“Parkinson’s Disease only effects my movement- I will know if I shake.” “You don’t look like you have parkinson’s, so you must feel fine!” “Only older men can get Parkinson’s Disease.” “My life is over because I have Parkinson’s Disease.”
These are just some of the many myths that exist about Parkinson’s Disease. Luckily, there are many videos, pictures, and articles that help to educate about the FACTS surrounding Parkinson’s Disease-starting here!
So, what is Parkinson’s Disease?
The Clinical Pharmacist Journal, defines Parkinson’s Disease (PD) as a “chronic, progressive, neurodegnerative disease resulting from the loss of dopamine-containing cells.”
Who gets Parkinson’s Disease?
Anyone can be diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease regardless of age, gender, or background. The Clinical Pharmacist Journal reported that although less likely, individuals aged 30-39 can be diagnosed with PD, as well as those aged 80-84, both male and female. This includes all of the ages between 30 and 84 as well.
The video below provides further education regarding causes, symptoms, and treatment of Parkinson’s Disease, explained by a neurologist.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease:
By the time the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease require you to go to the doctor, there is a high chance that the non-motor symptoms have been present for much longer, but have gone unnoticed.
Symptoms can vary from person-to-person, and can also be side effects of the type of medication one is taking to manage Parkinson’s Disease.
Non-motor Symptoms:
- Depression
- Trouble with scent
- Dysphagia (trouble swallowing)
- Bladder dysfunction
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Drooling
- Dementia
Motor Symptoms:
- Tremors
- Postural Instability
- Shuffling walking pattern
- Bent over posture
- Diminished facial expression
- Drooping eyes
Above is a video, where the experience of Parkinson’s of a nurse diagnosed with the disease is described.
How is it diagnosed?
The Hindawi Journal of Parkinson’s Disease reports that doctors will look at a combination of motor and non-motor symptoms that a patient is experiencing, as well as the presence of Lewy Bodies in the brain. In many cases these can be found through CT scans or MRIs. Your doctor will also look at both subjective (what you say), and objective (what you do) information.
How can you manage your symptoms?
- Pharmaceutical Medications
- Levodopa: Gold standard of medication for PD
- Dopamine Agonists: activates Dopamine Receptors
- Ergo-derived Dopamine Agonists: additional medicine for individuals with PD who continue to have dyskinesia and motor impairments despite already taking Levodopa
- Non-oral Medication: Patch Therapy
- Physical Exercise
- Deep Brain Stimulation: surgical procedure involving the placement of a medical device referred to as a “brain pacemaker”
Please consult your doctor before adding or modifying medication
Type of Exercise that is Beneficial:
The video above provides some visuals of examples of exercise that are appropriate for an individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
The Hindawi Jounral of Parkinson’s Disease reported that in many studies, it has been shown that exercise has a positive effect on individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
In a small study, “regular exercise (>150 minutes/week), is associated with less progression of PD symptoms over one year, compared to those who exercise less or not at all (Heron, Mayol, Miller, Moore, Nicholos, Ragano 2019).”
In many cases, exercise is considered just as beneficial, if not more so than pharmaceutical treatment. It assists with maintaining the quality of life of an individual living with PD. Types of exercise that is beneficial to individuals with Parkinson’s Disease includes, but is not limited to:
- Aerobic exercise-swimming, jogging, walking, etc.
- Balance exercises-side stepping, single leg stand, etc.
- Resistance training-TRX ropes, weights, machines
- Flexibility training-stretching
- BIG movements-An exercise program specifically designed for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (see example below)
It is incredibly overwhelming to research about a topic such as Parkinson’s Disease. This is why it is so important to know what type of information is factual, and what is a myth. Consult with your doctor and loved ones before making any decisions regarding this diagnoses, to understand what will work for your body.
References:
Aube, B., & Cote, M., & Morin, N., & Di Paolo, T., & Poirier, A. A., & Soulet, D. (2016). Gastrointestinal Dysfunctions in Parkinson’s Disease: Symptoms and Treatments. Hindawi Jounral of Parkinson’s Disease, 2016. 1-23
Barnes, Janine. (2018). Parkinson’s Disease Management and guidance. Clinical Pharmacist, 10. (8). 237-242
Heron, A., & Mayol, M., & Miller S. A., & Moore, E. S., & Nicholos, V., & Ragano, B. (2019). Rate of Progression in Activity and Participation Outcomes in Exercisers with Parkinson’s Disease: A Five-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study. Hindawi Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, 2019. 1-9.