WELCOME. Parkinson s 101 for the Newly Diagnosed. Today s Topic: Parkinson s Basics presented by Cari Friedman, LCSW

Transcription

1 WELCOME Parkinson s 101 for the Newly Diagnosed Today s Topic: Parkinson s Basics presented by Cari Friedman, LCSW

2 Parkinson s Disease 101

3 Presenter for Today Cari Friedman, LCSW Patient and Family Service Director, Parkinson Association of the Rockies 1999-Present 1325 S. Colo Blvd. Suite 204 Denver, CO (303) , Office (303) , Referral Line

4 Parkinson s Disease Definition Is thought to be the result of neuron degeneration in the section of the brain controlling spontaneous movement and balance. It is in a group of conditions called movement disorders. The result from a loss of the brain s control of voluntary movement.

5 Dopamine Neuro transmitter in the brain. Relays signals from the Substantia Nigra to the area of the brain collectively Basal Ganglia. This area of the brain controls movement, balance and coordination.

6 Facts about P.D. Men are 1.5 times more likely to get Parkinson s Disease then women. There is no socio economic status that is more likely to get Parkinson s then others. Highest incidence of Parkinson s is in Western Nebraska.

7 Example of what this all means Compare the motor of a car to the motor of a person.

8 Signs and symptoms: Bradykinesia - profound slowness of movement Resting tremor - shaking, worse on the affected side Rigidity - marked stiffness, worse on the affected side Decreased arm swing on the affected side (asymmetrical)

9 Signs and symptoms Problems with walking and balance - may experience a shuffling gait or episodes of "freezing", being unable to initiate a step forward Micrographia - small, cramped handwriting Masked face - reduced facial expression Dysarthria - lower volume or husky quality to the voice Impaired manual dexterity Depression, anxiety or other mood disorder Some people fatigue easily and have increased PD symptoms in response to external stress.

10 Secondary signs and symptoms Facial mask Slowed or slurred speech Small cramped hand writing Constipation Urinary incontinence

11 Non motor signs Anxiety/depression Dizziness/light headedness Sleep disturbance Executive dysfunction

12 Distinguishing between P.D. and related conditions: Essential tremor Drug or toxin induced parkinsonism Pseudo parkinsonism Parkinson-plus Syndrome

13 Stages of P.D. Early Stage - Symptoms are mild and often easily explained. Moderate - Symptoms on both sides of the body. Late stage - Generally, need assistance with mobility Remember, the length of each stage is unique to each person. You can maintain the early stage status for several years!!

14 If you have P.D.: You have a challenge before you. Many face it every day. You can get through this!!

15 Young Onset Under the age of 50. Hits people in their prime. Less likely to experience dementia or balance problems. Appear to respond well to antiparkinsonian medications. Wear off meds quicker. Dyskinesia-uncontrollable movements may affect them more quickly then elderly. Less likely to have tremors. Experience dystonia - cramping in a particular area of the body.

16 Employment Young Onset Prognosis is good. Proper management of symptoms through diet, medication and exercise Think about demands of job. Might need some compromise, flexibility.

17 What causes Parkinson s Disease? Combination of ENVIRONMENT: Pesticides Paint Chemicals in developing own film GENETIC MARKERS: Mutated genes 1997, researchers at National Institutes of Health discovered that mutations in a gene called SNCA (alpha synuclein) common in several families with a high prevelance of Parkinson.

18 P.D. is NOT: Contagious Curable Normal for older people or impossible for younger. Bound to get you if you live long enough A reason to make immediate life changing decisions.

19 P.D. is: Chronic Slowly progressive over time Manageable with proper treatment Life changing for you and your family

20 Health Care Team Primary Care Physician Neurologist PT, OT, Speech Pharmacist Social Worker Spiritual Advisor Legal and Financial Advisor Support Groups Counselor/Therapist Family/Friends

21 Helping treat symptoms Freezing - Sing song (Happy B. Day), Beam on floor, Favorite food visualization Sticky feet - Marching Voice - Projection Memory - note taking Constipation - diet, fluid intake

22 Visualize the stop sign What if? Why me? What am I going to be like?

23 Carpe diem Seize the Day Now is your chance to do what you have put on hold Live in the here and now

24 Care Partner Tips to help PWP Find out everything you can about P.D... When you are ready. Ask Questions Take an active role with medical team Remind each other about other adversities that you conquered. POSITIVE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE: Keep priorities straight. Give yourself permission to take a break. Identify and nurture your personal space.

25 Dr. Michelle Tagliati s 10 ways to care for partner (Parkinson s for Dummies) Respect the partnership Accentuate the positive Acknowledge life beyond P.D. Ask, don t demand Have a balance in caregiving Use please and thank yous Find joy in life Get over yourself Accept services as a gift for your care partner Encourage laughter and dreams

26 RESOURCES: Parkinson s Association of the Rockies Davis Phinney Foundation National Parkinson s Foundation Michael J. Fox Foundation