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As is the case with several other diseases, which have insufficient
amounts of a specific brain transmitter, persons with Parkinson's
disease have a shortage of the chemical known as dopamine. The neuro-transmitter
known as dopamine is associated with ones motor skills and movement.
It is estimated that over one (1) million people in the United
States have Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, this number may be
under estimated, as there are no requirements for health care
professionals to report such findings. Though it is a disease that
primarily effects the older population, about 10% of those diagnosed
experience their first symptoms between the ages of 21 and 40. The
majority of cases of this disease occur between the ages of 50 and 80.
Like Alzheimer's disease, there is currently no known cause of this
disease. Much research is going on to specifically attempt to pin
point the origin of this disease. A number of different theories are
being closely scrutinized that may someday revel the origin of this
disease. Some of the more pressing areas currently being evaluated
include causative factors such as the aging process, viral causes,
environmental causes, hereditary associations, Autoimmune
deficiencies, and toxic exposure. There are a number of very highly
effective medications that can treat the symptoms allowing the person
to function at a high level. Diagnostic Assessment & Symptoms
Evaluating Parkinson's requires a thorough diagnostic assessment of
the patients past history. A trained medical professional will often
evaluate a number of different factors including current symptoms,
present health conditions, family history, and the persons present
level of functioning. Other critical components of the diagnostic
evaluation process will be to analyze various test results.
Usually the initial onset of symptoms is characterized by tremors
of a limb, especially when the body is at rest. These initial tremors
are often described as trembling or shaking on one side of the body,
usually in a hand. Not all patients with Parkinson's will experience
tremors. Those that do may not exhibit any during the early onset of
the disease. Tremors can be best described as involuntary shaking due
to rapid muscle contractions.
Other common symptoms include slow movements, inability to move,
shuffling of one's gait, stooped posture, dragging of feet, difficulty
with swallowing, softer speech and disturbances in one's mood. The
severity of Parkinson's symptoms tends to worsen over time. While not
every person diagnosed with Parkinson's may exhibit these various
symptoms the following overview identifies associated behaviors with
the more common characteristics likely to occur:
- Dragging of Feet - Persons with Parkinson's disease tend to drag
their feet as they walk. This "scuffing" action has a
dragging sound associated with it and the person tends to shorten
their pace over time.
- Stooped Posture - Many diseases are exhibited by signs of poor
posture and of bending over. Persons with Parkinson's are likely
to exhibit this symptom later on in the disease process.
- Tremor - This involuntary shaking of one's limb is probably one
of the hallmark characteristics of this disease. This symptom is
very apparent to other especially when the person is in a relaxed
position.
- Drooling - many persons drool due in part because the disease
effects the ability of the person to swallow. This symptom is a
result of not being able to swallow rather then an increase in the
production of saliva.
- Coordination Difficulties - Problems with coordination and loss
of balance are common symptoms of Parkinson's. This inability to
maintain control over one's stability poses severe risk of the
person falling.
- Soft Speech - Because Parkinson's effects motor coordination
including the muscles that control speech, a person loses their
ability to control the volume and pitch of their speech. Other
areas of communication that may be effected by this disease
include speech that is slurred or monotone.
- Getting Started - This is a characteristic of the disease that
may occur at different stages of the disease. The person usually
has difficulty getting his or her first efforts with an activity
going. Examples of this can be related to their first step in
walking or getting their first words out while communicating.
- Mood Disturbances - A person with Parkinson's is likely to
exhibit a number of mood disturbances during the course of the
disease. It is quite common for the person to exhibit a
"flat" or "blank" look on their face.
Depression is likely to occur as a result of the diminished
capabilities of the person but can be treated quite successfully
with appropriate medications.
- Functional Capabilities - Because this disease affects the
persons motor skills, routine activities such as using eating
utensils or writing become more difficult. Slow, shaky movements
during these activities make it difficult for the person to master
without some form of assistance.
Treatment Options & Alternatives
Treatment regimens for Parkinson's disease fall into a number of
different categories. The most common include the following:
- Medical Intervention - It is very important in the early days of
assessing a proper diagnosis that a thorough and complete
examination be conducted by a medical professional knowledgeable
of this disease. Imperative to the overall success of dealing and
coping with this disease is the need to develop the appropriate
course of medical treatment. This plan should be specifically
tailored to meet the needs of the individual.
- Education & Awareness - Knowledge about the disease can
greatly influence one's attitude and decisions about future
treatment options. It is always imperative that the patient and
their family learn as much as possible about the disease in order
to adequately prepare themselves for issues related to treatment
options, medication regimens, quality of life issues,
understanding current and future symptoms, etc.
- Personal Support Network - How one handles the various stresses
of life such as an illness is often directly correlated to the
personal support systems that are in place. A strong family and
support network can have a positive effect on one's emotional
ability to deal with the day to day stresses associated with
illnesses.
- Parkinson's Support Groups - One of the most effective
support systems available are those involving patients that are
diagnosed with these diseases. Parkinson's disease support groups
provide a unique opportunity to share on a personal basis the
feelings and physical effects that a person must deal with during
the course their illness.
- Diet & Nutrition - Although there is no magic formula
for a diet that cures this disease, maintaining a well balanced
diet is important. Maintaining a well balanced diet and weight
control program can eliminate excessive demands that otherwise
would be placed on the body. It is also important when taking
medications to make sure that one's food intake does not react
against the therapeutic benefits of the medication.
- Medication - A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease does not
automatically warrant the need for everyone to be on medications.
It is imperative that one seeks sound medical advice tailored to
their individual conditions and symptoms. As the disease
progresses it is likely that you will benefit from some regimen of
medication. Never take medications without the knowledge and
advice of a licensed physician.
Home Modifications and Assist Devices
Although there is currently no cure or treatment methodologies that
totally eliminates the various symptoms of this disease there are some
fairly inexpensive home modifications and assist devices that can
improve the quality of life for persons with Parkinson's.
Categorically, there are a number of different devices, appliances and
home modification plans all designed to assist with a specific deficit
or need. Listed below are some of the more common categories of
products on the market that can greatly enhance the quality of life
for your loved one who has Parkinson's:
- Mobility Support Stabilizers - Walker & Quad Canes
- Safety Grab Bars - Multi-level Hand Grips & Adjustable
Bathtub Safety Rail
- Chair Leg Extenders
- Portable Tub & Shower Chairs
- Toilet Safety Frame with Adjustable Seat
- Door Knob Adapters · Touch on Lamp Controllers
- Kitchen Utensils - Plates, Cutting Devices, Drinking Cups &
Silverware
- Hand Grip Devices
- Clothing Substitutes - Velcro v. Buttons or Snaps
These are but a few of the many products on the market that can
enhance the quality of life for your loved one. For a more thorough
listing and description of assist device products please visit our Web
Site under Products.
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