Parkinson's Disease Blog

4 Primary Signs of PD

2009-01-27T01:01:00.000+08:00

Medical signs are what your doctor observes during the examination. When you see your doctor, she’ll listen as you describe your symptoms and then conduct an examination to determine what those symptoms indicate. As you talk about your symptoms, your doctor begins a differential diagnosis if your symptoms indicate several possibilities.

Although the actual causes and risk factors for getting PD are still mysterious, the primary signs that signal the presence of PD are very clear. You may have noticed one or more of these signs but then dismissed it as something slight, easily explained, or due to an entirely different condition.

Several resources use the acronym TRAP to illustrate the four primary signs of PD. And, because PD seems to trap your body with your brain’s compromised ability to communicate, the acronym makes the top four symptoms easy to remember.

T = Tremor at rest (uncontrolled shaking)

PD was originally called shaking palsy because the resting tremor (it goes away as soon as the hand is engaged) rarely occurs in other illnesses. Characteristically, the resting tremor begins in one hand and moves to the other hand years later in the disease. The tremor may extend to the leg or foot on the same side and sometimes to the lips and jaw — or you may have no tremor at all. Tremor in the head and neck, however, is less common in primary Parkinson’s disease.

R = Rigidity (stiff muscles)

Rigidity is probably the most ignored and easy-to-explain-as-something-else sign. In plain English, rigidity means stiffness. (Who doesn’t experience stiffness in joints and limbs that makes movement more difficult as they age?) If your doctor observes rigidity (without other signs of PD), he may first suspect arthritis and prescribe an anti-inflammatory medication. But, if medicine doesn’t relieve the stiffness, you need to let your doctor know.

A = Akinesia (absence or slowness of movement)

Especially early on, people with PD (PWP) may experience slight bradykinesia (unusually slow movement). Much later in the progression, that slowed movement may become akinesia (no movement). Get to know these terms because, if indeed you or a loved one has PD, you’ll hear these words again and again. Kinesia means movement in the sense of knowing what you want your body to do. So akinesia and bradykinesia indicate problems initiating or continuing an action. For example, to walk across the room, you stand up and your brain tells your foot to step out — but with bradykinesia, your body doesn’t move right away.

P = Postural instability (impaired balance)

In a healthy person, the natural movement is to alternately swing the arms and step forward with assurance. For PWP, however, the swing slowly decreases; in time the person moves with small, uncertain, shuffling steps. (PWP may adapt by propelling themselves forward with several quick, short steps.) Other PWP experience episodes of freezing (their feet feel glued to the floor). Problems with balance (resulting in falls that can cause major injuries, hospitalization, and escalation of symptoms) are usually not a factor until later stages in PD. In time, PWP may lose the ability to gauge the necessary action to regain balance and prevent a fall. They may grasp at doorways or other stationary objects in an effort to prevent the loss of balance. Unfortunately, these maneuvers can make PWP appear to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Considering Theories on Causes of PD

2009-01-26T01:18:00.002+08:00

Although James Parkinson described the disease nearly two centuries ago and research has been ongoing ever since, the underlying cause — the factor that sets Parkinson’s disease (PD) in motion — is still unknown. A number of theories are under discussion and research, any one of which may lead to the breakthrough in managing symptoms or even curing the disease. The medical community has also made progress in assessing risk factors — some more common than others. In this chapter we cover these potential causes and risk factors so you can better understand them as the hunt for a cure continues.

The underlying event behind the onset of PD is a loss of neurons (nerve cells) in the substantia nigra region of the brain. These neurons normally produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain communicate with other parts of the body, telling them to perform common movements (such as walking, handling objects, and maintaining balance) almost automatically.

PD is a little like diabetes because in both diseases:

You lose a vital chemical (insulin in diabetes; dopamine in PD).
The chemicals are essential to the body’s ability to function properly.
The chemicals can be replaced.

Of course, the diseases are more complex than that, but you get the idea. As we age, all of us lose dopamine-producing neurons, which results in the slower, more measured movements. But the decline of dopamine in people with Parkinson’s (PWP) is not normal.

