Neurology & Health
True or False. Individuals with Parkinson's Disease act the same on a daily basis.
False, the impact of Parkinson’s disease can be unpredictable and it is common for people to have good days and bad days.
What is the most common symptom of Parkinson's Disease?
Tremors
More than 75 percent of people with PD report ____-related symptoms. This early sign of PD can be incredibly intrusive to quality of life.
Sleep
Parkinson's Disease is known to worsen over time. This type of disease is known as what?
progressive (neuro-degenerative)
Name 2 topics or activities that this support group has discussed or completed within the past year.
How Parkinson's Disease Affects Swallowing
Trivia
Coping Mechanisms
Recipe Exchange
Gratitude Reflection/Mindfulness
Christmas Party w/ Stroke SG
Caregiving for People w/ PD
St. Patrick's Day Crafts & FMC
Preparing for Progressive Care - Community Resources
Care and Share - Discussing Personal Experiences
Non-motor symptoms research presentation
Rock Steady Boxing
What is considered the “gold standard” in PD medications?
Carbidopa/levodopa (brand name Sinemet)
Bradykinesia is a common symptom of Parkinson's Disease. What does this mean?
Slowness of movement (inability to perform rapid, alternating movements).
The feeling of deep tiredness that does not improve with rest is a common PD symptom. What is this symptom known as?
Fatigue
Parkinson's Disease is more commonly found in males or females?
Males
Does Parkinson's Disease have a cure? If so, what is it?
Unfortunately, there is no current cure for Parkinson's Disease (it is chronic). There are treatments to delay and decrease the progression of the disease and its symptoms.
For some people, the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement) are caused by other conditions and health problems. What is the term for this?
Doctors tend to refer to this as Parkinsonism rather than Parkinson’s Disease.
Individuals with Parkinson's disease often have complications with walking. What is this called?
Shuffled gait
Up to 30 percent of all people with Parkinson's report changes in their memory and thinking ability. Name 1 symptom that impacts thinking changes.
Cognitive changes, dementia, or delusions/hallucinations
How is Parkinson's Disease diagnosed?
Observation. Physicians rely on a neurological examination and the individual’s descriptions of symptoms to determine whether an individual has Parkinson’s Disease.
Who first described Parkinson's Disease? (First and Last Name)
James Parkinson
With Parkinson's Disease, the brain’s ability to produce a neurotransmitter is greatly affected. What is the name of the primary neurotransmitter that is predominantly affected?
Dopamine
Name the three types of tremors found with Parkinson's Disease.
Resting (at rest), postural (while holding a pose), action/intention (while giving attention to a task).
As many as 80 percent of people with PD can experience a broad range of digestive issues. Name 1 symptom that impacts digestive issues.
Constipation and nausea, urinary incontinence, or weight management
Do individuals die from Parkinson's Disease?
No. Though Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder it is not considered to be a fatal disease.
Which state has the lowest prevalence of people with PD in it?
According to the Parkinson’s Foundation Parkinson’s Prevalence Project, Alaska has the fewest people with PD in it (1,660).
In Parkinson's Disease, neurons of the brain area known as the _______ (Latin for "black substance") are primarily affected.
Substantia Nigra
"TRAP" stands for a way to remember the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease. What does each initial of “TRAP” mean?
TREMOR (involuntary trembling of the limbs), RIGIDITY (stiffness of the muscles), AKINESIA (lack of movement or slowness in initiating and maintaining movement), POSTURAL instability (bending or flexion of the body, associated with difficulty in balance and disturbances in gait)
There are many ways to treat non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s besides medications. Name 3 techniques.
Exercise, dietary modifications, psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), physical or occupational therapy, and more.
Can Parkinson’s Disease be prevented?
No, Parkinson's Disease cannot be prevented. Research has shown that people who eat more fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, fish, omega-3 rich oils, and less red meat and dairy may have some protection against Parkinson's disease. Research is currently being studied as to why.
Within 5,000, how many people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease each year in the US?
Nearly 90,000