Saturday, March 23, 2024

Crafts For Parkinson’s Patients

How Do I Get Started

Making knickers for Parkinson’s | Life with Parkinson’s #29

The following may help you to begin exploring the opportunities art can bring.

  • Experiment with a variety of different types of art and find those which most stimulate and uplift you and aid movement. Be patient if this takes time.
  • Visit local groups, especially those run by trained art therapists.
  • Go to art galleries or other public shows to explore new ideas and build on your experiences.
  • Build up a picture or photo album of paintings and other art that inspires you and turn to this when you need inspiration or motivation.
  • Practice at home any techniques or activities you have learned in groups. Many have a carry over effect so the benefits can be felt beyond the period of activity.

What Are The Benefits

Art therapy may be able to help restore some functional independence and improve the quality of life for people with Parkinsons.1

In treating PD and other conditions it has been reported to improve mood and self-confidence, improve creativity and motor skills and general quality of life. These benefits can be intangible for some, but studies have measured specific improvements in psychosocial well-being including:2,3,5

  • Increased pleasure
  • Mind-body connection
  • Strengthening concentration

The art studio offers a safe space where people find the ability to relax and shift the focus away from their disability. For those with voice impairments it permits non-verbal forms of communication. Everyone has the ability to concentrate on other forms of expression, including social and emotional connections.

Art therapy helps people with Parkinsons better understand their emotions and express them creatively. Improvements in cognitive thought, confidence, and social interaction contribute to ongoing improvement in mental and physical well-being.2

Stimulating Activities For Elderly People With Parkinsons

By 9 am on March 8, 2018

Parkinsons disease can negatively affect many aspects of a seniors life, but staying actively engaged can alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the disease. With careful planning, family caregivers can find various activities that are less intrusive and can be performed in moderation. Here are some safe and engaging activities that seniors with Parkinsons should try.

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Art Saves My Life Everyday

When artist Alex Echo was diagnosed with Parkinsons, he found art was a way to focus on the moment and forget about his worries.

Thats why hes designed a new range of homewares and kids T-shirts with Next. And 100% of the profits are going to Parkinsons UK. Find out more about Alex and explore our partnership with Next.

Finish This Article And Find More Like It

Acrylic and cling wrap is a very good project for ...

The rest of Sophie Canadés article and much more can be found in a powerful new edition of our free Every Victory Counts® manual. Our Every Victory Counts® manual gives people living with Parkinsons, their care partners and their family members the tools they need to take control of their own Parkinsons treatment through a proactive approach to self-care.

Every Victory Counts

Request your copy of the new Every Victory Counts manual by clicking the button below.

Thank you to the Every Victory Counts manual sponsors:

Zaidel, Dahlia W. Creativity, Brain, and Art: Biological and Neurological Considerations. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience 8 : 389. PMC. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.

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Overview Of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic progressive neurological disease that affects a small area of nerve cells in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical that transmits signals between areas in the brain that, when working normally, coordinate smooth and balanced muscle movement. Parkinson’s disease causes these nerve cells to die, and as a result, body movements are affected.

“Parkinsonism” is a term that is often used interchangeably with Parkinson’s disease. Medically, parkinsonism refers to any condition that causes symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease tremors at rest, muscle rigidity, slow movement, and changes in walking. Parkinson’s disease is probably the most common form of parkinsonism. Other conditions that cause it include:

  • Medications such as reserpine, Thorazine
  • Toxic exposures to carbon monoxide, cyanide
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hypoparathyroidism
  • A variety of other neurologic conditions affecting the nerves in the substantia nigra such as Wilson’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy

Fun Games For Boosting Brain Health In Seniors With Parkinsons

By 9 am on June 17, 2019

In addition to tremors, slowness, stiffness, and balance issues, its also common for seniors with Parkinsons to experience cognitive problems, which could include difficulty with solving problems, processing information, doing specific tasks, or paying attention. Playing the following five brain games may help aging adults with Parkinsons manage the cognitive issues theyre experiencing.

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Ideal Brain Games For An Aging Loved One With Parkinsons

By Pete Lane 9 am on November 18, 2019

The changes that occur with Parkinsons disease arent always physical. While your senior loved one may face difficulty with things such as muscle tremors, you should also know the disease affects the way he or she thinks. Foggy thinking, memory loss, and general confusion are all common cognitive symptoms that can occur with Parkinsons. These six brain games are fun for you to enjoy together, and they can help your loved one retain cognitive functioning.

Keeping Your Dementia Loved One Amused

Emma Lawton | Starting an art business with Parkinson’s

Okay, let’s call a spade a spade, sometimes we want our loved one to do something without us having to be involved. With that in mind, some of these ideas are do alone activities.

But honestly, most of these, at some level, will require you to participate even if your loved one is at the early stages of dementia.