Why PD targets the substantia nigra at the stem of the brain remains a mystery. But the damage results in abnormal protein deposits that can disrupt the normal function of the cells in that area. These protein clumps are called Lewy bodies, named for Freiderich H. Lewy, the German physician who discovered and documented them in 1908. The presence of Lewy bodies within the substantia nigra is associated with a depletion of the brain’s normal supply of dopamine. For this reason, their presence is one of the pathological hallmarks of PD (although Lewy bodies are present in other disorders).

In reality, Lewy bodies have been found in other parts of the brain affected by PD, which suggests that the problem may be more widespread. This more extensive pathology may explain the occurrence of non-motor and levodopaunresponsive symptoms. Nevertheless, researchers still don’t know whether Lewy bodies cause the damage to the nerve cells or are a by-product of damage caused by another factor.

Theories on causes abound — family history, environment, occupation, and so on. Today’s researchers generally agree, however, that the onset of PD is a multi-factorial process; that is, several conditions are at play in the onset of PD rather than one specific and single cause. But the true causes behind the onset of PD in one person and not another — in one family member and not another — are unknown.

Symptoms of PD — What You Look for?

2009-01-25T23:31:00.000+08:00

In the medical world, a symptom is

What you feel or perceive before you see the doctor.
The reason you ultimately decide to make an appointment.
The details (vague or specific) you give when the doctor or nurse asks why you’ve come in.

Let’s cut to the chase. You suspect that you or someone you love may have PD or you wouldn’t be flipping through this book and you definitely wouldn’t have turned to this chapter. Ask yourself what’s behind those suspicions.

A slight shakiness in the hands? Does it occur in only one hand? If the shaking occurs while the hand is at rest, does it stop when that hand picks up a cup of coffee, a pen, or a tennis racket? If the shakiness is in both hands and doesn’t stop when the person grasps something, then PD probably isn’t the cause (but get it checked out anyway).

A general slowing down of movement? Does it take longer to walk from one place to another or to get in and out of the car? Has there been an increase in stumbling, clumsiness, or loss of balance? Do you (or does the person) feel tired, stiff, or just not yourself?

A significant change in energy level or outlook? Everyone experiences days when they’re tired or weaker than usual. And everyone has theblues from time to time. But if you’ve been feeling unusually weak, fatigued, depressed, or anxious for longer than two weeks, those symptoms need attention — even when you have a plausible cause (such as an unusually busy week at work or the death of a loved one).

Gastrointestinal problems (like constipation) or psychological problems (like increased nervousness or anxiety)? In some cases, patients show none of the usual symptoms, so don’t stop with the more traditional PD symptoms.

These are the symptoms — the feelings, aches, and pains that have made you think something’s not right. It may be PD or it may not. Either way, you owe it to yourself to get your doctor’s assessment.

Why Me, Why Her ?

2009-01-24T23:12:00.000+08:00

My sister is 37 and has been having trouble with her walking for some time. We thought it was a trapped nerve but now the doctor says it is Parkinson’s. I can’t believe it – surely Parkinson’s is an old person’s disease?

At 37 your sister is certainly young to get Parkinson’s, but it is by no means unheard of at that age. Michael J. Fox, the Canadian TV and film actor was only 30 when he was diagnosed and all neurologists will have seen people with Parkinson’s in their thirties and even younger. The illness is certainly much more common in elderly people but can affect those in relative youth. It is estimated that 1 in 20 of those diagnosed are under the age of 40.

Recently we visited an old friend who has been told she has Parkinson’s. She keeps asking herself ‘Why me?’ and wondering if there is anything she could have done to cause it. We reassured her that it was not her fault. Were we right to do so?

You were quite right to reassure her. It is natural to want an explanation for an illness and common for some people, particularly if they are a bit depressed, to be tempted to blame themselves. Bad habits certainly do not cause Parkinson’s! Although we cannot yet answer the ‘Why me?’ question, nobody believes that the cause or causes of Parkinson’s will turn out to be something under the control of those who get it. If your friend continues to blame herself, it would be worth you and her doctor considering whether or not she is depressed.

I am 68 and have always looked after myself. I do not smoke or drink to excess but now I am having all kinds of difficulties and the doctors have diagnosed Parkinson’s. Why me?

