What is Parkinson's
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As Parkinson's disease progresses, other symptoms related to muscles and movement may develop. Patients may develop a poor posture (stooped posture) with drooping shoulders, feet shuffling, and the head extended or jutting forward. This often leads to balance problems and falls.
What is Parkinson's
PD is a neurodegenerative disease. It occurs when certain nerve cells, or neurons, die or become impaired. This degeneration takes place in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra, located in the brainstem, which is one of the centers that control movement (also called the basal ganglia). Normally, these neurons produce a chemical known as dopamine, which is responsible for transmitting signals across the nerve pathways to produce smooth, purposeful movements. Loss of dopamine causes nerve cells to fire abnormally. This leaves people living with PD with difficulty directing or controlling their movements in a natural manner. People living with PD have usually lost 80% or more of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra by the time symptoms are visually apparent. In addition, there is also neuronal cell loss and related pathology in other brain regions, responsible for other non-motor symptoms. The main reason why these cells die or become impaired is still a mystery. Most scientists believe that both genetic and environmental factors are contributing causes. However, how they lead to PD is still unclear. I have talked to many caregivers of movement disorders and their lives can be almost as devastating as the patients.
The Caregiver's Role in Parkinson's Disease Treatment and Care As a Parkinson's disease caregiver, you are the medical team's eyes and ears, letting them know whether your loved one's Parkinson's disease treatment is working or needs to be changed. By Dennis Thompson, Jr. Medically reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin,MD,MPH Parkinson’s Disease is a highly individualized disorder, in which no two people have the exact same symptoms. As a caregiver, you are witness to what your loved one is going through — that puts you in the perfect spot to communicate those symptoms effectively to the patient's neurologist or primary care doctor. By doing so, you can make a tremendous contribution to your loved one's Parkinson's disease treatment. It goes the other way, too. You also can help execute the doctor's Parkinson's disease treatment plan by making sure the patient takes medication on time and completes all necessary exercises. Caregivers and Parkinson's Disease: Monitoring Parkinson's Medication Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological disorder with no known cure. Medical experts have come up with Parkinson's disease treatments that effectively alleviate symptoms, but the patient you're caring for may need your help keeping up with them. Parkinson’s medication works on the biochemistry of the brain — very precise dosages must be delivered at precise times. Taking Parkinson's medication even a few minutes late can result in debilitating symptoms like muscle rigidity and tremors. On top of that, Parkinson's patients might take other drugs to deal with issues like depression and sleeplessness. The patient faces the prospect of taking many different drugs at varying times, and even a minor slip in dosing could cause symptoms to re-emerge. You can do your loved one a huge service by crafting a schedule for all the medications she takes, and making sure she sticks to the plan. Caregivers and Parkinson's Disease: Monitoring Exercise and Physical Therapy New research has found that exercise might be very valuable to people with Parkinson’s disease — perhaps even as beneficial as medication. Exercise helps keep the muscles and joints limber and appears to promote neurological health in Parkinson's patients. In addition, physical therapy can help your loved one maintain independence for as long as possible. You can help by assisting with her home-exercise program or getting her to physical therapy on a regular basis. Caregivers and Parkinson's Disease: What to Watch For Caregivers serve an invaluable role as the doctor's day-to-day eyes and ears. As a caregiver, you should watch out for the following: · Any increase in symptoms. If your loved one is taking her medication properly but the number or severity of her symptoms is increasing, you need to report it to her doctor. She might need to be put on different Parkinson's medication or she may need to take a higher dose of her current Parkinson's medication. Specific symptoms you should watch for include tremors (uncontrollable shaking) and rigidity (trouble moving the limbs). You also should tell the doctor if your loved one is having problems walking, talking, swallowing, or remembering information. · Changes in Mood. Depression is a problem for at least half of all Parkinson's patients — it's so prevalent that doctors suspect depression might be a true symptom of the disease. Patients also are known to suffer from periods of denial, anxiety, and stress. You should pay attention to these moods and talk about them with your loved one and her doctor. The patient might benefit from antidepressant medication or from counseling. · Sleep problems. Parkinson's patients tend to have a troubled relationship with sleep. The disease and their Parkinson's medication can make them incredibly drowsy during the day and then keep them up all night. Fatigue can worsen symptoms and prevent the person from focusing on their own well-being. If you notice your loved one isn't sleeping well, talk about it with her and her doctor. The doctor might prescribe a sleep aid or adjust her Parkinson's medication. You also can help by keeping the patient active during the day and by establishing a regular bedtime routine that promotes quality sleep. Device to help people with Parkinson's disease communicate better now availablehttp://medicalxpress.com/news/2014-09-device-people-parkinson-disease.html
