Other Medicines Used For Pd
- Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors are relatively new medicines. They include tolcapone, entacapone and opicapone. These help to stop the breakdown of levodopa by the body, so more of each dose of levodopa can get into the brain to work. A COMT inhibitor is sometimes advised in addition to levodopa when symptoms are not well controlled by levodopa alone.
- Other medicines are sometimes used to help relieve symptoms. They have various effects which try to correct the chemical imbalance in the brain. They include beta-blockers, amantadine and anticholinergic medicines. One of these may be tried when symptoms are mild. However, you are likely to need levodopa or a dopamine agonist at some point.
Various things may influence which medicine is advised. For example, your age, severity of symptoms, how well your symptoms respond to treatment, if side-effects develop, other medicines that you may take, etc. Your specialist will advise on the best medicine for you to take. Whatever medicine or medicines you are prescribed, read the leaflet in the medicine packet for a full list of possible side-effects. Mention to your doctor if you develop a troublesome side-effect. A modification of the dose, dose schedule, or the type of medication, may be possible to help keep side-effects to a minimum.
Treating And Managing Rigidity
Talk to your doctor as rigidity tends to respond well to medication, for example levodopa. As with all Parkinsons medications though, what works for one person may not work for another. Be prepared for your doctor to try several approaches to see what works best for you.
He or she may refer you to a doctor who specialises in movement disorders or to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist or speech and language therapist depending on the country in which you live and your individual needs. Seeing a therapist soon after problems begin is more likely to result in successful treatment.
Treatment varies from country to country but the following broadly outlines the support you might receive:
- A physiotherapist can advise on exercises to maintain or improve both mobility and the range of movement in your muscles and joints. He or she can also suggest strategies to perform daily activities in a more effective way, for example how to roll in bed or get up from a chair.
- An occupational therapist or physiotherapist will be able to advise on devices and aids to help you in your everyday life. An occupational therapist will also be able to suggest changes to your routine to help you to stay mobile and independent.
- A speech therapist can teach you facial exercises to help with speech and communication.
Cognitive And Psychiatric Symptoms
- depression and anxiety
- mild cognitive impairment slight memory problems and problems with activities that require planning and organisation
- dementia a group of symptoms, including more severe memory problems, personality changes, seeing things that are not there and believing things that are not true
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Naturalremedy For Parkinsons #7 Omega
Animal based omega-3 fatty acids are a powerful weapon inthe fight against Parkinsons disease. One of the main fatty acids, DHA, is oneof the essential building blocks for the human brain. Half of your brain andeyes are made up of fat and a large proportion of this is DHA fat.
Omega-3 fatty acids have the unique ability to cross theblood-brain barrier, something most conventional drugs cannot do. They helpincrease dopamine levels and reduce neuroinflammation in the brain, while atthe same time, stimulating neuron growth. So basically, EPA and DHA help preventbrain cell damage and keep the nervous system in tip top working order! 4
Best sources of animal based omega-3s are either fishoil, cod liver oil or krill oil. High strength krill oil is the preferred option as thiscontains a substance called Astaxanthin. Astaxanthin is a potent brain food nutrientthat has been shown to prevent neurodegeneration and inflammation of the brain.For dosages, take AT LEAST the highest recommended amount listed on the bottle the same goes with fish oil or cod liver oil. You cant overdose on thesesupplements so theres nothing to be concerned about. In fact, the more omega-3syou can get into you the better the results!
In addition to this, try and eat some cold water fattyfish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines or herring 3-4 times a week foran extra supply of DHA and EPA.
Stretching To Loosen Stiff Muscles Of Parkinson’s
The following stretching and flexibility exercises can help to relieve stiff muscles, improve flexibility, and make everyday tasks easier:
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What Kind Of Physical Therapist Do I Need
All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat patients with PD. You may want to consider:
- A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with neurological disorders. Some physical therapists have a practice with a neurological focus.
- A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who has completed a residency or fellowship in neurologic physical therapy. This physical therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.
You can find physical therapists who have these and other credentials by using Find a PT, the online tool built by the American Physical Therapy Association to help you search for physical therapists with specific clinical expertise in your geographic area.
General tips when you are looking for a physical therapist :
- Get recommendations from family, friends, or other health care providers.
- When you contact a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapists’ experience in helping people with PD.
During your first visit with the physical therapist, be prepared to describe your concerns in as much detail as possible, and let the physical therapist know what you would like to accomplish by going to physical therapy.
What Does Cogwheeling Look Like
In cogwheel rigidity, your muscle will be stiff, like in other forms of rigidity. But you might also have tremors in the same muscle when its at rest.
Cogwheel rigidity can affect any limb, but its most common in the arms. It can affect one or both arms.
With any type of muscle rigidity, your muscle might feel tight. You might not be able to move the muscle fully. This can be painful and uncomfortable.
Rigidity of any kind is one of the three main types of symptoms of Parkinsons disease. The other two are tremors and slowed movement called bradykinesia. Therefore, cogwheel rigidity can help doctors diagnose Parkinsons disease.