As stated elsewhere in this book, the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown and ‘Why me?’ is the crucial question for researchers to answer. Alcohol does not appear to be involved to any extent and the question of smoking is uncertain (see the answer to the next question). You are too young to have been involved in the epidemics of sleeping sickness (encephalitis lethargica) that were around at the time of World War I and which caused a special kind of Parkinson’s. There has recently been some evidence that the body’s inherited ability to turn harmful chemicals into harmless substances may be somewhat reduced in people who get Parkinson’s, but this is an area for future research rather than an established fact at present.

Parkinson's, Men, Climate, and Smoker

2009-01-23T23:03:00.000+08:00

Is Parkinson’s more common in men than in women?

At each age Parkinson’s is somewhat more common in men than in women. Some studies have suggested that men are twice as likely to get it. However, as women on the whole live longer than men, and as the disease gets commoner with age, there are just as many women as men alive with Parkinson’s.

I read somewhere that Parkinson’s is found all over the world. Is this true or is it more common in some countries or climates?

Yes, Parkinson’s is found worldwide. We do not always know what the exact figures are, as good research counting the number of people with Parkinson’s is not available from every country. From what we do know, it does appear that Parkinson’s is possibly less common in countries closer to the equator than it is in the UK.

Is it true that smoking cigarettes can protect people from Parkinson’s?

Most research surveys have suggested that people who get Parkinson’s have on the whole smoked remarkably little. One difficulty of these surveys is that they are biased because some smokers who should really have been included in the survey have already died of other causes, such as cancer. It is also possible that, before symptoms become obvious, there is something that makes individuals who are destined to get Parkinson’s just not enjoy smoking. It remains a possibility that smoking genuinely protects people from getting Parkinson’s. One day we will be able to protect people from getting Parkinson’s but smoking (which causes so much death and disability) will not be a part of the answer!

Does Parkinson’s have Something to do with a Person’s Genes?

2009-01-22T22:58:00.000+08:00

Does Parkinson’s have a genetic component even though it is not hereditary?

Another way of putting this question might be: ‘Does Parkinson’s have something to do with a person’s genes (the building blocks controlling the amount and type of proteins produced), which then affects various interactions with each other and environmental factors, even though it is not handed down directly from parent to child?’ This is an important question, but it is impossible to give a simple answer.

Researchers went through a stage of thinking that the genetic component in Parkinson’s was very small because it was very rare for both members of a set of twins to get the illness. However, this was true both of identical and non-identical twins. To really test whether or not there is a genetic component, oneneeds to see a difference between the two types of twins. As an example, if there was a strong genetic component, both members of sets of identical twins would get the illness much more frequently than non-identical twins. The numbers of twins found and tested was initially insufficient to come to a definite conclusion, but recent work suggests a considerable genetic component in people who develop Parkinson’s under the age of 50, and little or no genetic influence in those who develop it later.

Most people now believe that, as with many other common conditions, Parkinson’s is likely to have a genetic component which makes some individuals susceptible to something in the environment, perhaps a chemical or a virus. Intriguing though this is, it does not alter the fact that the risk of the children of people with Parkinson’s also developing the condition is negligible.

Parkinson’s is not Hereditary

2009-01-21T22:51:00.000+08:00

I know that they say Parkinson’s is not hereditary but I have it and so do two of my cousins. How can the doctors be sure?

Researchers have looked carefully at people with Parkinson’s and at their families and, in most cases, there is no other member of the family with the condition. Certainly the illness is only rarely hereditary in the usual sense of the term, in that neither the mother, father, brothers or sisters have had the illness. Someone who has been diagnosed need have no worries about their own children or siblings even if they are identical twins.

Having said that, if one looks in the wider family, for example cousins (as in your case), there is a slightly higher frequency of the illness than one would expect by chance. There are also very rare examples where one cannot doubt that Parkinson’s is in the family. These rare families are of great interest to researchers and, very recently, genetic mutations have been described in genes found within these families, and specific proteins produced by the genes have been identified.

However, there are also cases in which everyone believes that there are several family members with Parkinson’s but, on closer examination, it turns out that family members with a familial tremor

Debunking some Commonly Held Myths about PD

2009-01-20T22:39:00.000+08:00

It’s to your advantage to get a grasp on some of the more commonly held myths about PD — what it is and what it isn’t.

