This month marks Parkinson’s Awareness Month. This provides an opportunity to increase awareness about the condition and its symptoms, as well as to support people living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD).
Parkinson’s Disease is a long-term disorder primarily impacting the section of the brain that controls the motor system.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?
With over 50 symptoms, PD is complex, misunderstood and often misdiagnosed.
Motor symptoms like trembling, stiffness, and rigidity are usually associated with PD. The symptoms begin gradually and become worse over time. As PD progresses, people may have difficulty communicating and moving around. They may also be impacted by mental and behavioural changes, depression, sleep issues, memory difficulties, and fatigue.
Since PD is a complex disease involving both motor and non-motor symptoms, there is strong research interest in the effectiveness of multidisciplinary teams in delivering Parkinson’s therapies and support.
What causes PD?
Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms occur when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement, become impaired and/or die.
These nerve cells or neurons normally produce an important brain chemical called dopamine. When these neurons become impaired or die they produce less or no dopamine, which then causes movement problems. Unfortunately, Scientists still do not know what causes the neurons to die.
Here’s how we can help
At Recovery Station, our phenomenal allied health clinicians work closely with our clients and help treat and manage the symptoms they experience.
Our experienced Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists help improve movement quality, muscular strength and endurance, balance, mobility and walking speed. Physio’s may also be able to provide equipment aids to enhance the safe mobility and independence of our PD clients.
Speech Pathologists provide support with verbal and nonverbal techniques, help minimise swallowing issues, develop and implement meal time management plans and support clients to improve vocal volume and speaking mechanics.
Mental Health OT’s support our clients with anxiety, depression, hallucinations and sleep issues and much more.
Occupational Therapists provide functional assessments and ongoing home visits that can assist with retraining daily living skills or adapting the task or environment that the client is having difficulty with. This could include prescribing equipment, and home or car modifications.
Our stellar multidisciplinary dream team works closely and collaboratively to improve outcomes for PD clients – and their carers and families.
To talk to our team, you can reach out to Recovery Station on 1300 588 851.
Until next time,
