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Parkinsons Disease Early DetectionApril is Parkinsons Awareness Month. Parkinsons disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimers. Most people will develop symptoms of Parkinsons disease around age 60. At Healthcare Network, within our senior primary care services, we watch for signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease as well as all potential illnesses that impact seniors.Early detection of Parkinsons disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 1 million Americans, is important to slowing disease progression. But many other illnesses share similar symptoms with Parkinsons disease, including slowness, stiffness, tremors and imbalance. Age can make people more prone to falls and certain diseases, even without Parkinsons disease.Sometimes, people dismiss early symptoms of Parkinsons as the effects of normal aging. Therefore, it is especially important for seniors to establish a relationship and health history with a primary care team who can detect potential health problems early before they become severe. About 85% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition. Sixty percent have at least two chronic conditions.Importance of a Primary Care Physician in Treating Parkinsons DiseaseSeveral healthcare professionals are needed to effectively manage Parkinsons disease and its impacts on quality of life, according to ParkinsonsDisease.net. For example, primary care providers focus on immediate and overall health needs while helping patients manage symptoms of the disease. Primary care providers often also coordinate care with other health professionals including neurologists and movement disorder specialists who assess disease progression and prescribe medications.Overall, primary care physicians (PCPs) play a key role in senior care because they know the patients history and background. The PCP is often the first point of contact for the patients and provides comprehensive care for chronic, preventive and acute conditions, according to ParkinsonsDisease.net.In addition, recent surveys have shown that strong patient-physician relationships result in healthier outcomes. Your PCP can connect the dots, spending less time on your past and more time on the future.Research has shown that people who live in states that have more primary care physicians have better health outcomes. This includes fewer deaths from cancer, heart disease or stroke. In a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, respondents with primary care received more high-value care compared with those without primary care. Enhanced treatment included filling prescriptions, routine preventive visits and screenings.According to Harvard Health, PCPs work in teams that keep the patient as the center of all diagnostic and treatment activities. The explosion of medical knowledge and treatment alternatives makes it important to have a primary care provider to interpret and advise on the best course of action.Senior Care Helps to Manage Multiple ConditionsParkinsons disease occurs when nerve cells around the brain that controls movement become impaired and/or die. As the disease progresses and changes, so do care needs. Establishing care with a PCP provides continuity and consistency in care that can help Parkinsons patients avoid using costly urgent care or emergency rooms for acute needs.In addition, many people with Parkinsons disease experience mood disorders because of their condition. Our integrated mental and behavioral health model, where medical and mental health professionals work side-by-side, allows these concerns to be addressed seamlessly during primary care visits.Another advantage of having a dedicated PCP when dealing with Parkinsons is they can watch for the impact of medication changes, infections, dehydration, sleep deprivation, stress and other medical conditions that can worsen Parkinsons disease symptoms. A PCP can consider other conditions and medications and adjust with the patients overall health in mind.People with Parkinsons can expect to live almost as long as those who do not have the disorder. Medications, as well as physical and occupational therapy, can improve a persons quality of life. Early detection and coordinated care are key to reducing complications. By being aware of the common chronic conditions associated with aging, your PCP can take steps to practice smart preventative care, manage complex chronic conditions like Parkinsons and improve health outcomes.Make an AppointmentTo make an appointment at one of our many locations with a care provider, call 239-658-3000. Already a patient of Healthcare Network? Visit our secure Patient Portal to access medical information, request appointments, and manage prescriptions 24/7. Learn more.About AuthorDr. Reiner Ramirez is a Healthcare Network family care provider who focuses on specific health concerns faced by seniors. Healthcare Network provides integrated health where medical and mental health professionals work side-by-side to address patients physical, mental and emotional health.

Parkinsons: What do I need to know?April is Parkinsons Awareness month, with April 11 being World Parkinsons Day.  Parkinsons is a type of dementia that impacts motor function and is degenerative.  Currently there is still no known cure for Parkinsons disease.   What is Parkinsons disease?According to the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (movementdisorders.org), Parkinsons disease is a neurogenerative disorder characterized primarily by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra part of the brain. SymptomsGenerally, symptoms develop on one side slowly over years, but the progression may differ due to the diversity of the disease.  People with PD may experience the following:   tremor, mainly at rest (described as pill rolling tremor in hands  bradykinesia  limb rigidity  gait and balance problems.Non-motor symptomsCommon Neuropsychiatric symptoms are:   mood disturbances  cognitive changes  autonomic dysfunction  pain  sleep issues  anxiety  apathyPrevalence is approx. 200 cases in 100K population, and about 25 cases per 100,000 population.  When motor manifestations appear, people with PD have lost more than 50% of nigral dopamine cells suggesting that pathological changes may begin several decades before the appearance of clinical signs.  Causes of Parkinsons diseaseIt is believed that Parkinsons disease is multifactorial. Contributing factors are:  Hereditary predisposition  Environmental toxins  Aging  Genetic mutations (GBA, LRRK2, PRKN, SNCA)DiagnosisDiagnosis is still clinical and based on motor manifestations.  A brain MRI or CT and molecular imaging of the striatum may be performed to support clinical evaluation.TreatmentLevodopa has remained the cornerstone of PD treatment for more than 50 years.  The challenge is after a few years of treatment the benefit lessons and motor complications appear in many patients due to disease progression.  