PD is not:

Contagious
Curable (at this writing, but research is hopefully getting closer!)
Normal for older people — or impossible for younger people
A reason to make immediate life-changing decisions (like assuming you won’t be able to work or that you need to move)
Bound to get you if you live long enough

PD is:

Chronic (when you have it, you have it — like arthritis or diabetes)
Slowly progressive (over time — often years) even with treatment
Manageable (often for years) with proper treatment and key lifestyle changes
Life-changing for you, your family, and friends (Whether that’s good or bad is up to you and how you decide to face it.)

In many ways these debunkers are the key messages we want you to take away from this book. If you have PD, you have an enormous challenge before you, but tens of thousands of people successfully face it every day. You can get through this — and we’re here to show you how.

Contacts to Help You and Your Family Learn About PD

2009-01-20T01:12:00.002+08:00

Agencies, Organizations, and Web Sites to Help You and Your Family Learn About PD

American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc.
1250 Hylan Boulevard, Suite 4B
Staten Island, NY 10305-1946
800-223-2732
www.apdaparkinson.org

Association of Physiotherapists in Parkinson’s Disease Europe
Felicity Handford, Secretary
rue W Coppens 6
1170 Watermael Boisfort
Brussels, Belgium
Tel: 00 322 673 8050
http://appde.unn.ac.uk

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Grand Central Station
P.O. Box 4777
New York, NY 10163
800-708-7644
www.michaeljfox.org

Parkinson’s Disease Society (PDS)
National Office
215 Vauxhall Bridge Road
London SW1V 1EJ
Helpline: 0808 800 0303
Tel: 020 7931 8080
Fax: 020 7233 9908
Minicom 020 7963 9380
www.parkinsons.org.uk

National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
ABLEDATA
U.S. Department of Education
8630 Fenton Street, Suite 930
Silver Spring, MD 20910
800-227-0216
www.abledata.com

Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Association
Sarah Mason PD Nurse
Belfast City Hospital
91 Lisburn Road
Belfast BT9 7AB
www.pdnsa.org

The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Library of Congress
Washington, DC 20542
202-707-5100
TDD: 202-707-0744
www.loc.gov/nls

SPRING (Special Parkinson’s Research Interest Group)
PO Box 440
Horsham RH13 0YE
Tel: 01403 823947
www.spring.parkinsons.org.uk

National Parkinson Foundation, Inc.
Bob Hope Parkinson Research Center
Bob Hope Road
1501 NW 9th Avenue
Miami, FL 33136-1494
305-243-6666
800-327-4545
www.parkinson.org

Tremor Foundation
Disablement Services Centre Harold Wood Hospital (DSC)
Gubbins Lane
Romford RM3 0BE
Helpline: 0800 328 8046
Tel: 01708 386399
Fax: 01708 378032
www.tremor.org.uk

National Rehabilitation Information Center (NARIC)
4200 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706-4829
800-346-2742
TTY 301-459-5984
www.naric.com

Parkinson’s Action Network
100 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20005
800-850-4726
202-842-4726 or 202-842-4101
www.parkinsonsaction.org

Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, Inc.
1359 Broadway, Suite 1509
New York, NY 10018
800-457-6676
212-923-4700
www.pdf.org

Distinguishing between Parkinson’s Disease and Related Conditions

2009-01-19T22:33:00.000+08:00

Several neurological conditions may appear to be idiopathic (without known cause) PD at first, but they eventually trace back to known causes, progress differently, and respond differently to therapy. These other conditions include the following:

Essential tremor (ET) is perhaps the most common type of tremor, affecting as many as five million Americans. ET differs from the tremor in idiopathic PD in several ways: ET occurs when the hand is active (as in eating, grasping, writing, and such). It may also occur in the face, voice, and arms. The renowned actress, Katherine Hepburn, had ET, not PD. Differentiating ET from PD is very important because each condition responds to completely different sets of medications.

Parkinson-plus syndromes may initially have the same symptoms as PD. But these syndromes also cause early and severe problems with balance, blood pressure, vision, and cognition and usually have a much faster progression compared to PD.

