PARKINSON'S DISEASE - What Is It? Are There Any Early Signs That May Help? 👴🏽👵🏽👨🏽👩🏽🧠
Parkinson's is distressing! Can we find signs earlier that may help manage the process better? Let's discuss! Share your comments!
#parkinsonsdisease #parkinsonsawareness #earlydetection #parkinsonstreatment #parkinsonsresearch #muhammadali #michaeljfoxorg #elderlycar #brainhealth #familycaregivers #healthyaging
We know "The Greatest"- Muhammad Ali; Michael .J. Fox from the TV Sitcom "Family Ties" and many more movies, as the 2 most famous spokespersons for Parkinson's Disease; note the extremes of ages: Fox in his 20s and Ali in his 60s/70s.
It seems "not as popular" as Dementia, but thankfully, thanks to extensive Research and increasing awareness, we have more help.
While there is no cure, recent research suggests that we may be able to combine and compare early, subtle signs that Parkinson's may be on its way:
First:, a Definition: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons (nerves in the brain) in a specific area called the substantia nigra- kind of butterfly-shaped area in a part of the brain closely connected to where our thought processes and dream/sleep occurs.
The most well-known signs connected to movement disruption:
1/ Tremor (called a "pin-rolling" tremor)- mainly seen at rest; worse on specific movements ("intention tremor") especially fine movements - buttoning clothes, pulling up zips, hand sewing and the like.
2/ Slowness and reduced movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia) - walking, hand movements.... Limb stiffness (rigidity) and the well=known "shuffle walk".
3/ Difficulty (cautious) walking , and/or a change in walking- (postural instability) - most commonly known as the "shuffle" of Parkinson's.
4/ Limbs get stiffer and almost a "jerky " movement whenever there is an attempt to move, or in Caregiving- bathing or assisting with daily activities.
5/ Non-motor- depression; anxiety, irritability, loss of interest ( this is seen in many other conditions, so it must be in combination with other features)
Are there ANY "early" signs of detecting so that management , and thus quality of life may be enhanced?
Yess!!! New research from a medical article that I recently read, suggests some early, subtle signs:
1/ REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder - especially violent physical or vocal- slapping, kicking, screaming
2/CONSTIPATION: motility disruption; a change from the norm
3/ LOSS of SMELL; even strong odours, such as oranges, coffee, bananas
4/ MICROGRAPHIA- almost the main characteristic - small handwriting, especially with the letters are closer together.
As you observe, you may "notice" what may have been passed up before- TALK about it!
Let us embrace these fundamentals; see each other in an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, empathy and love .
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
.......................................................
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
If you're a Family Caregiver or Physician at your wit's end, I am here for your free 15-minute coaching call- connect by email, or join me on www.lanaslittlethings.com
We gotta stick together!💯
Why Do Persons with Dementia and Alzheimers STOP Eating or Drinking? What to DO? 🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖
#alzheimer #alzheimerawareness #elderlycare #nutritionandlifestyle #nutritionist #healthyaging #brainhealth #seniorcare #familycaregivers #thelonggoodbye
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Dementia and its most common subset, Alzheimer’s disease are neurological brain disorders that cause impairment with memory, thinking skills, and behaviour.
Daunting? Yes!
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖As these diseases progress, they often affect taste, smell and mood, as well making mealtimes and hydration a "battle of wills"😖
Dangers: Dehydration, constipation, infection, frailty, poorer immune system, falls, fractures, death.
Reasons:
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Pain
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Depression and apathy - no desire
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖arthritis in the jaw- eating is just uncomfortable
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Infection especially lungs and bladder - let's not forget anosmia from COVID-19
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Some medication alter taste
🤷🏽♀️🍽️🥤😖Memory Impairment-- they simply forget to eat
What can you do?
🍽️🥤😊 Vary the colours and textures of food and the utensils; use "watery fruit" such as watermelob
🍽️Lightweight cups and mugs are easier to hold
🍽️🥤Be alert to signs of dehydration and when you may need the doctor
🍽️🥤 Seek the advice of the nutritionist
🍽️🥤When nothing works- walk away , cool heads and come back in a few minutes
🍽️🥤Eating is a SOCIAL event-, so eat WITH them- selfcare, comraderie, familiarity.
Let us embrace these "new normals" in an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, empathy and love
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
.........................................................
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
For more insights and connect for a FREE face-to-Face 15 minute Zoom call, and a place where we can connect as Family Caregivers and fellow Physicians on my website: lanaslittlethings.com.
LLT #208 - Music and Dementia - What's the Connection? 🎶🎵👴🏽👵🏽🎷🎹🎺🎼💝
#dementia #dementiacare #alzheimer #alzheimersdisease #alzheimerawareness #elderlycare #healthyaging #brainhealth #seniorcare #familycaregivers #thelonggoodbye
Dementia is an umbrella term for several neurological brain disorders that cause impairment with memory, thinking skills, and behaviour which significantly impair everyday life. This includes Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular, Frontotemporal, Lewy Body and many others.
The reality, which can be very distressing, is its progression, its unpredictability and personally, a sense of loss. It is really "the long goodbye".
Whether early stages or full-blown Alzheimer's disease where verbal communication is gone and it may seem as if your loved one is just "existing".
What role does music play in our lives? Well, think about it; your life: 🎶🎵👴🏽👵🏽🎷🎹🎺🎼💝 🎶🎵👴🏽👵🏽🎷🎹🎺🎼💝
- Is there a "soundtrack" ? A song you go to, that stirs your heart?
- Is there a song that brings back memories?
- Is there a song that stirs your emotions and calms you when you feel anxious?
The same applies to persons with dementia, even when there is no obvious means of communication.
How can music help? Research has shown that music can help with
- Cognition
- Memory and
- Attention and Concentration
It brings back memories long forgotten, stirs emotions, calms agitation and relieves depression and anxiety, improves social connection in early stages; even reduce blood pressure.
Use music anytime the favourite music of your loved one; hold their hand, dance if possible, and have their friends over if feasible.
MUSIC is the soundtrack to our lives; play a tune, sing, dance!
Life is short!
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours💗
Dr. Lana
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PARKINSON'S DISEASE Is There ANY treatment? Let's Talk About It👴🏽👵🏽👨🏽👩🏽🧠
#parkinsonstreatment#parkinsonsdisease#parkinsonsawareness#earlydetection#parkinsonstreatment#parkinsonsresearch#muhammadali#michaeljfoxorg#elderlycar#brainhealth #familycaregivers #healthyaging.................................
We know "The Greatest"- Muhammad Ali; Michael .J. Fox from the TV Sitcom "Family Ties" and many more movies, as the 2 most famous spokespersons for Parkinson's Disease; note the extremes of ages: Fox in his 20s and Ali in his 60s/70s.
It seems "not as popular" as Dementia, but thankfully, thanks to extensive Research and increasing awareness, we have more help..
While there is no cure, recent research suggests that we may be able to combine and compare early, subtle signs that Parkinson's may be on its way:
First:, a Definition: A neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately the dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons (nerves in the brain) in a specific area called the substantia nigra- kind of butterfly-shaped area in a part of the brain closely connected to where our thought processes and dream/sleep occurs.
As you observe, you may "notice" what may have been passed up before- TALK about it!
Research(main) :
/https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons
One day/hour at a time
From my heart to yours always💗
Dr. Lana
........................................................
Overwhelmed? Let's connect: 📧lana@lanaannemd.com
If you're a Family Caregiver or Physician at your wit's end, I am here for your free 15-minute coaching call- connect by email, or join me on www.lanaslittlethings.com
We gotta stick together!💯