Skip to main content

Neuro Note 4: Parkinson’s Disease

 Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological disorder that causes shaking, stiffness, and problems with coordination. 

Here are some of the quick facts: 

  • Parkinson’s Disease affects more men than women 
  • One of the main risk factors includes an increase in age, especially the ages of 60 and above 
  • Occurs when the neurons responsible for movement die or become impaired 
  • There is no cure, however, medications, surgery, and/or therapies can be beneficial for symptoms 
  • Parkinson’s Disease results in trouble producing neurotransmitters such as Dopamine and Norepinephrine 

Now that we have covered the basics, here are 10 extra resources available to learn more about Parkinson’s Disease:

  1. For a brief overview of the disease, and to gain basic knowledge, click here: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease
  2. Click here to learn more about the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
  3. For statistics associated with Parkinson’s, as well as the risk of COVID 19 for individuals with Parkinson’s, click here:   https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons
  4. Click here to explore the different stages of Parkinson’s: https://parkinsonsdisease.net/basics/stages/
  5. Click here to watch a Ted Talk discussing the designs that can be implemented for individuals with Parkinson’s: https://www.ted.com/talks/mileha_soneji_simple_hacks_for_life_with_parkinson_s?language=en
  6. For interventions used specifically in Occupational Therapy for individuals with Parkinson’s, click here: http://www3.parkinson.org/Chicago/Benefits%20of%20Occupational%20Therapy%20-%20Jessica%20Doane-Swanson.pdf
  7. Click here for a list of ideas for adaptive equipment for individuals with Parkinson’s: https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/community-recommendations-assistance-products-parkinsons-disease
  8. Click here for a list of risk factors related to Parkinson’s: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-risk-factors-and-causes
  9. To learn more about the medications used to help treat the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, click here: https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/health-management/13-medications-to-help-control-parkinsons-disease-symptoms
  10. Click here to understand how Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease play a role with one another: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia/types-of-dementia/parkinson-s-disease-dementia


I hope these resources help you better understand Parkinson’s Disease, and the large, unique role Occupational Therapy can play in the treatment process. 



References 

Parkinson's Disease. (n.d.). Retrieved August 09, 2020, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons
disease


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Man Down South

After reading the short story, we are encouraged to think of what a life would be like if someone lost one, or multiple, fingers. In the story “Man Down South”, a soldier is willing to bet losing one of his fingers. If this character had lost the bet, he would have an extremely difficult time completing his occupations. For example, activities for a soldier such as holding/grasping a gun or weapon, carrying equipment, exercising, and simply putting on gear might have proven to be extremely taxing, if not impossible, without the use of some adaptive equipment. As for the woman at the end of the story, it is clear that she has lost all but two of her fingers and now has to have her hair washed by someone else, indicating she has lost function of an essential ADL. We can assume she has lost the capability to perform many of her other occupations with ease including being able to drive with both hands, opening certain packaging, writing, and/or fixing her hair. Adaptive equipment such as
2 comments
Read more

History Gives Power to the Present

History of Occupational Therapy In order to fully understand and connect with an individual, you must first be able to appreciate and understand their past. Having knowledge about the past can help one fully understand the power of the present. On Monday, January 27th, we had Dr. Keisling come to our class and explain the history of individuals with disabilities, as well as the way legislation has, and continues to, shape their lives in the community, education system, and workforce. I was heartbroken as I heard Dr. Keisling explain the 20th century outlook on individuals with disabilities. The labels surrounding this population included terms such as criminals, weak, and insane. The negative outlook on people with disabilities led to involuntary sterilizations and institutional facilities across the Unites States, most of which did not provide safe and appropriate housing, nonetheless adequate healthcare. As the lecture moved along, we began seeing change, specifically with healthc
1 comment
Read more

Transfers

The term “mobility” is defined as having controlled instability. The order in which we are able to restore confidence in mobility based on increasing activity demands is as follows: Bed mobility, mat transfers, wheelchair transfers, bed transfers, functional ambulation for ADL’s, toilet and tub transfers, car transfer, functional ambulation, and community mobility and driving. I do believe this is a logical order once you begin to examine what an individual must do, and is able to do, in order to perform certain tasks. For example, we wouldn’t want to begin working with a patient getting out of their car when they cannot even get out of their bed safely. I do believe I have seen this approach used in much of my job shadowing experience, specifically when the therapist is working on getting the client out of the bed and then safely to the bathroom. Many times, the therapist would work consistently on getting the patient out of bed safely, and if they were able to do so, move on to the
Post a Comment
Read more