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September's Topic: PD (Parkinson's Disease )





The Abler Blog Monthly Topic For September : Parkinson’s Disease

Founder: Jessica Niziolek

Facebook: @theablerblog

Resources Used: https://www.parkinson.org



Disclaimer:


Note: I am in no a professional of any kind. I am strongly against self-diagnosis, and encourage my audience to please seek the professional advice of their own trusted medical professional and any other trusted professional depending on the topic at hand. 


The Abler Blog ONLY PROVIDES LIMITED GENERAL INFORMATION, and  ALWAYS CITES WHERE THEY FIND THEIR RESOURCES AND OR INFORMATION.


Jessica Niziolek, 

Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community.




Topic Background



Parkinson’s Disease,(known as PD) is a a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. 



Symptoms Of The Disease


They generally occur slowly over time, and can be at a variety of stages depending on the person as well as the diversity of the disease itself. 


Some Symptoms That May Occur Are: 


Tremor 

Bradykinesia

Limb rigidity 

Gait and balance issues 


The Cause Of The Disease

The cause of this disease is still unknown, and while there isn’t any cure for the disease there is a variety of ways to treat the disease. 



Choices In Treatment 

 Can all depend upon what works for the person, some options may include such things as, medications and surgery.  It is also important to note that is encouraged to stick to a strict scheduling when you are taking various medications and various times throughout you day to avoid missing any days by accident and because of that the person then feels “off” as a result. 


Is The Disease Fatal?


While the disease is not fatal, complications  from the disease can become very serious. The CDC has noted that complications from PD have ranked 14th in deaths in the United states. 



Understanding The Disease & How It Progresses


Under the supervision and guidance of your doctor, a person can live a full life with a specific treatment program tailored to them, and their severity/stage of the disease they are currently in. One medication in particular, is dopaminergic medications. People with PD need this medication because they have low levels or are missing dopamine in the brain, mainly due to impairment of neurons in the substantia nigra.


For Further Details On This Please Visit: https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons


Research is currently underway to help slow/stop the progression of PD all together. They are also trying to identify biomarkers linked to PD. 


It Is Also Important To Note:


People with PD may also experience “non-motor” symptoms, and often are more impacted by those symptoms rather than their symptoms related to their motor skills. Here are some examples. 


Apathy

Depression

Sleep-behavior disorders



With Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease, the pace of the disease is slow, and varies. Doctors typically use what is known as the Hoehn and Yahr scale to gauge the progression of the disease over the years. 


The Hoehn and Yahr scale


This scale is used to gage the progression of PD. Originating in 1967 with a number scale 0-5. Zero meaning showing and or experiencing signs to five being the most severe. Only later to be changed to the scale it is today.


There are several different stages of PD, and because of this PD does not effect everyone who has it the same way this also means their severity of the condition may also be different for the person.


Stage One 


During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. Changes in posture, walking and facial expressions occur.


Stage Two


Symptoms start getting worse. Tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms affect both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may be apparent. The person is still able to live alone, but daily tasks are more difficult and lengthy.


Stage Three


Considered mid-stage, loss of balance and slowness of movements are hallmarks. Falls are more common. The person is still fully independent, but symptoms significantly impair activities such as dressing and eating.


Stage Four 


At this point, symptoms are severe and limiting. It’s possible to stand without assistance, but movement may require a walker. The person needs help with activities of daily living and is unable to live alone.


Stage Five


This is the most advanced and debilitating stage. Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. The person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. Around-the-clock nursing care is required for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions. The Parkinson’s community acknowledges that there are many important non-motor symptoms as well as motor symptoms.



Please Go To: 



https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/What-is-Parkinsons/Stages-of-Parkinsons 


To watch the video that explains more in-depth about the stages of PD, as well as learning about the  scales used to note the progression of this disease where you also learn about Braak’s hypothesis on the condition. 



Diagnosis 


While there is not just one way to diagnosis someone with PD, there are a combination of tests that can be done in conjunction with person(s) showing more than one symptom of the condition. For more in-depth information on how to get the proper diagnosis of PD, please visit the following link. https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Diagnosis




It is also important to note that getting an accurate Diagnosis in general is extremely important because of the fact that PD symptoms can mimic other conditions that can be mistaken as PD. Please visit: https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Diagnosis/Conditions-that-Mimic-Parkinsons for more details.






 

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