Headway Victoria Epilepsy and Parkinson s Centre Parkinson s Overview and Medication Shannon Oatway Community Education/ Awareness Coordinator
What is Parkinson s Disease? The basics It is a chronic and progressive neurological movement disorder. It affects a person s motor functions (voluntary movements) such as: walking, buttoning cloth and handwriting. And it also affects non-motor functions (involuntary movements) such as: mood, bowel function and sleep.
The Role of Dopamine Parkinson s involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain, called Neurons. Parkinson s primarily affects neurons in an area of the brain called the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends message to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As PD progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.
When dopamine levels fall below 50% symptoms of Parkinson s appear. DOPAMINE
Who gets Parkinson s? 2 nd most common neuro-degenerative disorder after Alzheimer s disease. Average age of onset is 60
Who gets Parkinson s? Parkinson s affects 1% of the population over 65 years of age. In Canada, there are approximately 100,000 people with Parkinson s, 11,000 of whom are in B.C. The average age of diagnosis is 60 but up to 20% of people with Parkinson s are diagnosed under the age of 50. As the population of Canada ages, the incidence of Parkinson s will increase
Primary Motor Symptoms Tremor of the hands, arms, legs, jaw and face Bradykinesia or slowness of movement Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk Postural instability or impaired balance and coordination High risk of Falling
Non-Motor Symptoms Early Symptoms: Many researchers believe that non motor symptoms may precede motor symptoms and a Parkinson s diagnosis by years! The most recognizable early symptoms include: Loss of sense of smell Constipation REM behavior disorder (a sleep disorder - hallucinations) Mood disorders Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing up)
Additional Non-Motor Symptoms Hypomimia Reduced facial expressions which makes a person appear to be uninterested or sad when they are not. It s often referred to as the PD mask. Hypophonia A person s voice may become soft and with low volume. Deterioration in the rhythm and quality of the voice is common. Micrographia Small cramped handwriting that begins normally but progresses to smaller and smaller writing.
Emotional, Cognitive and Memory Changes Non-motor symptoms, including changes in mood, thinking and memory, have been acknowledged in recent years as components of the disease. ANXIETY DEPRESSION APATHY COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson s. Most drugs temporarily replenish or mimic the action of dopamine. STRESS can exacerbate symptoms!
Positive Steps: MOVE! Dance, yoga, exercise. get your body going! Listen to music YOU like. Create something. Release that inner Artist! EAT WELL.
Exercise is crucial to living well with Parkinson s disease. Exercise is likely neuro-protective, slowing down disease progression. - Dr. Silke Creswell, Neurologist Pacific Parkinson s Research Centre
PARKINSON S AND EXERCISE Can reverse some symptoms. Increase control of your movements. Reduce gait problems and muscle/joint injuries. Improve flexibility. Increase muscle strength and balance. Increase energy, stamina, and cardiovascular health. Source: www.parkinson shealth.com
Drug Side Effects Dyskinesia is a side effect of some medications use to treat Parkinson s and NOT Parkinson s Disease itself. What is Dyskinesia? - Abnormal, involuntary movement - E.g. head and neck movements Other drug side effects are: Drowsiness, Nausea, Vomiting, Hallucinations
Medications and Foods Food has a systemic effect on the body It can increase or decrease the absorption of medications It can increase or decrease metabolism of medications
Meals and Levodopa Vitamin B6 can reduce the effects of Levodopa Meat, bananas, egg yolks, Lima beans, peanuts and Whole grain cereals High fat meals can reduce the absorption of carbidopa/levodopa Pizza, burgers, fries, onion rings, bacon and avocado
Medication dosing Take on an empty stomach 30 to 60 minutes before meals Helps increase absorption Space from iron Iron decreases absorption Protein rich foods may decrease absorption
Medication, Safety and Effectiveness MUSTS Follow your prescribed medications schedule exactly. Timing is everything. Never stop taking your Parkinson s medication abruptly or change the dosage or prescribed time without consulting your doctor. Never chew, crush or split a pill unless your doctor or neurologist instructs you to do so.
Resources www.worldpdcoalition.org www.pdf.org www.nwpf.org www.michaeljfox.org www.davisphinneyfoundation.org www.parkinson.org www.vepc.bc.ca
Who is HeadWay? We are a non-profit organization dedicated to enhance the quality of lives of people with Epilepsy and Parkinson s through our various programs, workshops, support groups and counseling. We offer support to both the individual and their families and caregivers. SUPPORT CARE KNOWLEDGE
How does HeadWay Help? Free consultations Support Groups Outreach Support Groups - Sidney and the West Shore Exercise Programs Motions Ways, Gentle Exercise @ Cedar Hill Workshops Guest Speakers MEMBERSHIP is FREE
Q&A Shannon Oatway and Amy Tran 250-475-6677