Nearly 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease, the nervous system disorder that disrupts body movement. Each year, more than 50,000 people in the country like Muhammad Ali and Michael J. Fox are diagnosed with the progressive motor condition, according to Shalom Plotkin, of Beachwood’s Right at Home.
Parkinson’s disease gradually attacks nerve cells in the brain’s mid-portion, decreasing the production of dopamine, a biochemical that helps carry electrical signals to control body motion and emotional responses. Initial symptoms often present with muscle weakness, stiffness, or a slight shaking in a hand or foot. As Parkinson’s advances, a person may experience muscle rigidity, tremors, postural imbalance, gait changes and decreased facial expression.
Presently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease and the exact cause is unknown. A thorough neurological exam will help rule out similar medical conditions, secondary parkinsonism and Parkinson’s plus syndromes. To manage the movement disorder, the following approaches may help:
• Encourage independence. Many Parkinson’s patients can carry out regular daily functions – they just need more time to complete them. Staying active with an In-Motion body is key to combating the muscle constraints of Parkinson’s. Consider asking the caregivers from Right at Home to drive to an exercise class.
• Stay flexible as the disease fluctuates. Throughout each day, Parkinson’s symptoms can vary as medication takes effect and the person regulates diet, activity and rest.
• Determine reasonable limits. It’s best for the Parkinson’s patients–– and caregivers to discuss activities and lifestyle changes upfront and adjust as needed. The key is to keep active without taking on tasks that aggravate symptoms or increase risk for injury.
• Keep an eye on the emotional downside. Discouragement, anxiety, depression and apathy are common with Parkinson’s patients. The off-kilter brain messaging and physical challenges can throw off the body’s ability to stay emotionally level. A caregiver’s patience and active listening are invaluable to Parkinson’s individuals in weathering their emotions.
At 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, Right at Home will host a free webinar, “Understanding Parkinson’s: Tips for Disease Management,” featuring Becky Dunlop, associate director and instructor of neurology at the National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence. Dunlop has worked with patients for more than 20 years and will explain the differences between idiopathic Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism; the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s; and pharmacological, surgical and allied treatments of Parkinson’s disease.
The webinar is designed for health professionals and family caregivers. To register, call Right at Home at 216-752-2222.
At 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2017, in Wade Oval in Cleveland, Right at Home will help to sponsor the second annual “Moving Day,” a walk-a-thon for the National Parkinson’s Foundation. Last year, nearly 800 people participated and $149,000 was raised for Parkinson’s Education in NE Ohio. Hope you can join us in June. Register online at MovingDayCleveland.org.
Right at Home assists many clients living with movement disorders or dementia. Call us at 216-752-2222 to see how we can help.
http://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/features/special_sections/boomer/right-at-home-cares-for-parkinson-s-disease-patients/article_cd988d72-a778-11e6-8f1e-134021cfe975.html
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