Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is not a fatal disease, however debilitating it may become, a patient can still help to manage their future as it slowly advances.
PD is the result of genes, environmental and lifestyle influences combined that spark the slow deterioration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine. And we need dopamine! Besides making us feel good, it helps nerve cells send messages to each other.
How the combination of genes, environment and lifestyle behave together determines if someone will develop the disease. Therefore, it is a highly variable disease for each person with a progression that is also unique where doctors are unable to foresee its progress with precision. Research from the Parkinson Foundation finds that exercise, sleep, and adequate nutrition can improve your disease at every stage. Stay fit. Eat right. Sleep often.
Who has Parkinson’s Disease?
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Nearly one million people in the U.S. are living with PD and rising to 1.2 million by 2030.
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Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year.
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More than 10 million people worldwide are living with PD.
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Incidence of Parkinson’s disease increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50.
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Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson’s disease than women.
Source: Parkinson Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation is making headway by launching an aggressive campaign to raise funds for research and development to aid in the symptoms and find a cure. They also believe in building a strong community that provides support to those affected by this debilitating disease. PD symptoms fluctuate, and not all of them are visible. Exercise is particularly important for improving mobility, stamina, mood, and quality of life. Keeping a diary of symptoms helps in determining the medication and progression of the disease.
Make Parkinson’s Awareness Month Count!
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Educate yourself and raise awareness.
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Exercise and inspire those around you to do the same.
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Participate in fundraising for research to end this disease.
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Support the idea of keeping a diary of the progression of the disease.
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Stay hopeful and courageous.
A generous amount of information can be found on the Parkinson’s Foundation website. Learn about the 4 year, $30 million campaign to raise funds for research and development. Find out how these funds are already accelerating the development of new treatments and early-stage drug production. Besides investing in expanding accessibility of care, funds will be invested in growing the community that helps those affected by the disease.
At Talem Home Care, we are a strong community of caregivers! As Parkinson’s slowly progresses taking over a person’s well-being, our commitment to all who are touched by this disease must be to continue to deliver quality care satisfying loved one’s expectations in caring for our clients.
Let Parkinson’s Awareness Month be a time we celebrate the general practitioner, James Parkinson, who the disease is named after, for his contributions and sensitivity to those afflicted with this disease. He educated us with his published piece, “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy,” where he showed us his deep understanding of the disease and the compassion he felt for those living with it. Let us fill our homes and office space with red tulips, the flower designated by J.W.S. Van der Wereld, a Dutch horticulturalist who suffered from PD. May the tulips allow us to reflect on those living with this debilitating disease.
Help is available- and a phone call away
Talem Home Care providers can help provide care for people suffering with Parkinson’s Disease, often in the patient’s own home. We offer many levels of care so that regardless of what is needed, Talem will deliver. From simple check-in’s a few times a week, an hour or more a day, or round the clock care, Talem Home Care is ready to help.
Did you know that even if you are not a professional caregiver, but are providing care to a family member in your (or their) home, you may qualify to be compensated? Give us a call at 720-664-8711 to set up an appointment for a free consultation. We will discuss what you need, answer your questions and give you an idea of what to expect. You may also visit us online at https://www.talemhomecare.com/ for more information on the services we offer.
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