Parkinson's Disease
Monday, 29 March 2010 18:09
Parkinson's Disease is a chronic disease of the brain and this article is hopefully going to dispel a few myths and misunderstandings
First of all Parkinson's Disease does not affect memory or mental alertness but because part of the brain that governs the movement of muscles is affected, the physical aspects of the disease is what are seen. It usually affects people over 50 but can affect any age ( Michael J Fox the film star has Parkinsons)
The physical symptoms can include tremor, the shaking of the hands that most people associate with Parkinsons but that is not always so.
The brain cells affected normally help to produce smooth coordinated movement of muscles so what develops are the following
Symptoms
- Slowness of movement more of an effort to walk or get out of a chair
- Stiffness rigidity of muscles: this can be seen in the face and again in walking
- Shaking and Tremor not always present, but usually affects the hands, fingers and arms: tends to lessen if you are using the hands to pick up an object
Symptoms come on slowly and may be confused with old age, but Parkinson's Disease is treatable with modern drugs.
The part of the brain that is affected by Parkinsons produces too little of the chemical transmitter the coordinates muscle, so the drugs that are taken mimic the action of this chemical transmitter, slowing the onset of symptoms.
advice
Your Murrays's Pharmacist can give you lots more information and advice if you have been diagnosed. As well as drug treatments, if you have been diagnosed, then you can also help yourself:
- Stay as active as possible, you may be a bit slower but it is important to take a daily walk to loosen muscles.
- Try to do as much as you can for yourself and politely refuse offers of help if you can do a job yourself, albeit a bit slower.
- Eat healthily with plenty of fruit and veg, and try to drink plenty of water or soft drinks.
- Don't hesitate to alter your physical environment to help. eg a higher chair to help getting up.
There is a Specialist Nurse at the Parkinson Disease Clinic and they can give you lots of advice and information.
Also The Parkinson's Disease Society: Telephone: 0808 800 0303, Website: www.parkinsons.org.uk.
The Furness Branch meet at the Coronation Hall, Ulverston on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7pm (contact Carolyn Dykes on: 0844 225 3655 email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Of course your Murray's Pharmacist has lots of information available.
