Understanding
Parkinson’s Disease
A Guide For Those With
PD And Their Families
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What is Parkinson’s?
Understanding, Together.
- Resting tremor
- Cogwheel Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
- Akinesia (absence of movement)
- Postural instability



Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Clinicians use 5 stages to describe motor symptom progression in PD. Stages 1-2 are early-stage, 2-3 mid-stage, and 4-5 advanced-stage PD.





Diagnosis
Treating, Together.

Managing PD






Why Exercise?
Moving, Together.
- Neuron size/speed of transmission increase
- Increased corticomotor excitation
- Blood flow increases
- Increased serum levels of BDNF
- Inflammation decreases
- Immune system function improves
- Dopamine receptors increased
- Healthy brains recover faster and can do more with less

Alternative Therapy Options
A system of integrative medicine that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Originating in ancient China, acupuncture is now widely practiced in the West. Acupuncture has been reported to have possible therapeutic effectiveness for PD in clinical trials, as manifested by improvement in clinical symptoms such as tremor, a decrease in the dosage of antiparkinsonian drugs, a decrease in side effects, and improvements in daily life, such as improved sleep.
The use of words and music to evoke positive imaginary scenarios in a subject with a view to bringing about some beneficial effect. Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that uses positive mental images to influence how you feel. It can enhance your traditional Parkinson’s treatment. But it does not replace traditional treatment. Guided imagery is an ancient practice that includes simple visualization.
A system of integrative medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs. The goal of chiropractic care is to improve the function of the central nervous system, composed of the brain and spinal cord and the driving force behind everything that occurs in the body. Bentonville chiropractor Dr. Tom Niemela will improve spinal health to increase the function of the central nervous system and the brain by removing spinal misalignments that cause nerve interference.
A Hindu spiritual and ascetic discipline, a part of which, including breath control, simple meditation, and the adoption of specific bodily postures, is widely practiced for health and relaxation. The Benefits of Yoga for People with Parkinson’s Disease: Increased flexibility, better balance, greater strength, fewer muscle cramps, deeper sleep, easier breathing and greater sense of well-being.
The induction of a state of consciousness in which a person apparently loses the power of voluntary action and is highly responsive to suggestion or direction. Its use in therapy, typically to recover suppressed memories or to allow modification of behavior by suggestion, has been revived but is still controversial. Hypnosis is a viable therapy for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Stiffness, shakiness, slowness, pain, fear, anxiety, dementia, and sleeplessness can be reduced and sometimes eliminated.
A process whereby electronic monitoring of a normally automatic bodily function is used to train someone to acquire voluntary control of that function. Results from the current study suggest that real-time visual biofeedback may be effective at modifying specific gait characteristics that are associated with falls in PD.
The use of aromatic plant extracts and essential oils in massage or baths. Essential oils are a complementary therapy that may help reduce PD symptoms. Lavender can aid in sleep, sweet orange can help with anxiety, and peppermint eases nausea. In studies, rosemary and cinnamon have been shown to potentially slow down the progression of PD.
The rubbing and kneading of muscles and joints of the body with the hands, especially to relieve tension or pain. How can it help in Parkinson’s? Research suggests that massage can help to relieve the muscle stiffness and rigidity that is often found in Parkinson’s. It can also help reduce stress, promote relaxation and enable you to identify tension in your body, and so find ways to minimize or reduce this.
It’s a complementary therapy that is used along with other cancer treatments. It helps patients cope mentally and physically with their diagnosis. Music therapy may involve listening to music, making music, singing, and discussing music, along with guided imagery with music. Music therapy, which utilizes rhythm, movement, voice and creativity to try to improve Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms, are very popular for people with PD. Music-based therapies may work in a variety of ways to improve Parkinson’s related challenges.
Medication

Financial Assistance for Parkinson’s Medication
30400 Telegraph Rd Suite 150
Bingham Farms, MI 48025
Fax: 248.433.1150
Respite Care
Financial Assistance
Respite care provides short-term relief for persons who are caring for individuals with Parkinson’s and related disorders. Being a caregiver is a 24-hour job. Time away from caregiving responsibilities is essential to the well-being of caregivers. Respite care helps to reduce stress and improve the quality of care regularly provided by caregivers. When you need a break, that’s where respite care can help. The program is not intended to be a long-term solution.
Respite care can take place in your home through contracted home care agencies, family members, or trained persons. Respite can be used out-of-home including adult day center, or short-term stays at a facility when overnight, 24/7 care is needed. Our respite care assistance is generously funded by the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s and the William J. Nicholson Foundation.
To qualify for our respite care program, the following is required:
A. Completed Application
B. Parkinson’s diagnosis (or related disorder diagnosis)
C. Resident of Michigan
For more information, contact Stephanie Woznak at
248-419-7170 or Respite@parkinsonsmi.org.

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More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson's Disease.
You are not alone in your journey. We invite you to connect with us.
