Reach Out To Someone With Parkinsons Disease
Everyone is busy. You may know someone with PD but havent taken the time to acknowledge their struggle or known what to do. Parkinsons Awareness Month is a good time to consider gifts for someone with PD or support for the caregiver. Once you have made the commitment consider keeping it going year-round.
The Origins Of Parkinsons Awareness Month
In 1817, Dr. James Parkinson published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy, which contains the first instance of the diseases description.
We recognize Parkinsons disease as a neurodegenerative disorder caused by the loss of neurons that produce dopamine. The brain needs dopamine to trigger movement and speech, which is why the lack of it leads to the common symptoms of PD like tremors, difficulty with balance or movement, stiffness of the limbs, and speech problems. Many living with PD also experience symptoms unrelated to movement and speech, including depression, sleep disorders, constipation, and cognitive impairment.
While there is no cure for Parkinsons, advancements in medical knowledge, technology, support programs, and PD community resources have allowed those living with PD to thrive despite their symptoms. Parkinsons Awareness Month is held every April to bring light to the disease and the solutions for living with it.
What Color Do People Associate With Parkinsons Disease
Colors psychologically have an effect on us as humans. They can influence our choices, feelings, personalities, and even memories.
Today, colors are one of the most effective tools in marketing and design. Theres even color therapy, a form of alternative medicine that is thought to treat physical and emotional problems.
There are millions of colors out there. Red, blue and yellow are the 3 primary ones. Each of these colors has unique characteristics and effects on human behavior.
Red represents love, courage, aggression, rage, and danger. It is an emotional color that can influence people to make irrational decisions.
Blue represents trust, efficiency, coolness, security, and sadness. Its also the symbol of logic, communication, and intelligence. Its the opposite of red and is used to calm people down, promote logical decision making, relaxation, and more.
Yellow represents energy, hope, honor, fear, and fairness. Its a symbol of caution that stands out and is used together with black on traffic signs, taxis, and school buses.
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Its April Time To Participate In Parkinsons Awareness Month
Activities are underway to mark Parkinsons Awareness Month, set aside each April to draw attention to the neurodegenerative disorder that affects some seven to 10 million people globally. At the center of this observance is World Parkinsons Day April 11.
Patients, family, caregivers and friends across the country are sharing stories, asking local governments to issue proclamations, participating in virtual workshops and lectures, and even taking a quiz. All this is to heighten awareness of Parkinsons disease among the general public, while gaining the attention of lawmakers, industry representatives, scientists, and health professionals.
The theme of this years awareness month is #KnowMorePD. As such, the Parkinsons Foundation is seeking not only to raise awareness of the disease, but of all the resources the organization offers to help make lives better for people with Parkinsons and their families, particularly during uncertain times.
We have greatly expanded our research and education initiatives online to reach people with Parkinsons and provide information they need to live better with the disease, said John L. Lehr, president and CEO of the Parkinsons Foundation, in a statement to Parkinsons News Today.
As the pandemic continues, so does our commitment to raising awareness and acting as a frontline resource for the Parkinsons community during Parkinsons Awareness Month and beyond, he said.
The organization also is presenting other events this month:
How To Celebrate Parkinsons Awareness Month
Start conversations with your friends and family about Parkinsons Disease. Start thinking about what PD means to you, and if youre passionate about awareness, then let everyone know on social media using the hashtag #ParkinsonAwarenessMonth what this month means to you. Support your favorite foundations by donating and look up the most current research about PD to see if you can help others get the resources they need to handle PD.
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What Are Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders
Atypical Parkinsonian disorders are progressive diseases that present with some of the signs and symptoms of Parkinsons disease, but that generally do not respond well to drug treatment with levodopa. They are associated with abnormal protein buildup within brain cells.
