Discover Parkinson’s Disease Management Strategies with Unified Rehabilitation
Nearly 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year in the United States. Approximately 1 million people are currently living with Parkinson’s – a number that is expected to grow. Effective Parkinson’s disease management requires a dynamic approach to help patients maintain their quality of life. At Unified Rehabilitation in Winter Garden, FL, we center our programs around evidence-based treatments, including physical therapy, social support, and lifestyle adjustments, so patients can achieve their goals.
In this blog post, we’ll learn about common causes, risk factors, and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Then, we’ll explore a range of treatment options available for those with the condition.
Keep reading to discover effective Parkinson’s disease treatment options.
What to Know Before Beginning Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease Management
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. A tremor may be the most well-known sign of the disease, but it can also lead to joint stiffness and slower movement. Each person’s experience is unique, and other signs of Parkinson’s disease include:
- Difficulty walking and talking
- Mental and behavioral changes
- Difficulty sleeping
- Depression
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of bowel and bladder control
Causes and Risk Factors
Parkinson’s disease occurs when neurons (nerve cells) that produce dopamine start to malfunction and die. Dopamine acts as a messenger between the parts of the brain and nervous system that help control and coordinate body movements. The reduction in dopamine leads to the characteristic signs of Parkinson’s disease.
The exact cause of this malfunction in neurons is unknown, but risk factors are believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental contributors.
- Age: Onset typically occurs in mid to late life, and the risk increases as we get older.
- Heredity: Having a close relative with Parkinson’s disease increases the chances that you can develop the disease.
- Gender: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.
- Environmental Factors: Ongoing exposure to toxins like herbicides and pesticides may slightly increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease often lead to limb rigidity and gait and balance problems. These symptoms lead to difficulties with daily activities, including self-care and social interactions. Non-motor symptoms, such as lack of sleep and cognitive decline, can lead to emotional and mental health concerns, such as anxiety and depression.
There IS Good News
While the medical community has yet to discover a cure, there is significant support and awareness around the research. Our team focuses on quality care for our patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease, which includes a combination of methods.
Therapies
Our therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients improve their movement abilities and make adjustments to improve their daily lives.
- Physical Therapy: Improve mobility, range of motion, and balance through prescribed movements, manual therapy, and targeted exercises.
- Occupational Therapy: Practical adjustments to enhance the development and maintenance of daily living for confidence, independence, and improved quality of life.
- Speech Therapy: Help with speech, communication, and swallowing difficulties to enhance your ability to communicate feelings, thoughts, and needs effectively.
Holistic Approaches
Exercise is one of the most important ways to manage symptoms related to Parkinson’s. Recent research has shown that lifting weights and aerobic exercises is a safe and effective way to improve stability and confidence for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Neurological diseases like Parkinson’s affect more than just physical aspects of daily life. Our team knows the importance of emotional health and the link between diet and the way we feel. We coach our patients and their care teams on a balanced diet to help manage symptoms and improve overall health.
Parkinson’s Disease Management with Unified Rehabilitation
If you or a loved one is affected by Parkinson’s disease, give us a call today to discover effective treatment options. Your journey to better health begins here.