Diane Cooper RN, M.Ed., GNP, AGCM on LinkedIn: How many informative facts about Parkinson's disease do you know? Are you… (2024)

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. Named after Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817, Parkinson's disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in coordinating smooth, controlled movements.**Causes and Risk Factors:**The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood, and it is likely influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some cases of PD may have a genetic component, and certain gene mutations have been associated with an increased risk. Environmental factors such as exposure to certain toxins may also contribute to the development of the disease.**Symptoms:**The primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease are related to motor function and include:1. **Tremors:** Involuntary shaking of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or other parts of the body, especially at rest.2. **Bradykinesia:** Slowness of movement, which can make everyday tasks challenging.3. **Muscle Rigidity:** Stiffness of the limbs and joints, leading to decreased range of motion.4. **Postural Instability:** Difficulty maintaining balance and an increased risk of falls.In addition to motor symptoms, individuals with Parkinson's disease may also experience non-motor symptoms, including cognitive changes, mood disorders (such as depression and anxiety), sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction.**Diagnosis:**Diagnosing Parkinson's disease is primarily based on a clinical assessment of symptoms and medical history. There are no specific laboratory tests to definitively diagnose PD, but neuroimaging and other diagnostic tools may be used to rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.**Treatment:**While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, various treatments are available to manage its symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with PD. The most common treatment is medication aimed at increasing dopamine levels in the brain or mimicking its effects. Surgical interventions, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS), may be considered for some individuals with advanced Parkinson's disease.**Lifestyle modifications and physical therapy** also play a crucial role in managing symptoms. Exercise has been shown to be beneficial in maintaining mobility and reducing stiffness, and occupational therapy can help individuals adapt to changes in their abilities.**Research and Future Perspectives:**Ongoing research into the underlying mechanisms of Parkinson's disease aims to identify new treatment targets and, ultimately, find a cure. Advances in genetics, neuroimaging, and molecular biology have contributed to a deeper understanding of the disease, paving the way for potential breakthroughs in its treatment.#snsinstitutions #snsdesignthinkers #designthinking

"Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative neurological condition that leads to memory loss and other cognitive impairments. The exact cause of the disease is still unknown, but several risk factors have been identified, including age, family history, and certain genetic mutations. Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can vary from person to person, but may include forgetfulness, difficulty communicating, and changes in mood and behavior. While there is currently no cure for the disease, there are treatments available that can help to improve symptoms and quality of life.Treatment options for Alzheimer's disease include medications that can help improve memory, cognition, and behavior. These medications are not a cure for the disease, but they may help the person with Alzheimer's to function better in their daily life. In addition to medication, other treatments such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can also be beneficial. Caregivers can also play an important role in helping someone with Alzheimer's to stay as independent as possible and to maintain a good quality of life.In addition to medication and therapy, there are also some lifestyle changes that may help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. These include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining social and cognitive engagement. Research has also shown that people with Alzheimer's disease who have strong social support systems tend to have a better quality of life. It is also important for caregivers to take care of themselves and to seek out support from others who are going through a similar experience.Some people with Alzheimer's disease may eventually require 24-hour care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, many people with the disease are able to remain in their own homes for some time with the help of in-home care services. These services can include help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, and eating, as well as companionship and socialization. In-home care services can be provided by family members, friends, or professional caregivers.One of the greatest challenges of Alzheimer's disease is the impact it has on the family and friends of the person with the disease.Caregivers often experience a great deal of stress, fatigue, and isolation as they try to cope with the demands of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease. It is important for caregivers to take care of their own physical and emotional health, and to seek out support from others. There are many support groups and resources available for caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease. These groups can provide a place to share experiences, receive advice, and find comfort and understanding.In addition to support groups, there are also many online resources available for caregivers. #alzheimersdisease #alzheimersawareness #nurseada #CompassionateLifestyle