Secondary parkinsonism can result from head trauma or from damage to the brain due to multiple small strokes (atherosclerotic or vascular parkinsonism). Both forms can be ruled out through scans (CTs or MRIs) that produce images of the brain.

Pseudoparkinsonism can appear to be PD when in fact the person has another condition (such as depression) that can mimic the inexpressive face of PWP.

Drug- or toxin-induced parkinsonism can occur from taking antipsychotic medications (drug-induced) or from exposure to toxins such ascarbon monoxide and manganese dust (toxin-induced). Drug-induced symptoms are usually (but not always) reversible; toxin-induced symptoms usually aren’t.

Staying Positive While Living with Parkinson’s Disease (part 5)

2009-01-18T22:20:00.000+08:00

Being diagnosed with a chronic progressive illness like Parkinson’s disease (PD) changes your life forever. Don’t give up or give in to the disease! Today is a very hopeful time for people with PD. I hope these thoughts and observations will help you.

Be willing to change the way you do things. Remain flexible. Compromise. Accept the help that is offered and accept that more than one way exists to wash the dishes, put on clothes, or get from here to there. Practice patience—with yourself and others.

Ask your doctor to prescribe evaluations by an occupational therapist (OT) and physical therapist (PT). An OT will help you discover new ways of doing simple, everyday tasks like dressing, eating, and cooking. He can show you how to simplify your work and daily activities and conserve your energy. A PT will help you with mobility and home accessibility. Ask for a home evaluation, and ask the OT and PT to make suggestions for making your home and daily activities safer, more accessible, and easier to manage.

Always try out any mobility equipment before you buy it. That includes canes, walkers, manual and electric wheelchairs, transport chairs (all four of the wheels are the same size), and three-wheeled scooter wheelchairs. Check out the size, weight, and ease of operation. If someone will be pushing your wheelchair, explain to that person about “courtesies of the road,” includingspeed, cornering, handling leg rests, backing into elevators, going up and down curbs, and the like. If you are considering purchasing a three- or fourwheeled scooter or wheelchair, find one that is easy to transport. Some chairs are lightweight and disassemble easily; others may require a lift that picks up the chair and puts it into the vehicle with minimal physical effort. Some automobile manufacturers, like Ford and Toyota, offer discounts and/or rebates for the purchase of adaptive equipment for people with disabilities. Ask your dealer about options and programs available.

Make exercise part of your life. Exercise does not reverse or delay the symptoms of PD, but it does help you make full use of your potential and improve your quality of life. It also helps prevent complications, such as contractures of rigid, poorly moving limbs. Walking, swimming, range-of-motion exercises, and simple stretching regimens offer opportunities to socialize and can do wonders for your energy level, strength, and general feeling of well-being. Yoga and tai chi can help with balance, as well as providing a time for quiet meditation. Mindfulness classes can help you de-stress and focus on the most important things—your family and your life, rather than your illness. Your doctor or physical therapist can suggest an exercise program that will help keep you active no matter what your physical limitations or energy level. Ask several friends and/or family members to be your work-out buddies, so that you can have daily encouragement to adhere to your program.

Next tips:

Staying Positive While Living with Parkinson’s Disease (part 4)

2009-01-18T22:15:00.000+08:00

Allow extra time to do everything from eating, drinking, and dressing to walking, talking, and writing. Recognize that everything seems to take longer when you have Parkinson’s disease. You’ll also find that simple tasks most people take for granted, like swallowing saliva, chewing food, changing facial expressions, and projecting your voice, now require conscious thought. Plan to do activities around those times when your medication gives you the most benefit. Mornings are often a better time of day to exercise and work becauseyou are not as fatigued as in the afternoon. Although you may get fatigued during the day, be careful not to nap too much; otherwise, sleeping at night may be difficult. Taking a short nap after lunch can be revitalizing, but try to limit your daytime sleep so that your nighttime sleep can be more restful.

