We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominantly dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.
One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However, experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.” People should know tremors are not always a symptom of PD, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also, research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms. Although the cause of the disease is not known nor is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Jordan’s mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior living communities. We have built a foundation on honoring God, valuing our seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Set in a warm, loving atmosphere with beautiful surroundings and resort-style amenities, we provide outstanding assisted living and memory care. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease
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We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.
One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However, experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.” People should know tremors are not always a symptom of PD, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also, research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms. Although the cause of the disease is not known nor is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar takes tremendous pride in the reputation we have earned for excellence and authenticity since our inception in 2003. We believe the human capacity to grow, to learn and to contribute is ageless; and we act upon that truth daily, as we care for, inspire, and love the residents under our roof. Contact us to learn more about one of the finest retirement communities in Boulder, CO. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease We often come to think something is true if we hear it stated as if it is a fact. Doctors say this happens in medicine more frequently than we realize. One such disease with lots of misinformation surrounding it is Parkinson’s disease (PD), a neurodegenerative disorder affecting predominantly dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Symptoms develop slowly over years and may include tremors (mainly at rest); bradykinesia (slowness of movement); limb rigidity; and gait and balance problems.
One common misconception regarding PD is it only affects a person’s movement. Doctors explain this is untrue as symptoms can also include: cognitive impairment or dementia, depression and anxiety, sleep dysfunction, pain, apathy, sexual dysfunction, and bowel incontinence. Another thing many people believe is levodopa, one of the most effective treatments for PD, is only effective for a certain amount of time. However, experts say it is not the drug that becomes less potent but the fact that the “key enzyme that converts levodopa to dopamine (aromatic acid decarboxylase or AADC) is predominantly found in the dopamine neurons of the substantia nigra, which are lost during progression of the disease.” People should know tremors are not always a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, and that some people with PD never get them. In terms of the trajectory of the disease, it varies with individuals. Also, research suggests staying physically active can slow progression and reduce symptoms. Although the cause of the disease is not known nor is there a cure for it, there are treatments used to improve symptoms and allow people to have a good quality of life. While current therapies don’t slow or stop PD, researchers are working to identify biomarkers to enable earlier detection and hope to find better treatments. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at RidgeGate proudly provides the very best in independent living, assisted living and memory care with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amid a beautiful setting. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about our exceptional community in Lone Tree, CO. Source: medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-parkinsons-disease Parkinson’s Disease (PD) most often occurs in people age 50 years and older (the average age of onset is 60) and is a progressive, neurodegenerative, movement disorder. The symptoms manifest differently from one person to another and often early symptoms go unnoticed. The progression of the disease also varies with each individual.
If you suspect you have PD, you will need to see a specialist for a thorough examination as there is no specific test to diagnosis the disease and it can easily be misdiagnosed. While there is currently no cure for PD, there are several medications that can help manage your symptoms. Additionally some people undergo surgical therapies that regulate certain regions of the brain and help to ease symptoms. Parkinson’s can affect an individual’s balance, movement, breathing, and heart functions. It usually starts on one side of the body but over time it moves to other side, however, the disease is typically worse on the first side affected. The Michael J. Fox Foundation lists the common motor symptoms associated with PD known as "cardinal" symptoms. These include: · Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) -- slowing down and loss of spontaneous and voluntary movement · Rigidity -- unusual stiffness in a limb or other body part · Resting tremor -- an uncontrollable movement that affects a limb when it is at rest and stops for the duration of a voluntary movement · Postural instability -- problems with standing or walking, or impaired balance and coordination · Other physical symptoms, such as gait problems and reduced facial expression, may also occur due to the same disruption of movement that causes the better-known tremor and slowness Today doctors recognize that PD also causes other symptoms known as "non-motor symptoms" or "dopamine-non-responsive." They include cognitive impairment, mood disorders, constipation and problems with swallowing and speech as well as sleeping. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the area’s finest assisted living and memory care facility. Source:michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with pd/topic.php?symptoms&navid=symptoms It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. In the U.S. alone, nearly one million people will be living with the disease by 2020 and as many as 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. While there is not a cure for the disease, there is treatment; however anyone with symptoms needs to have a medical diagnosis in order to rule out other causes.
