April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Studies show that every six minutes, someone will be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
Exercise is the only thing that has been proven to slow down the progression of Parkinson’s disease, so early diagnosis and an effective exercise regime could make a big difference in the future course of the disease.
Parkinson’s is a disease of the central nervous system. Parkinson’s begins when certain nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine, begin to die. Dopamine is a chemical that sends messages to the parts of the brain that control movement and mood and motivation.
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms will worsen over time. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease.
As the disease progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, causing stiffness, slowness, tremor, and difficulty walking along with many non-motor symptoms one cannot see such as depression, apathy, constipation, low blood pressure, and urinary trouble.
The causes of Parkinson’s disease are not well understood. However, there are factors that have appeared to take a role. Approximately 15% of people with Parkinson’s disease have been found to have a family history of this disorder.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s may include:
• Tremor
• Stiffness or rigidity of the muscles
• Difficulties with balance and coordination
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
• Difficulties with speech and writing
• Mood disorders
• Sleep difficulties
• Constipation
• Loss of smell
Currently, there is no one diagnostic test (such as a blood test or an X-ray) to diagnose Parkinson’s. Instead, physicians will perform a neurological evaluation. During this exam, the doctor will rule out other medical conditions that mimic the appearance of Parkinson’s.
Because there is no known cause for Parkinson’s, there aren’t currently any proven ways to prevent the disease.
However, medication can help control symptoms but does not slow the progression of the disease. The treatment with the most evidence that might slow down the progression of the disease is actually intense exercise. Recent evidence suggests that certain kinds of exercise may protect your neurons, improve motor symptoms, and may slow the disease. Discuss appropriate exercise routines with a physical therapist to ensure they are safe and effective for your individual needs.
Sometimes Parkinson’s will complicate one’s day to day activities such as dressing, sleeping, eating, walking, and even bathing. Physical therapy or occupational therapy can help with ways to maintain independence.
Because Parkinson’s Disease often affects one’s lifestyle, it’s important to be aware of how one’s mental and emotional health is also impacted. Depression and anxiety are very common in Parkinson’s Disease patients. Discussing changes in emotion with a provider will help in providing the proper help or support needed.
Be educated, involved, and patient. Learn about Parkinson’s disease and how it affects your loved one. Join your loved one in support groups, educational events, exercise classes or fundraisers for people with PD. Be patient. PD involves slowing down in many ways (speech, movement, thinking), so giving your loved one a little extra time to think, speak, or complete tasks may be necessary.