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Celine Dion’s Diagnosis Shines a Spotlight on Stiff Person SyndromeWhat is Stiff Person Syndrome?Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain.It affects about one in a million people, and is more common in women than men12The exact cause of SPS is unknown, but it is believed to be an autoimmune condition, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues. In SPS, the immune system produces antibodies that target an enzyme called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which is involved in making a neurotransmitter called GABA.GABA helps regulate muscle tone and movement, and when it is reduced, the muscles become rigid and spastic12SPS can affect any part of the body, but it usually starts in the trunk and legs. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but they often include:Muscle stiffness and tightness, especially in the back and abdomenPainful muscle spasms that can be triggered by stress, noise, touch, or movementDifficulty walking, standing, or bendingPostural problems, such as hunching over or leaning to one sideBreathing difficulties, due to spasms in the chest and diaphragmAnxiety, depression, and social isolation, due to fear of spasms and falls12There is no cure for SPS, but treatments can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life. The main treatments are medications that increase GABA levels, such as benzodiazepines, baclofen, and gabapentin. Other treatments include immunotherapy, such as intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or plasmapheresis, which aim to remove the harmful antibodies from the blood.Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management can also help with mobility, function, and coping skills12How Celine Dion raised awareness of SPSCeline Dion, the Canadian singer and icon, recently revealed that she has been diagnosed with SPS. She made the announcement on her Instagram account, where she shared a video of her performing at the Billboard Music Awards in 2019. She wrote:“I have been living with a condition called Stiff Person Syndrome for a few years now. It is a rare and complex disorder that affects the nervous system and causes muscle stiffness and spasms. It has been challenging to deal with, but I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and fans. I want to use my voice to raise awareness and help others who are suffering from this condition. I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire people to never give up on their dreams, no matter what obstacles they face. Thank you for your love and understanding.Celine”3continue here: https://lnkd.in/dFy_Py4w

Topic :- Pylomyalagia rheumatica (PMR):-Defination:-Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in the shoulders, neck, hips, and thighs. It typically affects adults over the age of 50 and can lead to significant discomfort and limited mobility.Symptoms of polymyalagia rheumatica :-Common symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica include:Muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders, neck, hips, and thighs.Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes.Fatigue and weakness.Decreased range of motion in affected joints.Loss of appetite.Low-grade fever.Unintentional weight loss.Depression or mood disturbances.It's essential to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management if you experience these symptoms.Types of polymyalagia rheumatica :-Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) typically refers to a single condition rather than having different types. However, there are variations in how PMR presents and how it responds to treatment among individuals. Additionally, some patients may develop complications such as giant cell arteritis, which is another inflammatory condition affecting the blood vessels. But in terms of distinct types of PMR, it's generally considered a single disorder with varying degrees of severity and associated symptoms.Treatment for polymyalagia rheumatica :-Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Common treatments include:Corticosteroids: Prednisone is the most commonly prescribed corticosteroid for PMR. It helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stiffness. Initially, a high dose is often prescribed, which is gradually tapered down over time to the lowest effective dose to manage symptoms and minimize side effects.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen may be used to help relieve pain and inflammation, especially in conjunction with corticosteroids.Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): In some cases, medications like methotrexate may be prescribed to help reduce the need for long-term corticosteroid use or to control symptoms if corticosteroids are not well tolerated.Physical therapy: Exercise and physical therapy can help improve mobility, strength, and flexibility and may complement medication therapy.Lifestyle modifications: Making lifestyle changes such as getting regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, and getting enough rest can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.#RaiseAgainstAutism#PinnacleSaysItAll#PinnacleBloomsNetwork#1AutismTherapyCentresNetwork