The Mayo Clinic’s website provides a list of some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s. The first sign can be a tremor that affects one hand and a person may frequently exhibit a back-and-forth rubbing motion of the thumb and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor. Tremors usually occur while the individual is at rest, and can affect the hands, limbs, and posture. Another common sign of the disease is slowed movement known as bradykinesia. This can worsen over time and eventually affect a person’s ability to walk well or have trouble getting up out of a chair. In some cases one foot may drag, making walking even more challenging. Other symptoms of the disease include rigid muscles and stiffness within any part of the body, and impaired posture and balance that may cause a person to become stooped or lead to falls. The disease can also cause a loss of automatic movements such as blinking, smiling or swinging your arms as you walk. In addition many people experience changes in their speech such as speaking in a monotone or more softly, more quickly or with a slur. Finally many people suffering from Parkinson’s have problems writing. Often their writing becomes smaller and it is more difficult to do because of the tremors. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. The unique mission statement of MorningStar at RidgeGate, “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities. Our foundation is built upon honoring God, valuing all seniors, and investing in staff with a felt calling to serve. Dedicated to creating a real home for residents within a beautiful setting, we encourage you to learn more about our exceptional community. Sources:parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Causes-and-Statistics/Statistics#simple-table-of-contents-3, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028488 It is estimated that more than 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. In the U.S. alone, a million people are living with the disease and as many as 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. While there is not a cure for the disease, there is treatment; however anyone with symptoms needs to have a medical diagnosis in order to rule out other causes.
The Mayo Clinic’s website provides a list of some of the most common symptoms of Parkinson’s. The first sign can be a tremor that affects one hand and a person may frequently exhibit a back-and-forth rubbing motion of the thumb and forefinger known as a pill-rolling tremor. Tremors usually occur while the individual is at rest, and can affect the hands, limbs, and posture. Another common sign of the disease is slowed movement known as bradykinesia. This can worsen over time and eventually affect a person’s ability to walk well or have trouble getting up out of a chair. In some cases one foot may drag, making walking even more challenging. Other symptoms of the disease include rigid muscles and stiffness within any part of the body, and impaired posture and balance that may cause a person to become stooped or lead to falls. The disease can also cause a loss of automatic movements such as blinking, smiling or swinging your arms as you walk. In addition many people experience changes in their speech such as speaking in a monotone or more softly, more quickly or with a slur. Finally many people suffering from Parkinson’s have problems writing. Often their writing becomes smaller and it is more difficult to do because of the tremors. This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand our exceptional community. Source:pdf.org/en/parkinson_statistics mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028488 Forgetfulness is a natural part of aging; however, it is important to recognize the difference between normal forgetfulness and serious memory loss. As we grow older, we may experience problems with things like finding our keys or glasses, remembering names or certain words, and taking longer to learn new things. In most cases this is just mild forgetfulness, and there are things we can do to help sharpen our memory.
Experts recommend that activities such as taking a class, playing cards and word games, or volunteering can all help to improve mental acuity. Also it may be helpful to use memory tools such as calendars and to-do-lists, and to eat well, get plenty of rest and limit your alcohol intake. Tricks like always putting away your day-to-day items in a designated place can be helpful. As depression along with some medications and health conditions can adversely affect memory, it is important to consult with your doctor if problems continue or worsen. The Alzheimer’s Association advises that the type of memory loss that disrupts a person’s everyday life is not normal. From their list of ten signs of Alzheimer’s disease, they state that one of the first sign of Alzheimer’s is trouble remembering newly learned information. Further signs of serious memory problems involve difficulty with daily activities such as driving, shopping, and following conversations. A person may start having trouble following directions; be confused about time, people, and places; and become lost in familiar places. Other signs include changes in personal hygiene and attire as well as not eating well. If you have questions regarding these and the other warning signs found on the Alzheimer’s Association website, they advise consulting your physician. They state that, “early diagnosis provides the best opportunities for treatment, support and future planning.” This post is intended for informational purposes only. Please contact your health care provider with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source:www.alz.org/national/documents/checklist_10signs.pdf If your parent or spouse is suffering from Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, at some point, you may need to find a community that specializes in caring for them. Given the progression of the disease, your loved one may eventually require 24-hour supervised care that is specifically designed to provide the level of safety and care they need.