The introduction of many other medications including inhibitors and dopamine agonists have been developed due to this decline.  More recently, surgical and infusion therapies have become available to improve management in selective patients with motor complications. Surgery options include:  deep brain stimulation.  drug infusions based on the possibility to deliver continuously either levodopa or apomorphine.Treatment noted is based on research according to Marcello Merello, MD Director of Neuroscience Dept. Head Movement Disorders Section Institute for Neurological Research Raul Carrea (FLENI) 2019 Updated by Angelo Antonini, MD, PhD Professor, Department of Neuroscience University of Padula, Italy.Parkinsonism (movementdisorders.org)A defining feature of Parkinsonism is bradykinesia (slowness with decrement and degradation of repetitive movements (Fatigue). Subtle bradykinesia is known to occur in the normal elderly population. The most common neuro degenerative cause of parkinsonism is Parkinsons disease.  Other causes include multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, and corticobasal degeneration.  Often called Parkinson-plus syndromes, they do not respond as well to dopaminergic treatments and generally have worse prognosis compared to typical PD. Parkinsonism can also be symptomatic because of various vascular drug related, infectious, toxic, structural, and other known secondary causes.  Vascular Parkinsonism tends to have a lower body emphasis with gait disturbance and concomitant cognitive impairment.Where to get helpWe are fortunate to have a Dallas Area Parkinsons Society (DAPS).  The DAPS provides not only information, but also hosts exercise groups and activities throughout the metroplex.  Several churches and senior centers also host Parkinson support groups and wellness classes. Dallas Area Parkinson Society | Home (daps.org)Parkinson's Disease Support Groups (verywellhealth.com)  American Parkinson Disease Association  DailyStrength Parkinsons Disease Support Group  Parkinsons Foundation  PatientsLikeMe  Parkinsons Movement Disorder and Alliance  Parkinsons Community  NeuroTalkAdult Day Cares and Assisted Living Communities often provide respite services for those with Parkinsons or other conditions requiring activities of daily living (ADL) care support.How can I help?The Michael J Fox organization provides free scratch and sniff tests that help researchers learn more about Parkinsons risks and contribute to research on the disease. (michaeljfox.org)Regardless of if you are reading this because you or a loved one has been impacted by Parkinsons disease or if you are just wanting to learn more, we hope that you are able to get the support you need and/or find ways to help cope Britt Hemsell  Ruby Care Senior Living Advisor & Blog ContributorResources:International and Movement Disorder Society https://www.movementdisorders.org7 Parkinson's Disease Support Groups of 2023 (verywellhealth.com)American Parkinson Disease Association  https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/Dallas Area Parkinson Society | Home (daps.org)Some Adult Day Cares in DFW:  Friends Place Adult Day Care Richardson 972-437-2940

April is Parkinsons Awareness Month. The second most common neuro-degenerative disease in the country behind Alzheimers, Parkinsons disease affects millions of Americans. While there is no cure, it is possible to live a full life with the disease.Commonly known for its movement or motor-related symptoms, such as tremors, abnormally slow movements, shaking, lack of facial expression, involuntary movements or freezing, Parkinsons disease also has non-motor symptoms like apathy, depression, sleep behavior disorders, loss of sense of smell and cognitive impairment.One of the most difficult aspects of dealing with Parkinsons is that everyones disease progresses differently. Symptoms can develop slowly over years and the order in which they appear can vary from person to person. That often makes it hard to diagnose, which can be very frustrating. Symptoms to be aware of include slowness of movement and rigidity; difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and speaking; cognitive impairment and dementia; and mood disorders.The good news is that there are ways to slow the progression of Parkinsons and preserve a high quality of life. As a gerontologist someone who specializes in aging and owner of a non-medical homecare company, Ive made it a point to help spread awareness of Parkinsons and share ways to help people with Parkinsons. SYNERGY Homecare has an educational partnership with the Parkinsons Foundation and we are fortunate to have access to tremendous information and resources.One of the most important things to know is that exercise and activity are key. According to the Parkinsons Outcomes Project, the largest clinical study of Parkinsons disease through the foundations Centers of Excellence network, increasing physical activity to at least 2.5 hours a week can help slow decline in quality of life.People living with Parkinsons disease should also keep up with their therapy regiments. Caregivers can help them stick to prescribed physical therapy exercises, occupational therapy, recommended daily living modifications and speech exercises. This can include gait and balance training, resistance training and regular exercise.Having a physical as well as emotional support system can make a huge difference for people with Parkinsons. In the early stages of Parkinsons, people typically require emotional support more than anything else as they get a handle on having a progressive disease.In order to preserve a high quality of life, its important to let someone with Parkinsons disease maintain their independence for as long as possible. As the disease progresses, some activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating and bathing, may require workarounds and there are multiple ideas and suggestions for adaptations on the Parkinsons Foundations website such as:Movement Tremors can make walking difficult Take care of the home, clear things off the floors, arrange furniture in a way that promotes easy access and safety Encourage doctor recommended exercises as well as facial exercises Activities like singing, dancing, or reading aloudBasic grooming Daily hygiene is greatly affected by hand tremors Opt for an electric toothbrush over a manual one Opt for an electric razor over a manual one If balance is off, try sitting down while brushing or shaving.Bathing Stand-in showers are much easier to access than tubs Shower stools also help, especially when unsteadyDressing Opt for clothes that are easier to put on Elastic waistbands Velcro Dress the side most affected first Avoid button-ups and lacesEnsuring a high quality of life with Parkinsons is possible thanks to a complementary approach that includes medications, regular activity and modifications for activities of daily living. If you have any questions, please call Synergy HomeCare - Boulder at 303-465-4663.