The term refers to several conditions, each affecting particular parts of the brain and showing a characteristic course:
- Dementia with Lewy bodies, characterized by an abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in brain cells
- Progressive supranuclear palsy, involving tau protein buildup affecting the frontal lobes, brainstem, cerebellum and substantia nigra
- Multiple system atrophy, another synucleinopathy that affects the autonomic nervous system , substantia nigra and at times the cerebellum
- Corticobasal syndrome, a rare tauopathy that typically affects one side of the body more than the other and makes it difficult for patients to see and navigate through space
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Parkinsons Awareness Month: Why It Matters
April is Parkinsons Awareness Month, and its more important than ever to raise awareness for this challenging disease. Parkinsons affects 1 million people in the United States alone, and there is still no cure. So this month, lets learn more about Parkinsons and how we can support family, friends, care partners, and, of course, those living with Parkinsons disease during Parkinsons Awareness Month.
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Parkinsons Awareness Month: Signs Symptoms And Treatments
Its Parkinsons Awareness Month, and we find it crucial to shed light on signs of this disease since it develops very slowly and can often be missed early on. For those who may be unfamiliar, Parkinsons Disease directly affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is important to controlling mobility.
So far, doctors are not completely sure what causes this disorder, but they believe gene and environment changes may be factors. There is no cure yet, however, with the right treatment, symptoms can be successfully managed and controlled. With that said, our care team in Pitman NJ has compiled helpful information such as signs, symptoms and treatment options for Parkinsons Disease.
Chemical That Triggers Parkinsons Disease Discovered
- Date:
- Saint Louis University
- Summary:
- The key brain chemical that causes Parkinsons disease has been discovered. This is a breakthrough finding that could pave the way for new, far more effective therapies to treat one of the most common and debilitating neurological disorders.
Researchers at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine have discovered the key brain chemical that causes Parkinsons disease a breakthrough finding that could pave the way for new, far more effective therapies to treat one of the most common and debilitating neurological disorders.
Currently, the main approach for treating Parkinsons disease, which afflicts more than 1.5 million Americans, is to replace dopamine thats lost when the cells that produce it die off and cause the disorder. With this new research, however, scientists can better work toward neuroprotective therapies those that actually block dopamine cells from dying off in the first place.
We believe this work represents a very significant breakthrough in understanding the complicated chemical process that results in Parkinsons disease, said William J. Burke, M.D., Ph.D., professor of neurology at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine and the studys lead author.
For the first time, weve identified the chemical that triggers the events in the brain that cause this disorder, Burke added. We believe these findings can be used to develop therapies that can actually stop or slow this process.
Story Source:
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What Are The Symptoms Of Atypical Parkinsonian Disorders
Like classic Parkinsons disease, atypical Parkinsonian disorders cause muscle stiffness, tremor, and problems with walking/balance and fine motor coordination.
Patients with atypical Parkinsonism often have some degree of difficulty speaking or swallowing, and drooling can be a problem. Psychiatric disturbances such as agitation, anxiety or depression may also be part of the clinical picture.
Dementia with Lewy bodies can cause changes in attention or alertness over hours or days, often with long periods of sleep during the day. Visual hallucinations typically of small animals or children, or moving shadows in the periphery of the visual field are common in DLB. DLB is second only to Alzheimers disease as a cause of dementia in the elderly, and it most commonly affects patients in their 60s.
Patients with progressive supranuclear palsy may have difficulties with eye movements, particularly when looking downward, and with balance when descending stairs, for instance. Backward falls are common and may occur during the early course of the disease. PSP is not usually associated with tremor, unlike Parkinsons disease.
Parkinsons Disease and Movement Disorders Center
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Who Gets Parkinsons Disease
Anyone can get a Parkinsons diagnosis, especially later in life. Usually around age 60 is when individuals develop the disease, but people can have it even younger than that. Michael J. Fox developed the disease when he was only 29 years old half the age of normal diagnoses.
The causes for Parkinsons are largely unknown but several risk factors play a huge role:
- Lewy bodies: Clumps of specific substances within brain cells that indicate the presence of Parkinsons disease.