beParkinson’s Disease and Muscle Rigidity Published: August 26th, 2014
By: Heather Simpson Category: Parkinson Treatment Tips, treatment Muscle rigidity (also known as muscle stiffness) is one of the four cardinal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is often one of the chief complaints of patients with PD. Muscle rigidity can have an effect on a patient’s ability to complete daily activities including getting dress, brushing their teeth, or preparing a meal because it often leaves the patient feeling “weak” or “fatigued.” However, flexibility programs are often not completed or considered a typical part of exercise for older adults but it is an extremely important part to Parkinson’s motor symptom management. Basic principles of managing rigidity include: · Incorporating a flexibility program such as Tai Chi or Yoga · Simple and basic upper body, lower body and trunk stretching program · Implementing a stretching or flexibility program at least one time a day · Use high amplitude movements and movement enhancement strategies to combat muscle rigidity during functional tasks · Follow up with an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist for detailed and specific flexibility and muscle rigidity management Simple clinical tests help differentiate Parkinson's disease http://www.spirehealthcare.com/patient-information/health-news/healthcare/801760899-simple-clinical-tests-help-differentiate-parkinson-s-disease/ 18 November 2014
Two new simple tests could determine whether a patient has early-stage Parkinson's disease (PD) or atypical parkinsonism. The studies, which would be conducted during a neurological exam, would require participants to perform a tandem gait test and ask them certain questions like whether they are able to ride a bicycle. This information would help professional determine whether the patient's medio-lateral balance is impaired, which is a defining characteristic of atypical parkinsonism. Reported in the Journal of Parkinson's Disease, the first test analysed 36 patients with PD and 49 patients with atypical parkinsonism through the tandem gait test. They were all asked to take ten steps along an imaginary straight, thin line, toe-to-heel. Participants were given an abnormal reading if they had to take one or more side steps to maintain balance. It found that 18 per cent of those with atypical parkinsonism were able to perform the test, compared to 92 per cent of people with PD. The second study took 45 patients with PD and 64 patients with atypical parkinsonism who could all ride bikes before the start of their motor symptoms. It found that 52 per cent of atypical parkinsonism patients said they had stopped cycling compared to just two per cent of those with PD. Posted by Philip Briggs |
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How Parkinson's Disease Affects the Body -- The Doctors
The Doctors Published on Aug 21, 2013 Subscribe to The Doctors: http://bit.ly/SubscribeTheDrs LIKE us on Facebook: http://bit.ly/FacebookTheDoctors Follow us on Twitter: http://bit.ly/TheDrsTwitter Follow us on Pinterest: http://bit.ly/PinterestTheDrs Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms
Parkinson's Disease Motor Symptoms
ParkinsonsDiseaseCNI Published on Aug 18, 2013 This unique series is designed to educate newly diagnosed patients and the general public about Parkinson's disease. In this video, episode 7 of the series, we discuss the most common motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease and review patient examples. Punching Out Parkinson's
David triumphs over Parkinson's disease symptoms with Deep Brain Stimulation
David triumphs over Parkinson's disease symptoms with Deep Brain Stimulation
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Published on Mar 18, 2014 Suffering from severe Parkinson's disease symptoms, David Smith was able to find hope and relief through asleep deep brain stimulation at UPMC. Read more of David's story here: http://bit.ly/1kpUv89 What types of exercise or exercise programs are recommended?
What types of exercise or exercise programs are recommended?
National Parkinson Foundation Uploaded on Aug 20, 2009 National Parkinson Foundation - John G. Nutt, MD Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery to treat Parkinson's Disease
Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery to treat Parkinson's Disease
Mount Sinai Hospital Published on Apr 18, 2013 Watch how Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery (DBS) completely transforms Michael Toscano's Parkinson's Disease. Michael is a retired New York City Police Officer and was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1997 at only 34 years old. Hand Exercises
These simple hand exercises can enhance hand and finger dexterity; they work well for people with Parkinson's or other movement disorders. Do these regularly and you may notice the difference. Do them while you wait in line, when you're watching tv, or walking. Or even flying through space! Hand Exercises Lee Meddin
Uploaded on Sep 17, 2011 These simple hand exercises can enhance hand and finger dexterity; they work well for people with Parkinson's or other movement disorders. Do these regularly and you may notice the difference. Do them while you wait in line, when you're watching tv, or walking. Or even flying through space! |
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