 million Americans, and researchers project the number will double by 2040. That may be the result of environmental assaults such as exposure to pesticides, genetic and epigenetic influences, and age-related factors that lead to problems with mobility, speech, cognition, sleep quality, gastrointestinal functions, and even the senses of smell and taste.

But there's research showing people with Parkinson's can take steps to improve symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

A new study in the Journal of Movement Disorders reveals that tai chi can improve motor function, ease freezing of gait, and boost walking ability.

Bodyweight strength-training exercises such as planks and strength training with elastic bands and dumbbells can also improve motor function and balance, and help overcome gait-freeze. And home-based yoga can improve balance and increase the amount of physical activity a person can do.

Getting ultra-processed foods out of the diet may also slow down the early appearance of Parkinson's symptoms. That's because not only do ultra-processed foods contribute to chronic body-wide inflammation, insulin resistance, and poor metabolic regulation, but research in the journal Neurology shows that people who eat ultra-processed foods are more likely to have subtle but measurable symptoms of Parkinson’s years before they experience full-blow tremors and balance problems.

These early signs include rapid eye movement, sleep problems, constipation, depression, body pain, impaired color vision, excessive daytime sleepiness, and reduced ability to smell.

Therapeutic plasma exchange, a safe procedure that removes troublemaking proteins from your blood, may also ease Parkinson's-related tremors and improve cognition.