I KNOW, you wish that you could plop them down and get a few minutes to do the dishes or take a long hot bath, but I have found that if I think of my Mother In Law as an adult sized kid, I do the best.

My kids will do some things by themselves, but it is MUCH more fun if I participate.

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Is There A Cure For Parkinson’s Disease

Although research is ongoing, to date there is no known cure or way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. But, research has made remarkable progress. There is very real hope that the causes, whether genetic or environmental, will be identified and the precise effects of these causes on brain function will be understood. These remarkable achievements give real hope for the future.

Still, even though there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, by identifying individual symptoms and determining a proper course of treatment, most people with the disease can live enjoyable, fulfilling lives.

Creativity And Creative Therapy

Creativity appeals to the senses and can help people to express themselves in many ways. Many people say that their symptoms tend to lessen when absorbed in creative processes.

The brain has the ability to alter in structure in response to experiences, as has been shown by research into war veterans who acquire new skills to compensate for those lost as a result of injury or trauma. Although the mechanism for these positive changes in the brain is unclear, the important thing is to take advantage of these opportunities. So, even if you dont think you are particularly creative, have a go and you may well be surprised.

The range of creative therapy activities is wide, some of the most popular being:

  • art including painting, sculpting and drawing
  • music listening to music, playing an instrument or singing, either independently or in a group
  • dance – usually in a group exploring a variety of different styles, particularly those that most stimulate and engage participants
  • writing both as a therapeutic and creative pursuit, for example keeping a diary, writing poetry or short stories.

Other activities can also be therapeutic, such as photography, jewellery-making or working with fabric or ceramics.

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Spending Time With A Pet

If your loved one doesnt have a pet, make arrangements for him or her to spend time with animals. Being in close contact with animals such as dogs and cats can relieve stress and depression in those with Parkinsons, and it may even lower blood pressure and regulate the heart rate, which may be irregular as a result of Parkinsons-related vagus nerve damage. Hugging or petting an animal promotes the brains release of feel-good chemicals such as endorphins, which may relieve muscle rigidity pain in seniors with Parkinsons disease.

Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinsons are able to live on their own, but they may need a bit of help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable elderly home care. Chandler, AZ, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age. If your loved one needs professional care, Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a compassionate, dedicated caregiver, call us at 448-6215 today.

Activities That Can Slow Parkinsons Disease In Seniors

Parkinsons Unity Walk
By Ted Holmgren 9 am on June 29, 2015

For seniors with Parkinsons, certain lifestyle factors can help slow the progression of the disease. Implementing a routine of exercises or activities that target particular Parkinsons symptoms can be especially helpful for many seniors. Senior home care experts at Home Care Assistance of Chandler suggest that the following four activities may help delay certain symptoms.

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Best Therapeutic Activities For Parkinsons Disease

By Rob Buck 9 am on March 11, 2021

Although theres no cure for Parkinsons, modifications can be made to your senior loved ones daily life, such as taking up social and physical activities, that alleviate symptoms of the disease. Doing activities such as these can boost your loved ones quality of life and keep him or her active longer. Here are some of the best therapeutic activities for older adults with Parkinsons.

What The Experts Say

Parkinson’s disease can sometimes interfere with an individual’s ability to regulate body temperature, which can make the colder weather less tolerable, says physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist Ileana Howard, M.D. Layering warm clothing can sometimes help reduce symptoms associated with the cold.

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Volunteering At An Animal Shelter

Being around pets can enhance a seniors mood, and interacting with animals can also strengthen balance and flexibility, which is excellent for older adults living with Parkinsons. Your parent will stay physically active while caring for the pets, whether he or she is in charge of walking the animals, helping with their feedings, or doing other simple tasks.

As the disease progresses, your loved one doesnt need to give up pet therapy. Instead of volunteering at a shelter a few days each week, he or she could become a pet owner. There are service dogs that help seniors with mobility, lowering the risk of slips and falls. These types of dogs also assist with daily tasks, such as retrieving objects, turning the lights on and off, and providing support for getting in and out of chairs.

Mobility issues in the advanced stages of Parkinsons disease can make caring for aging loved ones increasingly challenging. If youre the primary family caregiver for a senior loved one living in Anchorage, live-in care is available if your loved ones health has become too difficult to manage without professional expertise. At Home Care Assistance, we take measures to help seniors prevent illness and injury by assisting with exercise and mobility, preparing nutritious meals, helping with bathing and other personal hygiene tasks, and much more.

Watching Tv With The Family

Origami for Parkinson’s | Art and Craft| Parkinson’s Disease | PDMDS

Yesterday my husband took my youngest daughter to a ball game and I invited Mom out to eat junk food and watch home shows with me so fun!

I thought she would watch one or two and disappear back into her room like she usually does, but I actually had to kick her out when it was time for bed

Now, it was active watching, talking about what was going on, complaining about the commercials and being aware of what was on the screen instead of staring at my computer, but it was super fun to spend some quality time with Mom doing something we both enjoyed.

