Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. It gradually starts with a slight tremor in one hand or finger and progresses until it affects the person’s movement and ability to function optimally.
Parkinson’s disease causes the progressive loss of neurons in the brain which produces dopamine. Dopamine is a hormone which influences the striatum. This is the area in the brain responsible for coordination and regulation of movement. There is no single cause for Parkinson’s disease, but rather a variety of environmental and inherited factors which sets the degeneration into motion.
Keep your eyes open for the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
•Rigidity and slowed movement
•Poor heel-to-toe gait or a shuffling gait. Small shuffling steps may be observed. The person will walk without any arm swing and have a bend over posture.
•Poor balance observed while walking as they will find it difficult to turn.
•Micrographia which means small handwriting, which is often unreadable.
•Resting tremor observed when the person rests his hands in his lap.
The disease can be managed through medication and therapy. Therapy is recommended in the later stages of the disease or as soon as the disease limits the person to be able to do the following:
•Experiences difficulty to move around or when a person is confined to a wheelchair
•As soon as the person becomes dependent in daily tasks like eating and dressing
•If the person starts to struggle with manipulating objects e.g. opening a jar.
Occupational therapy can ensure that a person stays active in their daily life through improving skills, showing them different ways to complete a task and introducing them to assistive devices. Changes to their home or workplace can also be recommended by the Occupational Therapist.
Apply energy conservation techniques to your daily routine to make the disease less intrusive
•Plan your day. Avoid scheduling too many tasks for one day and do tasks that require more energy when you feel rested.
•Rest before and after activities
•If you become tired during an activity stop and rest
•Don’t be afraid to ask for help
•Get enough sleep during the night
•Avoid extreme physical activity. Do not pull, push or lift any heavy objects that will place too much strain on your body.
Apply these useful tips for daily tasks when diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease:
•Get dressed while sitting in a chair. Roll from side to side to get pants over hips.
•Use a shower chair and hand held hose for showering. A long handled sponge will also be helpful to minimize effort. Use lukewarm water as hot water may cause fatigue.
•Don’t rush your meals!! Rest your elbows on the table to provide more motion at your wrist and hand. Built up utensils are helpful to eat with as well as a non-slip placing mat.
•Bend forward slowly and touch your toes while sitting before you rise to stand. Stand still a few seconds before trying to walk to regain your balance.
Please contact Lize on 056 816 2155 for further information.