Consider attending a local PD support group, no matter what your age. Support group members understand your struggles because they face or have faced the same challenges. To find a Parkinson’s disease support group in your community, see the Resources section at the end of this chapter or consult the Yellow Pages of your telephone book. If you are reluctant to attend a PD support group because you will see others with advanced cases, and you don’t think you can handle that, talk on the phone with others who have PD. Or, start a small group that gets together for lunch or coffee. Being with others who have PD may alleviate fears rather than worsen them. It is encouraging to see people with PD still driving, working, and caring for their families.

Contact your local Independent Living Center (ILC). Every community in the United States is part of a national network of independent living centers. More than 500 community-based, nonprofit ILCs serve people of all ages and disabilities and their families. Their goals are to provide information and referral, advocacy, peer support, and independent living skills training. These centers can: (1) Assist you in finding out about disability services in your community; (2) connect you with others to advocate for changes in the law or rules; (3) help you hire and manage personal care attendants; and (4) put you in contact with people who have faced challenges similar to your own.

Next tips:

Staying Positive While Living with Parkinson’s Disease (part 3)

2009-01-18T22:10:00.000+08:00

Try to keep a positive attitude. Even though it can be extremely difficult, as your symptoms change and the effectiveness of medications plays havoc with your life, look for the silver lining. It’s perfectly natural to mourn the loss of function and independence for a brief time, but try not to get stuck there, wallow in self-pity, or isolate yourself from friends. If you experience any combination of these symptoms—loss of appetite, feelings of sadness, difficulty sleeping, loss of your sense of humor, a sense of hopelessness, or just feel down in the dumps—you may be suffering from clinical depression. Please! Tell your doc-tor. Even though you have every right to be depressed about your diagnosis, depression is a treatable condition. A combination of antidepressants and/or psychotherapy can help lift your spirits and give you renewed energy to keep that allimportant positive attitude. Remember: Your family and friends are not trained professionals. In fact, they may also be hurting because of your diagnosis. Perhaps they, too, could benefit from talking to someone about their fears and frustrations. Listen to audiotapes and/or read books that promote positive thinking and deliver a healing message. The public library and bookstores offer an array of these materials.

Set priorities and focus on tasks that must be done. Tackle one job at a time. Break down activities into a series of smaller steps, and ask others to assist you with the difficult portions of the task. Avoid working or sitting for long periods in the same position. Move around periodically.

Understand that it is common to have fluctuations in your mobility and energy levels during the day. Often, these fluctuations coincide with when you take your medications, with the most fatigue and the least mobility coming as the medication wears off.

Next tips:

Staying Positive While Living with Parkinson’s Disease (part 2)

2009-01-18T22:02:00.000+08:00

Keep your sense of humor! Having trouble walking, being unable to talk as loudly as you want, or giving up driving are not particularly funny. However, try to put a humorous spin on everyday observations and situations. For example, if you use a wheelchair, you might look at it this way: You always have a place to sit and a pair of shoes lasts you 20 years. Remember, laughter is a great stress reducer.

Surround yourself with caring, loving, and nurturing family members, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Give yourself permission to eliminate people and activities that drain your energy. Be honest with your family and friends if you’re having a bad day. Explain that you may feel terrible in the morning but fine in the afternoon. Don’t expect people to know what you are feeling unless you tell them.

Tell people about your illness. At any age, it can be difficult to share your feelings with your friends. And, it can be especially difficult if you’re diagnosed with PD when you’re young. Your friends may not know what PD is and may not know what to say or do—so tell them. Also, tell your hair stylist, dentist, and customer service people (as appropriate) that you may shake, lose your balance, move slowly, or have difficulties speaking because of PD. Ask for their help when you need it. People feel good when they can do something for someone else. You might also want to keep a few informational brochures in your purse or wallet because you never know who might be interested in learning more about Parkinson’s disease.

Next tips:

Staying Positive While Living with Parkinson’s Disease (part 1)

2009-01-18T21:49:00.000+08:00

Learn about your illness. Don’t be afraid to read about Parkinson’s disease or talk to others who have it. Remember that no two cases are exactly alike, and no one can predict exactly how the disease will progress or affect you. Likewise, no two people respond exactly the same to treatments and medications. Gathering information about your illness, through books, medical journals, and the Internet, will empower you to make informed decisions about your medical care and the treatment options open to you. If you don’t have Internet access at home, visit your local library and ask a librarian how to visit helpful web sites. See if there is a Parkinson’s disease or movement disorder clinic in your area. Many advances have been made in the treatment of PD. General neurologists may not be able to keep up to date on all areas of neurology; one who specializes in PD can confirm your diagnosis, review your medications, and consult with your primary care physician on your treatment. Once you understand your illness, you are in a better position to take responsibility for your healthcare.