Touch is crucial for human well-being and development. It aids in social bonding and psychological well-being, and can induce neurochemical changes that promote happiness and reduce stress. Additionally, touch has various other effects such as lowering heart rate and blood pressure, alleviating depression and anxiety, boosting the immune system, relieving pain, signaling safety and trust, soothing, and calming cardiovascular stress. From a developmental perspective, infants require human touch for survival, as demonstrated by a study from the 1940s that showed high mortality rates among touch-deprived infants. Touch also plays a significant role in communication, personal relationships, and combating disease. Moreover, touch can offer insights into the medical conditions of concerned patients. Below is a list of various pathologies that can benefit from just an hour massage.Yes, touch therapy, also known as massage therapy or tactile therapy, can be used as a treatment for various medical conditions. The therapeutic use of touch has been recognized for its potential to promote healing, relaxation, and overall well-being. Here are some examples of medical conditions where touch therapy may be beneficial:1. Pain management: Touch therapy can help alleviate chronic pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and lower back pain. It can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers.2. Stress and anxiety: Touch therapy has a calming effect on the nervous system and can help reduce stress and anxiety. It promotes relaxation, lowers cortisol levels (a stress hormone known as sympathetic fight, flight, freeze and fawn), and induces a sense of well-being.3. Depression: Touch therapy has been shown to have positive effects on mood and can be used as a complementary treatment for depression. It can increase serotonin (happy) and dopamine (movements like dancing, fine motor skills) levels, which are neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation.4. Immune system support: Touch therapy has been found to boost the immune system by increasing the activity of natural killer cells and enhancing the production of antibodies.5. Cancer care: Touch therapy, particularly gentle massage, can help alleviate the symptoms associated with cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, including pain, nausea, fatigue, PTSD anxiety, depression and grief. It can also provide emotional support and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.6. Palliative care: Touch therapy is commonly used in palliative care settings to provide comfort, relaxation, and pain relief for patients with terminal illnesses like Respite Hospice, Oncology and Dialysis etc. It can help reduce physical and emotional distress and improve the overall well-being of patients. It is advisable to consult with a licensed massage therapist to determine the suitability of touch therapy as a treatment.

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6 Neurological Conditions and Symptoms You Should Look Out For1. HeadachesHeadaches are one of the most common neurological disorders and can affect anyone at any age. While many times a headache shouldn’t be anything too serious to worry about, if your headache comes on suddenly and repeatedly, you should see a doctor, as these could be symptoms of an underlying condition.2. Epilepsy and seizuresEpilepsy is a common disorder of the central nervous system involving abnormal electrical activity in the brain that makes you more susceptible to having recurrent, unprovoked seizures. “Unprovoked means the seizure cannot be explained by exposure to or withdrawal from drugs or alcohol, as well as not due to other medical issues such as severe electrolyte abnormalities or very high blood sugar,”3. StrokeA stroke is usually due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, oftentimes caused by a clot or blockage in an artery. Many interventions can be done to stop a stroke these days, but time is brain (not money) in this case. The B.E. F.A.S.T. mnemonic is helpful to remember to recognize the signs of a stroke: B: Balance difficulties; E: Eyesight changes; F: Face weakness; A: Arm weakness; S: Speech; and T: Time. 4. ALS: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosisALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a somewhat rare neuromuscular condition that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Doctors are unsure what exactly causes ALS, but factors that may cause ALS include genetics and environmental factors.Symptoms include muscle weakness and twitching, tight and stiff muscles, slurred speech, and difficulty breathing and swallowing. Unfortunately, this condition is difficult to diagnose and often requires the evaluation of a neuromuscular neurologist.5. Alzheimer’s disease and dementiaMemory loss is a common complaint, especially in older adults. A certain degree of memory loss is a normal part of aging. For example, walking into a room and forgetting why may be totally normal.However, there are signs that may indicate something more serious, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These symptoms may include getting lost, having difficulty managing finances, difficulties with activities of daily living, leaving the stove on, forgetting the names of close family and friends or problems with language. Behavioral changes along with these memory changes could also raise concerns.Dementia is a slowly progressive condition and should be evaluated by a neurologist. While there is no cure, there are medications and therapies that can help manage symptoms.6. Parkinson’s diseaseParkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that primarily affects coordination. Generally, it becomes more common as you age, impacting nearly one million Americans. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but many treatment options are available.#clinicalresearch #clinicaltrial