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Squatty Potty The Original Bathroom Toilet Stool Slim Teak

  • Discreet and easy to stow away

  • Helps you achieve a natural squat position and easier bowel movements

  • More attractive than plastic stools

  • Standard 7 height, not adjustable

  • Many customers complain of poor construction and quality

Constipation is one of the common non-movement symptoms of Parkinsons disease, which is why many with the condition could benefit from a toilet stool. The Squatty Potty Slim Teak lifts your feet while sitting on the toilet to mimic a natural squat. While the act of pooping is anything but glamorous, the Squatty Potty has a sleek design that will add to any bathroom decor. Its also easy to clean and tuck away.

Doing Their Old Occupation

I went to a symposium on Dementia and one of the speakers told us how they had set up an office at the adult memory care center so the patient could go to work. What a great idea!

Come tax time, I have my Mom check over my tax documents before I take them into the accountant .

Being able to do something well is fun for anyone and since they live in the past sometimes their work is easier to do than all the fun activities we can come up with! Their long term memories kick in and they feel confident again.

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Art Therapy For People Living With Parkinsons

Regardless of what motivates you to investigate art therapy, the benefits that can be found are far reaching. There is speculation that dopaminergic medications can result in a surge of creativity in people living with Parkinsons. I like to mention this research as a factor that might encourage someone to try art therapy, even if it is something completely new.

Much as that idea has its appeal, it would be an oversimplification of a complex condition and the myriad of reasons that making art could be compelling as you learn to manage the changes that come with a Parkinsons diagnosis.

Suggestions For Leisure Activities

Flower Ribbon PARKINSONS DISEASE AWARENESS Tees Button ...

According to my research and observations, the following activities are some of the things people with PD have found helpful:

  • Playing cards: Card games can help people with PD revive their brain function through problem-solving.
  • Painting and art therapy: By holding a paintbrush and making small brush strokes, a person with PD can use painting to strengthen fine motor skills.
  • Dance: Dance classes can help to improve motor skills and cognitive abilities, and can foster personal artistic expression. According to Dance for PD, a program that offers specialized dance classes for people with PD and their care partners around the world, dance can help to improve gait and balance issues, and also decrease feelings of isolation through social interaction.
  • Singing: Bev loves to sing along to songs by Neil Diamond and Johnny Mathis. Singing not only helps with breath strength and speaking volume, it also uplifts her mood. The impact of singing on PD was discussed by a cleverly titled study ParkinSong: A Controlled Trial of Singing-Based Therapy for Parkinsons Disease published in Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair in 2019. According to the study, those with PD who participated showed significant improvements in vocal intensity , maximum expiratory pressure , and voice-related quality of life in comparison to controls.

If you are losing your leisure, look out! It may be you are losing your soul. Virginia Woolf

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What Kind Of Art Makes Good Therapy

In my years working with people who have Parkinsons, preferences for art materials have varied as much as personalities. The choices of medium are influenced by each persons progression of symptoms, as well as by the sort of relationship a person is ready to have with those symptoms. I have found that wet-on-wet watercolor painting can be satisfying for many people, as this method of painting easily creates a satisfying mark with minimal pressure. This approach to painting can be soothing, and we already know how much relaxation plays a part in reducing tremor. However, a few members of my current art therapy support group have really appreciated the use of water color pencils, because they add precision to the medium. These artists choose to focus intently on making deliberate, unique marks, knowing that it is a balance between gaining control through attention to movement and putting too much pressure on themselves to make precisely the mark they expect, which brings stress.

Leisure Creativity And Creative Therapies

Page contents

  • Related reading
  • Many people with Parkinsons turn to creative pursuits with great success and enjoy the therapeutic effects and satisfaction such activities can bring. Some say that their symptoms tend to lessen when absorbed in creative processes. Other activities can also be therapeutic, such as photography, jewellery making or working with fabric or ceramics. As individuals, we all respond to different stimuli, so you may like to try a variety of activities to see what works for you both therapeutically and artistically. Finding something you enjoy will allow you to relax and perhaps even help you forget about symptoms for a while.

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    The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook

    • More than 500 recipes from Americas Test Kitchen

    • No unusual or hard-to-find ingredients needed

    • Nutritional information included for every recipe

    • Recipes aren’t always beginner-friendly

    • May not work for home chefs on a limited budget

    Most health conditions come with a few lifestyle changes. For Parkinsons, changing your diet is highly recommended. Dr. Nwabuobi advises patients to incorporate lots of vegetables, high fiber, nuts, legumes, and whole grains into their diet. Due to these elements, a Mediterranean diet is a good model for how to start. The Complete Mediterranean Cookbook comes with over 500 recipes that bring the best of Morocco, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, and more to your kitchen. Each recipe puts a new twist on the traditional Mediterranean diet and makes meals easy to cook, which is perfect for weeknight dining when energy is already low.

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