Look for ways to reduce your stress level and put yourself and your needs first. This is not selfish or selfcentered; you must take care of yourself first! You are the authority regarding your own body. Rest when you’re tired. Be protective about how you spend your time and energy; Parkinson’s disease uses a great deal of one’s physical energy. Coping and adapting takes a great deal of emotional and mental energy. Do those things that are important to you and your family. Give yourself permission to say “No,” and not feel guilty. When you are feeling better, you can say “Yes.”

Try not to be self-conscious about the visible symptoms of your Parkinson’s disease. It may be challenging, but look for ways to work around the problems. If you are self-conscious about the way you walk, consider using a wheelchair. If hand tremors make it difficult to eat with utensils, and you feel embarrassed eating in a restaurant, order foods you can eat with your hands. Ask the waitress to put each item on a separate plate or bowl; that way your tremors are less likely to knock food off the plate. Don’t let your visible symptoms of PD diminish the enjoyment you get from spending time with your family and friends. They love you for who you are and understand.

Next tips:

Defining Parkinson’s — A Movement Disorder

2009-01-18T12:23:00.000+08:00

Parkinson’s disease is a disease in a group of conditions called movement disorders — disorders that result from a loss of the brain’s control on voluntary movements. In the brain of people with Parkinson’s (PWP), cells that produce this essential substance die earlier than normal.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition with these main symptoms:

Tremor – which usually begins in one hand or arm and is more likely to occur when the affected part of the body is at rest and decrease when it is being used. Stress can make the tremor more noticeable. However the presence of tremor does not necessarily mean a that person has Parkinson’s, as there are several other types and causes of tremor. Also, although most people associate Parkinson’s with tremor, up to 30% of people with Parkinson’s do not have this symptom.
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and stiffness of muscles (rigidity) – movements can become difficult to initiate, take longer to perform and lack coordination. People with Parkinson’s often have problems with turning round, getting out of a chair, rolling over in bed, stooped posture, and making fine finger movements, facial expressions and body language.

Although a whole group of conditions are known as parkinsonism, the one that most people know is called idiopathic PD, a Greek word that means arising spontaneously from an unknown cause. As the term suggests, the jury is still out as to the underlying cause (though theories do exist).

Go into a room filled with 50 people with Parkinson’s (PWP) and ask how they first suspected they had PD. You’re likely to hear 50 different stories. Take ten of those people who were diagnosed at approximately the same time and you’re likely to see varying signs of PD progression — from almost no progression to more rapid onset of symptoms. Similarly, you’re likely to experience a variety of attitudes and outlooks from the individuals dealing with their PD.

When you’re diagnosed with PD, you set out on a unique journey — one where your outlook, lifestyle changes, and medical treatment can be key directional maneuvers along the way. In truth, this disease is one that you can live with, surrender to, or fight with everything you’ve got. The road veers and curves differently for each person. Some people may choose one path for managing symptoms, and some people choose another. Sometimes the disease itself sets
the course. The bottom line? No clear roadmaps are available. But one fact is certain: Understanding the chronic and progressive nature of PD can take you a long way toward effectively managing your symptoms and living a full life.

Dear Reader Parkinsons Disease Blog

2009-01-18T02:42:00.000+08:00

Receiving a diagnosis such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be distressing, and adjusting to the effects of the disease can be difficult, but you can still lead a remarkably unlimited life if you put your mind to it. By adapting your routine, making your home more accessible, and keeping a positive outlook, you have the power to take control of your life and rise above the challenges of PD.

It is my pleasure to present this blog to you, anybody who has or knows someone who has Parkinsons diseases. The information for this blog was gathered from many books about Parkinsons diseases, tips for patient, medication and treatment plans. I hope this blog will allow you to face the future with a sense of empowerment and control over the illness.