To test you for cogwheel rigidity, your doctor will have you relax the muscles in your limb. Theyll then flex and extend your limb. Theyre looking to see if:
- your muscle is stiff and inflexible when they try to move it
- your limb moves with small, jerky motions
Ratcheting motions are the hallmark of cogwheel rigidity. For you, this might feel like a click or catch in your muscle as you move your arm.
Another hallmark of cogwheel rigidity is that the jerky movements happen even when the doctor moves your limb slowly. This distinguishes it from spasticity, another potential symptom of Parkinsons disease.
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Natural Treatment For Parkinsons #3 Turmeric And Otherherbs And Spices:
A recent study published in the journal Stem Cell Research & Therapy, foundthat the extracts in turmeric, particularly curcumin and the newly discovered Ar-turmerone,can regenerate a damaged brain and reverse neurological disorders. Researchers said Ar-turmerone is a promising candidate to supportregeneration in neurologic disease. Michigan State University researcherBasir Ahmad also found that a compound in turmeric may help fight Parkinsonsdisease by disrupting the proteins responsible for the disease.
Another study published in the Pharmacognosy Magazine found that tumeric can prevent and evenreverse the toxic effects exerted on the brain from fluoride exposure. Fluorideis a nasty and dangerous heavy metal that destroys brain cells and the intricateworkings of the central nervous system. Fluoride poisoning has also beenimplicated in the development of neurological diseases such as Alzheimers,Parkinsons, ALS and multiple sclerosis. 7
Turmeric is also a very potent anti-inflammatory spice. Because Parkinsons is aninflammation type disease, turmeric will help immensely. A heaped teaspoon ofhigh quality turmeric powder taken 3 times daily in asmoothie will do the trick. Just make sure you combine it with 10-12 blackpeppercorns for enhanced absorption Turmeric is also fat soluble so youll need tocombine it with some coconut oil, red palm oil or fish/krill oil as well.
What Is Parkinson Disease
Parkinson disease is related to a loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine and other brain chemicals are normally in balance and are important for the control of body movements, thought processes, decision making, moods, and other behaviors.
The exact cause of PD is not yet known. Family history, aging, or exposure to certain environmental toxins may contribute to the onset of PD. It is a chronic degenerative disease, which means that it gets worse over time however, people usually do not die from it.
The severity and symptoms of PD can vary widely. Some people have the disease for 20 to 30 years and experience a slower decline in mobility and thinking over a longer period of time. Others may experience difficulty with physical movements and thought processes within 5 to 10 years, as the disease progresses more rapidly.
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Muscle Rigidity: Lead Pipe And Cogwheel Rigidity
Muscle rigidity due to Parkinsonâs disease can be misdiagnosed as arthritis or general tightness from aging. Rigidity can affect your legs, arms, torso, and face. â
What rigidity feels like. Your muscles may feel tight and difficult to move. They may also stiffen involuntarily like a muscle spasm. This stiffness can also cause joint and muscle pain.
Rigidity and everyday life. This type of stiffness can start impacting your normal functions. Simple tasks like cleaning, exercise, and fulfilling hobbies can become difficult because of rigidity. You may also experience:
- Stiffness in your facial muscles that make it difficult to express yourself
- Stiffness while sleeping that make it difficult to get comfortable and sleep well
- Constant tension in your muscles that leads to muscle fatigue and a lack of energy
- Difficulty with certain motor skills, like writing or getting dressed
- Stiffness in your arms that make it harder to maintain balance while walking
Lead pipe rigidity. This type of stiffness is characterized by a feeling of frozen muscles. The muscles feel stuck and unable to move. â
Attempts to move those limbs are met with resistance throughout the motion. They feel stiff and heavy like a âlead pipeâ for sustained periods of time.
Cogwheel rigidity. This type of rigidity is similar to muscle spasms. The limbs experiencing the stiffness can move in small jerking motions, like a ratchet. You may even feel small clicking sensations when moving your arm. â
What To Expect During A Massage
As a certified massage therapist, I can help patients with the logistics of a massage, as well as provide the comforting benefits of massage. Patients will have the benefit of a table that can raise and lower to make getting on and off a lot easier. I can also help with removing shoes, putting them back on, and other dressing requirements if needed. I talk with all of my patients before a massage to ensure that the patient will receive the best level of care they need.
If you or someone you love has Parkinsons Diseases and is suffering from the symptoms, please call today to schedule an appointment. Relief is on its way!
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Stooping Or Hunching Over
Are you not standing up as straight as you used to? If you or your family or friends notice that you seem to be stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease .
What is normal?If you have pain from an injury or if you are sick, it might cause you to stand crookedly. Also, a problem with your bones can make you hunch over.