What important questions should you ask when looking for specialized care for a family member with a dementia related disease? One of their first recommendations is to make sure that the memory care community you are considering is fully equipped to care for the needs of your loved one. In order to determine the level of care your parent or spouse requires, they suggest making a list of their medical and physical needs starting with their level of mobility and do they use a walker or wheelchair? Also besides dementia, what other illnesses or health concerns do they suffer from? It is important to explain any issues your loved one may have regarding aggression or other behaviors. Next you need to ask the community some questions beginning with the staff to resident ratio during the day as well as at night and what type training does the staff go through. Be sure to ask whether there is a nurse on staff and if the place has a visiting physician. Also are residents given an individualized plan? Furthermore, what are the living arrangements and security measures in place to ensure the safety of residents? Do residents have a separate dining area and a safe outdoor space? Now ask questions about the community’s treatment plans and the type of care they provide to residents. Do they engage in programs such as pet, music and/or reminiscence therapy? Are residents grouped according to cognitive level and is there a place for those in the early stages? Finally, after thorough consideration, you may just need to trust your instincts and choose the place you feel will provide the best care for your loved one. This post is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for seeking medical advice. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Source:aplaceformom.com/senior-care-resources/articles/memory-care-checklist For everyone involved, a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a dementia-related disease is heart wrenching. As a family, you are faced with many difficult decisions and that includes deciding what type of living arrangements will best suit your loved one.
At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, our 32 suite Reflection Neighborhood is dedicated to the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Our secure and loving neighborhood can provide the care your family member needs at the onset of the disease through to the most advanced stages where the highest level of care is required. We take a holistic approach to our care, which starts with the utmost respect and compassion for each resident, borne out of a deep understanding of the many pathologies known collectively as dementia, including the most prevalent, Alzheimer’s disease. The creative side of our care begins with learning about each resident. We interview the family to get a thorough understanding of a person’s history and use that knowledge to aid in their care and to develop a trust between the resident and our staff. To help control adverse behaviors associated with the disease, we use a variety of multi-sensory cues, including aromatherapy, to calm and to awaken memories, to support capabilities and to affirm the individual’s dignity and value. Our team works every day to make a difference in the lives of our memory care residents. Please contact us to learn more about our Reflections Neighborhood as well as our MorningStar of Sparks independent and assisted living communities. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. There is often confusion between the definition of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, dementia is not a specific disease. Rather it is the overall term used to describe a wide range of symptoms that cause a decline in memory and other cognitive skills that reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s disease accounts for up to 60 to 80 percent of dementia cases, while vascular dementia, which is caused by the damage from a stroke, is the second most common cause. Other types of dementia may be a result of Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases, and a person may have more than one form of dementia. Thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, brain tumors, medication side effects as well as depression, excessive alcohol us and even infectious diseases can cause dementia-like symptoms; however in these cases, once the problem is correctly diagnosed, it is reversible. This is why health care providers state the importance of getting a professional evaluation to determine the cause of your or your loved one’s symptoms. In addition getting an accurate diagnosis at the onset of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia allows the person to receive the maximum benefit from the available treatments. Furthermore, it gives the person time to plan for their future. At MorningStar Senior Living of Sparks, we offer 128 graciously appointed suites for independent living and 80 suites for assisted living for those that need a helping hand with daily living activities. In our Reflections Neighborhood, we devote 32 secure suites to the individualized care for residents with memory impairment from Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. We offer residents a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community and provide a whole range of resort-style amenities and wellness programs. MorningStar of Sparks’ unique mission statement “to honor, to serve, to invest” sets us apart from other senior communities. Committed to creating a true home for residents within a gorgeous setting, our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing our seniors and hiring staff with a felt calling to serve. We invite you to schedule a visit to learn more about our exceptional senior living. Sources:.alz.org/what-is-dementia.asp well.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/08/16/ask-well-is-dementia-the-same-as-alzheimers-disease/?rref=collection%2Fcolumn%2Fask-well&action=click&contentCollection=well®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=12&pgtype=collection |
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