Parkinson’s – Discussion Group and Education Series
November 2, 2022
Open Discussion
Floor Exercises
Several group participants have responded positively to adding a floor exercise class. However, there are concerns that some people won’t be able to get back up off the floor. The Bear Crawl was mentioned as a technique that addresses this issue and Patrick has a video on his website that demonstrates ways to go from floor to knees, not straight to standing. Depending on the person, strengthening of the ankles and/or knees may be needed.
Parkinson’s Disease – Miscellaneous
Lewy body dementia (LBD) is a disease associated with abnormal deposits of a protein called alpha-synuclein in the brain. These deposits, called Lewy bodies, affect chemicals in the brain whose changes, in turn, can lead to problems with thinking, movement, behavior, and mood. Lewy body dementia is one of the most common causes of dementia.
DaTscan is an imaging test to help diagnose PD. In this test, a radioactive tracer, known as DaTscan, is injected into the blood, where it circulates around the body and makes its way into the brain. It attaches itself to the dopamine transporter, a molecule found on dopamine neurons. Several hours after the tracer has been injected, special imaging equipment scans the head to detect the presence of DaTscan. DaTscan
Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) is an enzyme in the body that breaks down several chemicals in the brain, including dopamine. An MAO-B inhibitor makes more dopamine available to the brain. This can modestly improve many PD movement symptoms.
Sleep Issues are a common symptom of PD. Too much, too little, fragmented, etc. can have an impact on your quality of life. The source article enumerates several tips for addressing sleep problems. Can’t Sleep? Here’s a link to a NYTimes article
If you don’t have a NYTimes subscription CLICK HERE to download a PDF of the article.
There are many new ways to treat the various aspects of Parkinson’s disease. None of these are aimed to cure PD but to obtain a greater quality of life as you live with it.
Driving
A discussion about driving, who does and doesn’t drive. Each state may have a different law regarding the legality of driving with PD. You want to make sure no one gets hurt. If available have someone give you a “test” and listen to their suggestions and advice.
Telling People
A discussion about when to tell your family, friends, and co-workers that you have PD ensued. Some places may require you to disclose medical issues, however they cannot discriminate on this basis. In the end – you have to do what feels right for you.
Source Links
Lewy Body
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/what-lewy-body-dementia-causes-symptoms-and-treatments
DaTscan
MAO-B
https://www.parkinson.org/living-with-parkinsons/treatment/prescription-medications/mao-b-inhibitors#:~:text=Monoamine%20oxidase%2DB%20(MAO%2D,improve%20many%20PD%20movement%20symptoms.
Can’t Sleep
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/01/well/better-sleep-tips.html?smid=url-share