Does Parkinson’s Disease Cause Dementia
The cells in the brain affected in PD are not in the ‘thinking’ parts of the brain and dementia is not a typical early feature of PD. However, if you have PD you have an increased risk of developing dementia. About half of people with PD develop dementia at some stage. If dementia occurs, it tends to develop in older people with PD . Early dementia in younger people with PD virtually never develops. It is thought that PD alone does not cause dementia however, other age-related factors in addition to PD may increase the risk of dementia developing.
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How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed
Diagnosing Parkinsons disease is sometimes difficult, since early symptoms can mimic other disorders and there are no specific blood or other laboratory tests to diagnose the disease. Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may be used to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms.
To diagnose Parkinsons disease, you will be asked about your medical history and family history of neurologic disorders as well as your current symptoms, medications and possible exposure to toxins. Your doctor will look for signs of tremor and muscle rigidity, watch you walk, check your posture and coordination and look for slowness of movement.
If you think you may have Parkinsons disease, you should probably see a neurologist, preferably a movement disorders-trained neurologist. The treatment decisions made early in the illness can affect the long-term success of the treatment.
Does Levodopa Slow The Progression Of Parkinsons Disease
Levodopa does not slow or reduce the progression of Parkinsons disease. In a clinical trial, levodopa + carbidopa was found to have no disease-modifying effect when it was used in patients with early Parkinsons disease compared with patients who started it later on in the course of their disease.
- Food and Drug Administration . Sinemet. Available from: . .
- US National Library of Medicine. MedlinePlus. Levodopa and Carbidopa. Available from: . .
- American Parkinson Disease Association. Carbidopa/Levodopa: Answers To Frequently Asked Questions. May 21, 2019. Available from: . .
- European Parkinsons Disease Association . Motor symptoms. Rigidity. Available from: . .
- European Parkinsons Disease Association . Motor symptoms. Bradykinesia. Available from: . .
- Verschuur CVM, Suwijn SR, Boel JA, et al. Randomized Delayed-Start Trial of Levodopa in Parkinson’s Disease. N Engl J Med. 2019 380:315-324. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1809983.
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What Can I Do To Help My Loved One
It is difficult for loved ones to act in the face of stiffness. Encourage your loved one to stay active and do stretching exercises.
You can also help them stick to the schedule for taking their medications and note episodes of stiffness in relation to when they take their medication.
You could also learn some massage therapy techniques. These relax the muscles and therefore reduce the tension felt by your loved one.
What Medications Are Used To Treat Parkinsons Disease
Medications are the main treatment method for patients with Parkinsons disease. Your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan best suited for you based on the severity of your disease at the time of diagnosis, side effects of the drug class and success or failure of symptom control of the medications you try.
Medications combat Parkinsons disease by:
- Helping nerve cells in the brain make dopamine.
- Mimicking the effects of dopamine in the brain.
- Blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain.
- Reducing some specific symptoms of Parkinsons disease.
Levodopa: Levodopa is a main treatment for the slowness of movement, tremor, and stiffness symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine, which replenishes the low amount found in the brain of persons with Parkinsons disease. Levodopa is usually taken with carbidopa to allow more levodopa to reach the brain and to prevent or reduce the nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure and other side effects of levodopa. Sinemet® is available in an immediate release formula and a long-acting, controlled release formula. Rytary® is a newer version of levodopa/carbidopa that is a longer-acting capsule. The newest addition is Inbrija®, which is inhaled levodopa. It is used by people already taking regular carbidopa/levodopa for when they have off episodes .
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How Is It Diagnosed
Because there is not one definitive test for PD, it can be difficult to diagnose. A diagnosis is usually made based on a persons medical history and a neurological examination. If your physical therapist suspects that you have symptoms of PD, you may be referred to a neurologist for further examination.
A diagnosis of PD may be made if a person is found to have:
- Slowing of motion and tremor when resting, or muscle rigidity
- A significant improvement in symptoms when taking a medication to treat PD.
- Initial symptoms on 1 side of the body only.
Managing And Treating Rigidity
Your doctor will diagnose rigidity by having you demonstrate various motor functions, like joint extension and flexing your muscles. â
Treatment options for managing Parkinsonâs disease work for managing rigidity. But if youâve caught the rigidity early and want to get ahead of future discomfort, there are treatment options available. â
Exercise. Specifically, exercise that focuses on flexibility and stretching your muscles. Itâs recommended that you stretch at least once per day. You can do this by having a stretching routine or using a program like yoga.
It can be difficult to start exercising when your muscles feel tight. This can compound and make you feel worse for not exercising. Break that cycle, take the first step, and work toward your overall health.
Soaks. Warm baths with Epsom salts help relax your muscles. This can provide instant relief for muscle stiffness and prolong your muscle effectiveness.
Physical therapy. Physical therapy can help target rigidity and soothe stiffness. It can also help you find routines and exercises that work for you. Speech therapy can be used to treat face muscle rigidity.
Medications. Your doctor can recommend medications to help with muscle stiffness. Many medications can be used to treat Parkinsonâs disease. Your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan.
Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinsonâs: âRIGIDITY AND PARKINSONâS: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO TREAT IT.â
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