Living with Parkinson’s Disease By Anne M. Pott The Continuum: Part Four
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n this last installment of the series on the nature of Parkinson’s Disease (PD), we will provide an overview of PD, a few of the most bothersome challenges of living with it, several occupational therapy interventions, and some basic health care coverage information. We aim to provide helpful information to the community that may lead to quality-of-life improvements for people with PD, their family, friends, and care partners. Overview
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, it is the second most common incurable neurodegenerative condition following Alzheimer’s Disease. As the National Institute of Health explains, PD develops as dopamine neurons in the brain begin to become weakened, damaged, and die. Losses in dopamine affect the body’s ability to regulate movement. The most commonly recognized motor symptoms are tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, and changes in posture, balance, and facial expressions. Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease is not as easy as a single test. Movement Disorder Specialists gather a thorough medical history and full neurological exam, complete
blood, lab, CT/MRI scans to rule out other conditions and may pursue genetic testing and a DaTscan. Interventions can include many elements. The most common are drug therapy, physical, speech, occupational and neuropsychological therapies, gastroenterological treatment, and potentially surgery. Individual and group wellness, nutrition, and exercise classes also provide evidence-based support.
Daily Challenges
As Parkinson’s Disease progresses, its impact on one’s daily life grows. Activities that once seemed second nature become more challenging such as reading the newspaper, brushing teeth, sleeping, rolling over in bed, being understood when talking, and drinking and eating without coughing. Cleaning, shopping, and preparing meals can become increasingly slow and challenging. Balance and physical coordination may begin to interfere with one’s ability to move around safely at home and in the community. Michael J. Fox humorously shared, “I used to defy gravity on a daily basis…” Some people may begin to slowly withdraw socially, increasing the non-motor symptoms of depression, anxiety, and apathy. (Parkinson’s page 12)
www.SeniorSpectrumNewspapers.com // April 2021
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