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A Red Tulip For Parkinsons Disease
If you were to see a yellow ribbon, you would mostly connect it to supporting our troops. Likewise with a pink ribbon being in support of finding a cure/advocating for breast cancer awareness.
But why choose a tulip for Parkinsons disease, and a red one, at that?
The red tulip doesnt symbolize love but is a symbol adopted by the Parkinsons community worldwide to bring awareness to Parkinsons disease .
Even though the red tulip hadnt been associated with Parkinsons awareness since the early 1980s, it wasnt until April 11, 2005 that the red tulip, with a fringe of white, was set in motion as the official symbol of PD at the 9th World Parkinsons disease Day Conference in Luxembourg.
The tulip is described in detail as the exterior being a glowing cardinal red, small feathered white edge, the outer base whitish the inside, a currant-red to turkey-red, broad feathered white edge, anthers pale yellow.
The new, red tulip was developed by a Dutch horticulturist and Parkinsons disease patient by the name of J.W.S. Van der Wereld. The tulip was named after Dr. James Parkinson, the doctor who discovered Parkinsons disease, who originally named the disease the shaking palsy. Not only did the tulip receive the Award of Merit that year from the Royal Horticultural Society in England, but it also was presented with the Trial Garden Award from the Royal General Bulb Growers of Holland.
There are several different variations of the PD tulip symbol.
What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Diagnosis of Parkinsons disease is important so that appropriate treatment can begin. There are four primary symptoms of Parkinson s disease: tremor, or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk bradykinesia, or slowness of movement and postural instability, or impaired balance and coordination. As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks.
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History Of Parkinsons Awareness Month
Parkinsons Disease has been around since the times of the Egyptians, but many of the sources before the 12th century would describe symptoms of PD, but would not be able to explain any more than that. Such sources include Egyptian scriptures, the Bible, and the Roman Empire. It wasnt until the 19th century when James Parkinson would publish an essay describing this condition that Parkinsons Disease would exist as a term, even if it didnt immediately get recognition. It wasnt until 40 years later that the essay would get noticed. The 20th century involved the research of scientists from all over the world, but as doctors would prescribe treatments, a cure couldnt be found.
One celebrity that is known to have Parkinsons Disease is Michael J. Fox, a Canadian who reached fame through his charismatic personality in some of his most famous acting roles throughout the 80s and 90s. His diagnosis in 1991 inspired him to help, founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons research to help others learn about the disease and find ways of managing and treating this condition. Parkinsons Awareness Month is part of the core of foundations such as the MJF Foundation, and this month-long holiday encourages people to learn about the disease, donate to foundations to help with research and support those who do have it in any way they can.
Parkinsons Disease Ribbon Color
Silver color ribbon stranded on white background clip course for parkinson`s disease cognizance and brain cancer neoplasm sickness. Work close with your front disorder medical specialist to. The silver ribbon: silver is the official color of parkinsons disease. These parkinsons disease sentience dangling gray ribbon adjustable bracelets have a sterling silver plated rope with a gray colored string just about it. Nearly 10%20% of postmortem examination cases with a diagnosing of parkinsons disease were not wise to tolerate from it in sprightliness. I met an italian with parkinsons. Some changes that come about can be straight due to the disease process, which causes an adjustment in einstein alchemy. Even if the symptoms are later on seen on both the sides, the one unnatural side continues to exacerbate more. He is presently an adjunct prof of clinical neurology at the stambul module of medicine, department of clinical neurology, and he started the behavioural clinical neurology and drive disorders unit of measurement at stambul university.
A Synuclein In Parkinson Disease
â??it cadaver to be seen whether the immune answer to alpha-synuclein is an initial cause of parkinsonâ??s or if it contributes to neuronic demise and decline in quality symptoms subsequently the onslaught of the disease,â?? sette explains.
Parkinsons Disease And A Tulip
Ah, the tulip. Several years ago, the red tulip was adopted by the global Parkinsons community to bring awareness to the disease.
