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Optimal wellness through technology, educationand social engagement

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Parkinson’s Disease

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What is Parkinson's Disease?

§ A brain disorder which gets worse over time and affects your movement and coordination

§ Nerve cells, in the brain, break down and no longer make enough dopamine

§ Dopamine is a chemical which helps muscles move smoothly and follow your commands

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Facts and Figures

§ Affects over 1 million people in the US

§ 50,000 - 60,000 new cases diagnosed each year

§ 1 in 200 will get Parkinson's Disease during their lifetime

§ 1/3 of Parkinson's Disease sufferers eventually show signs of dementia

§ More common in men than in women

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Main Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

§ Shaking when at rest

§ Slowness of movement

§ Stiffness/rigidity of the arms, legs or trunk

§ Problem with balance and falls

§ Postural instability

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Secondary Symptoms§ Small, cramped handwriting

§ Reduced arm swing on the affected side

§ Slight foot drag creating a shuffled walk

§ Freezing - phenomenon of being stuck in place when attempting to walk

§ Loss of facial expression

§ Low voice volume or muffled speech

§ Tendency to fall backwards

§ Decrease ability in automatic reflexes such as blinking and swallowing

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Other Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

§ Depression

§ Anxiety- beyond the normal response to stress

§ Hallucinations, psychosis

§ Sleep disturbances

§ Constipation

§ Pain

§ Increase in dandruff or oily skin

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Conditions That Mimic

Essential Tremor (ET)– Common amongst the elderly population– Affects both hands, often involves head tremor and a shaky

quality to the voice

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)– Fluid inside the brain – Results in difficulty in walking, slowed thinking, and loss of

bladder control

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How is Parkinson's Disease Diagnosed?

§ No lab tests currently available to diagnose Parkinson's

§ Physician typically will:– Discuss your medical history– Conduct thorough neurological exam– May check your sense of smell– Perform tests to rule out other conditions

• Abnormal thyroid • Liver damage• Stroke• Brain tumor

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Stages of Parkinson's Disease

§ Stage one: – Patient usually experiences mild symptoms which may inconvenience

the day-to-day tasks – Typically experience tremors or shaking in one of the limbs– Friends and family can usually detect changes poor posture, loss of

balance, and abnormal facial expressions

§ Stage two:– Bilateral symptoms: affect both limbs & sides of the body– Encounter problems walking or maintaining balance– Inability to complete normal physical tasks

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Stages of Parkinson's Disease§ Stage three:

– Severe symptoms including the inability to walk straight or to stand– Noticeable slowing of physical movements

§ Stage four: – Walking is often limited– Unable to complete day-to-day task– Shakiness may lessen or disappear

§ Stage five: – Individual is usually unable to take care of himself– May not be able to stand or walk– Usually requires constant one-on-one nursing care

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Emotional Affects of Parkinson's Disease

§ Devastating

§ Denial

§ Discouragement

§ Role Conflict

§ Identity Change

§ Adaptation

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Parkinson's Disease Treatment Options

§ Goal is to control symptoms

§ Medications are typically used to increase level of dopamine in the brain

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Lifestyle Changes

§ Good nutrition

§ Exercise

§ Regular rest periods

§ Avoid stress

§ Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy

§ Safety devices

§ Special eating utensils