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With an estimated 145,000 people living with Parkinson's in the UK, this #WorldParkinsonDay, Dr Ross Nortley, Consultant Neurologist at Cleveland Clinic London, highlights key information about Parkinson's, from identifying symptoms to treatment options.💬 Overview:Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, which primarily affects movement. The core symptoms of Parkinson's are due to a depletion of brain cells which produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is used by the brain to help control movement.This condition is a disorder of older persons, affecting those over the age of 60. Men are approximately twice as likely to be affected women. Young-onset Parkinson's (symptoms before the age of 40) is uncommon and accounts for only a small proportion of cases.👩⚕️ Symptoms: Parkinson's is characterised by a reduction and slowness of movement, a resting hand tremor (shaking), muscle rigidity and a change to a person's pattern of walking. Other symptoms which may affect patients include alteration of mood, a change to handwriting (becoming smaller), loss of sense of smell and sleep disturbance.🩺Diagnosis:It can be diagnosed from the presence characteristic symptoms and supportive findings from a neurological examination. Brain imaging with an MRI and/or a DaT scan may sometimes be performed to exclude or help diagnose other conditions, which produce symptoms similar to Parkinson's.👨⚕️ Treatment: The symptoms of Parkinson's are treated with medication that mimics the effects that dopamine has in the brain. Patients also benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to their care, where a diverse team of experts work together focused on your needs. The team includes a Parkinson's Nurse Specialist, Physiotherapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Dietician, Occupational Therapist, General Practitioner and a Neurologist. In more advanced Parkinson's, other treatments such as deep brain stimulation may be utilised. Currently, there are no treatments proven to slow down or stop the progression of Parkinson's, but this is a very active area of medical research.❔ Prevention:Why Parkinson's affects some persons, and not others, as they age is not known, but it is thought that an interaction of genetic and environmental factors is likely to be responsible. Regular exercise, a healthy, balanced diet and adequate sleep are recommended general life-style measures which may possibly reduce an individual's risk of developing a degenerative neurological condition such as Parkinson's.Learn more here about our Neurology services: https://lnkd.in/d-n6M6Z8More about Dr Nortley: https://lnkd.in/dSNcs2pC

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Early Signs & Symtoms of Alzheimer's DiseaseAlzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. It is essential to recognize the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease to seek timely medical evaluation and intervention. Keep in mind that experiencing one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a person has Alzheimer's disease, as other conditions can also cause similar signs. If you or a loved one notice any of the following, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation:Memory Loss: One of the most common early signs of Alzheimer's disease is memory loss, particularly recent memory. Forgetting recently learned information, repeating the same questions or statements, and relying on memory aids more frequently are common indicators.Difficulty with Problem-Solving: People with early-stage Alzheimer's may find it challenging to solve problems or follow familiar tasks, such as managing finances or cooking a familiar recipe.Confusion with Time and Place: Alzheimer's can lead to confusion about time, dates, seasons, or places. Patients may forget the day of the week, the month, or how they ended up in a particular location.Language Problems: Individuals with Alzheimer's may struggle to find the right words or have difficulty following and participating in conversations. They might frequently stop mid-sentence and struggle to express themselves.Misplacing Items: Losing or misplacing items more frequently and having difficulty retracing steps to find them is another early sign.Decreased Judgment: Alzheimer's may lead to poor judgment, such as giving away large amounts of money to telemarketers or dressing inappropriately for the weather.Changes in Mood and Personality: People with Alzheimer's disease may experience mood swings, becoming confused, suspicious, anxious, or easily upset. Personality changes, becoming withdrawn or irritable, can also occur.Withdrawal from Hobbies and Social Activities: Early-stage Alzheimer's may lead to a loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or social activities. Patients may start avoiding social interactions or have difficulty participating in conversations.Alzheimer's disease is a complex condition, and the symptoms may vary from person to person. Symptoms can be subtle in the early stages, making diagnosis challenging. If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these signs, seeking medical evaluation from a healthcare professional experienced in memory disorders is crucial for proper diagnosis and care. Early diagnosis allows for appropriate management and access to support services that can help improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.

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