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Brainmatters |
The disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the central nervous
system affecting over 1 million people in the United States.
Clinically, the disease is characterized by a decrease in spontaneous
movements, gait difficulty, postural instability, rigidity and tremor.
Parkinson's disease is caused
by the degeneration of the pigmented neurons in the Substantia Nigra of
the
brain, resulting in decreased dopamine availability. The major symptoms
of
the disease were originally described in 1817 by an English physician,
Dr.
James Parkinson, who called it "Shaking Palsy". Only in the 1960's,
however,
pathological and biochemical changes in the brain of patients were
identified,
opening the way to the first effective medication for the disease.
Incidence
Both men and women are affected. The frequency of the disease is
considerably higher in the over 50 age group, even though there is an
alarming increase of patients in their 30's and 40's. In consideration
of the increased life expectancy in this country and worldwide, an
increasing number of people will be victims of Parkinson's disease.
Treatment
Administration of the drug levodopa has been the standard treatment for Parkinson's disease. Once it reaches the brain, levodopa is converted to dopamine which replaces the same substance not present in sufficient amounts in Parkinson's patients. Treatment with levodopa does not, however, prevent the progressive changes of the brain typical of Parkinson's disease. The drug may also produce side effects in some people, due to its change to dopamine before reaching the brain. The simultaneous administration with levodopa of substances inhibiting this change allows a higher concentration of levodopa to reach the brain and also considerably decreases the side effects. Drugs developed at a later time include Dopamine Agonists and COMT Enzyme inhibitors (ex. Tasmar ®) and CMT (ex. Eldepryl ®). Other drugs are under investigation in this country and overseas in an effort to obtain better therapeutic results with fewer side effects.
The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc., founded in 1961, has sought to "Ease the Burden and Find the Cure" for this disease through research, patient and family support and education.
Helpful hints for Parkinson's patients and caregivers
The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. (APDA) offers helpful
hints to ease the daily life of Parkinson’s patients. A person who
suffers
with Parkinson’s disease needs ways to simplify life’s daily challenges
of living with Parkinson’s disease. The purpose of the following hints
is
to help patients maintain the greatest degree of personal dignity and
independence
possible.
Bathing and Grooming Aids
Use a tub bench or shower chair to bathe
safely.
Place a non-slip rubber mat or adhesive
anti-slip surface at the bottom of the tub or shower.
Install grab bars.
"Soap on Rope" keeps soap safely and
conveniently within reach while showering or taking a bath.
A sponge attached to a long handle will reach
the lower legs, feet and back facilitating balance by reducing the need
to bend.
Use a terry cloth wash mitt instead of a
washcloth.
Install a night light in a bathroom wall
socket.
Dressing Aids
Lower clothes rods in closets, so you don’t
have to reach too high for items.
Choose clothing that closes in the front, with
easy style and uncomplicated fastenings.
Put on and take off clothes from your stiffer
side first and have a family member lay out the clothing you need.
Velcro closures make an excellent substitute
for buttons and zippers.
Use buttonhook or Button Aid.
Large, easily grasped zipper pulls make
opening and closing trouser flies, jackets and coats less difficult.
Secure shirt cuffs with firm elastic bands.
This eliminates buttoning and the result is unnoticeable. (Be sure the
bands
are not tight enough to restrict circulation.)
Kitchen Aids
Store food items and food preparation
implements near dishwasher and sinks; pots near the stove, etc.
Try preparing food while seated.
Cook as much food as possible during "on"
times and freeze it for times you don’t feel up to cooking.
Use a cart with wheels to move items from one
place to another and to offer support while walking.
Use a rubber pad or a wet dishcloth under
bowls and pans to stabilize them while preparing foods.
Prevent diced vegetables and small food from
falling off the board by using a cutting board with raised sides.
Hammer a nail through the cutting board to act
as a skewer to keep food from slipping while dicing or cutting.
Attach an old broom handle or a long wooden
dowel to the kitchen dustpan to collect floor sweeping without bending.
Mealtime Aids
Attachable plate guards provide a rim on
one side
of the plate. Food, such as small vegetables, can be pushed against the
guard,
where it falls onto the fork.
"scoop dishes" contoured with raised edges,
plates with suction cups and plate guards all help prevent spills.
If eating is slow, use a plate with a hot
water container attached to the underside to keep food hot.
Silverware with built-in plastic handles is
easy to grasp.
Use a soupspoon instead of a fork for small
pieces of food.
Flexible plastic straws will reduce spills for
patients with tremors.
A lightweight mug with a large handle for easy
grasping is useful when tremor is severe.
Support
Recognizing the devastating effects of the illness upon the patient and the family, a support program was initiated to motivate the patients in maximizing strengths, minimizing impediments and achieving and maintaining full potential. At present the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. sponsors 65 Chapters and more than 800 Support Groups which provide education, counseling, assistance and referrals throughout the United States.
The Chapters also sponsor regional symposia and conferences in cooperation with our Information and Referral Centers.
To provide professional support to the educational, counseling and referral needs of the Chapters, the Support Groups and the Parkinsonians at large, the American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. funds 52 Information and Referral Centers from coast to coast. Their functions are to educate, counsel and refer patients to medical professionals, increase awareness of the incidence of the disease and to establish Parkinson's disease Chapters and Support Groups in their geographical areas. Over $1.5 million was allocated for such purposes during this fiscal year.
This information was developed by The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. and is herewith used with permission.
The American Parkinson Disease Association, Inc. Basic Information
about Parkinson's Disease. Available at:
http://www.apdaparkinson.com/index.html. Accessed
December 6, 1999.
The information in this document is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to substitute for personalized professional advice. Although the information was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, Arbor Publishing Corp, its representatives, and the providers of the information do not guarantee its accuracy and disclaim responsibility for adverse consequences resulting from its use. For further information, consult a physician and the organization referred to herein.