If you were asked to stop for a moment and think about the term “Parkinson’s Disease” (PD) or the term “Shaking Palsy,” what would be the first image that comes to mind?
It is likely you visualize someone shaking. According to several studies on PD, it is found that many individuals correlate the condition to miscommunications between the brain and the muscles. As Dr. James Parkinson first coined the term ‘shaking palsy’ in 1817, he goes further to explain the progressive condition. As with many neurological disorders, a neurotransmitter is miscommunicating information to the body. In this case, the neurotransmitter of focus is dopamine, which controls and coordinates signals between the brain and nervous system. The nervous system then controls and coordinates body functions. As the disease continues, the supply of dopamine starts to deplete, which is demonstrated through both motor and non-motor symptoms. Although the condition has been slow to obtain research and suggested interventions, strong efforts have been made to help us understand the complexities of living with Parkinson’s Disease.
Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms of PD
Many people are aware of the motor symptoms associated with the disease; however, many lack knowledge about the non-motor symptoms. The four main motor symptoms of PD are:
- Bradykinesia: slow movement
- Rigidity: stiffness of the arms, legs, or neck
- Tremors
- Postural instability: balance issues
According to one study done, 60% of the individuals expressed that most of their symptoms consisted of restless legs and the non-motor symptoms of constipation, feelings of sadness, low blood pressure, memory disturbances, and drooling. Interestingly, 37.8% responded that they were unaware of the correlation between the non-motor symptoms and Parkinson’s disease. Additional factors of losing independence and autonomy also put individuals at a high risk of developing depression and/or social isolation.
Improving Quality of Life for Individuals Living with Parkinson’s Disease
Although research is still developing, some recommendations have been found to improve the quality of life and promote successful outcomes in aging for individuals living with Parkinson’s Disease. One such recommendation involves a multidisciplinary approach to PD. This multidisciplinary approach includes accessing medical care and medication promptly/timely, following your medical providers’ recommendations and prescriptions, looking into physiotherapy and occupational therapies in daily routines, and exploring holistic approaches that can be applied to address the overall well-being of the individual going through this experience (Crooks, et al., 2023).
In the above-referenced study, it was concluded that about 60% of the participants wanted more reliable information about Parkinson’s disease; however, they were at a loss on where to find it. (Sang-Myung, Min-Soo, Min Jeong, & Jaw Woo , 2008). April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month, so take some time and explore St. Louis-based organizations found to provide support, which includes (but are not limited to):
American Parkinson Disease Association St. Louis Missouri Chapter
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis Parkinson’s Disease Rehabilitation
Barnes-Jewish Hospital Neurology and Neurosurgery
Sources:
Crooks, S., Carter, G., Wilson, C. B., Wynne, L., Stark, P., Doumas, M., . . . Mitchell, G. (2023). Exploring public perceptions and awareness of Parkinson’s disease: A scoping review. PLOS ONE, 1-19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0291357
Sang-Myung, C., Min-Soo, H., Min Jeong, P., & Jaw Woo , K. (2008). Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease: Prevalence and awareness of patients and families. Parkinsonism and Related Disorders, 286-290. doi::10.1016/j.parkreldis.2007.09.002
https://med.stanford.edu/parkinsons/symptoms-PD/non-motor-symptoms.html
Blog Written by former VOYCE Intern Kaylee Berger, with editing by Shelby Collier, Event Coordinator.
My Partner, who is 66 years old, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease last year. We noticed that he was experiencing hallucinations, slow movement, disturbed sleep, and twitchy hands and legs when at rest. He had to stop taking pramipexole (Sifrol), carbidopa/levodopa, and 2 mg of biperiden because of side effects. Our family doctor recommended a PD-5 treatment from natural herbs centre which my husband has been undergoing for several months now. Exercise has been very beneficial. He has shown great improvement with the treatment thus far. He is more active now, does more, and feels less apathetic. He has more energy and can do more activities in a day than he did before. As far as tremors I observe a progress, he improved drastically. I thought I would share my husband’s story in case it could be helpful, but ultimately you have to figure out what works best for you. Salutations and well wishes
Hi Caroline,
It is so wonderful to hear your husband has made such great improvement with your choice of medicine. I am very happy to read this. It gives me great hope. I am very interested in learning more about the plan your husband is currently using for Parkinson’s. My husband was diagnosed several years ago. His started with just a tremor and so far hasn’t progressed much, thank God. But I know we will be heading in a different path and I want to be more educated on any choices he may have for treatment. I, myself, am not a person who likes to take medicine if at all possible. I try more holistic approaches first. Do you have a link or phone number or email as to someone I could contact about more information? Thank you so much. I pray things for you and your husband stay well.
Thank You for Charing My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease this summer (2024) you mentioned something about Natural Herbs. Can you give me some names of them. Thank You Kay R.
Thank you. that was helpful. I’ve been referred to a neurologist for diagnosis, but can see that I have al the 4 major symptoms. My appointment is still 3 months off.
My husband was dignoised this year with Parkinson but I believe he had it in 2023 , he was falling alot he was in the hospital this year for 2 weeks we did not know what was going on until they dignoised , he is on medication, he is doing ok but I feel he needs to excerise more he claims he is tired and does not sleep at night, so this coming wednesday he has an appt with the neroglist and I will see what more can be done. any advise you can provide would appreciate that
I have Parkinson’s and have had Deep Brain Stimulation surgery last year. Unfortunately I now have FoG freezing of gait. Any suggestions for this as I can’t walk unless I have a walk or cane.