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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


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