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Treatment Of Parkinsons Disease:
In addition to the many new advances in medication therapy, treatment for Parkinsons Disease may include:
- Rehabilitative therapyPhysical, occupational and speech therapists can assess the persons abilities and needs, and provide exercises to help maintain the highest possible range of motion, muscle tone, balance and flexibility, and communication ability.
- Lifestyle alterationsExercise helps maintain muscle tone and strength. Diet is important for nutrition, for maintaining an appropriate weight, and because protein level may be a factor in the persons condition. Rest and stress reduction are also important.
- Support groups Huntsville enjoys a very active Parkinsons support group that offers aid, support, education, discussion and raises research funds for treatment of Parkinsons disease. Information about Huntsvilles support group can be found at Huntsville Parkinsons Support Group or calling 256-509-4398.
World Parkinsons Disease Awareness Month: Recap From 2015
Perhaps I am stronger than I think. Thomas Merton I choose to make the rest of my life the best of my life. Louise Hay Introduction: We celebrate Parkinsons Awareness month in April since it is the birth month of James Parkinson. He first reported/described the disorder, and from which, years later, his name was
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What Is Parkinsons Disease
Parkinsons Disease is a progressive disorder that results in the loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between two regions of the brain to coordinate activity. If there is deficiency of dopamine, nerve cells fire out of control. This leaves the individual unable to direct or control movements. Although descriptions of people with Parkinsonism date back to ancient Egypt, it wasnt until 1817 that paralysis agitans was first described in an essay by English surgeon James Parkinson. The condition was renamed Parkinsons disease sixty years later.
Signs & Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
As mentioned above, Parkinsons Disease is a movement disorder that progresses slowly, which means it may not be something you notice right away in a loved one. One of the first symptoms people notice is a slight tremor of the hands. Others may notice symptoms that can often be chalked up to something else, like feeling tired or uneasy.
Thats why its important to be aware of all the signs and symptoms of Parkinsons, and consult your loved ones primary care physician if you are unsure whether or not their symptoms are related to this disorder.
- Slowness of voluntary movements, such as walking or rolling over in bed
- A shuffling walk with poor arm swing and stooped posture
- Unsteady balance experiencing difficulty when rising from sitting
- Repeated pill-rolling motion of the thumb and forefinger
- Abnormal muscle stiffness
- Slurred, slow speech and swallowing problems in later stages
- Frequent lightheadedness or fainting when standing
- Tiredness, uneasiness and depression-like symptoms
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We Asked People What Color They Associate With Parkinsons Disease
We wanted to know what color came to mind when people thought of Parkinsons disease. So we went to the best place we knew to ask, PD support groups on Facebook.
We asked the question, If Parkinsons was to represent a color, what would it be for you? to over 23,000 members in the groups Life with Parkinsons and Parkinsons Non-motor Symptoms.
We got responses from a total of 298 people from different backgrounds, countries, genders, and ages.
Pair With A Relevant Message Or Call
You want your marketing, whether its a social media post or a giant banner, to be extremely clear at first glance. Some causes share the same color, which is why your words are a powerful part of the message.
Take a look at some good examples!
The MDS Foundation effectively used their green awareness ribbon by pairing it with a direct call-to-action on social media. This same image was then printed on promotional water bottles and t-shirts for all the attendees.
For National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, the Jeff Gordon Childrens Foundation invited people on Facebook to change their cover photo to a childhood picture. The announcement featured an alarming statistic paired with the vibrant yellow awareness ribbon.
Katie Robertson, a 21-year-old with Marfan Syndrome, used this image to raise awareness on her blog, Tissue Tales. Her post cleverly incorporates the red ribbon, while also encouraging her readers to learn more information about her condition.
The Headstrong Foundation, which raises funds to fight cancer, has the green ribbon appear as shoelaces in their logo. At the bottom, they feature a slogan that lets you know exactly what theyre all about.
Dover Oil Company, a trucking company in New Jersey, showed support for Childhood Cancer Awareness with a gold ribbon banner on their trucks. The message is loud and clear and invites people to take action and create change.
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