Seven Year Case Study
“WHEELCHAIR TO DANCING”
PARKINSON DISEASE
* Some Conference papers presented by Lee-Anne MacLeod:
The Australian Kinesiology Association
* The Touch For Health and Professional Kinesiology Assoc of West Australia
------------------------------------------------
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive, degenerative, non-fatal neurological condition, which affects the control of body movements. It is not contagious and there is no firm evidence to suggest that it is a genetic condition. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal (nerve) cells located in the substantia nigra (middle area of the brain). This causes a deficiency in dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger) necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson's appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells in the body cease to function normally.
The Basal Ganglia, in the caudate nucleus, are neurons that liberate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Although the level of ACh does not change as the level of Dopamine (DA) declines, the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity » too little DA and too much Ach, is thought to bring about most of the symptoms.
“WHEELCHAIR TO DANCING”
PARKINSON DISEASE
* Some Conference papers presented by Lee-Anne MacLeod:
The Australian Kinesiology Association
* The Touch For Health and Professional Kinesiology Assoc of West Australia
------------------------------------------------
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive, degenerative, non-fatal neurological condition, which affects the control of body movements. It is not contagious and there is no firm evidence to suggest that it is a genetic condition. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal (nerve) cells located in the substantia nigra (middle area of the brain). This causes a deficiency in dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger) necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson's appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells in the body cease to function normally.
The Basal Ganglia, in the caudate nucleus, are neurons that liberate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Although the level of ACh does not change as the level of Dopamine (DA) declines, the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity » too little DA and too much Ach, is thought to bring about most of the symptoms.
Lee-Anne MacLeod Specialist Kinesiologist Level 6 Full article
Seven Year Case Study
“WHEELCHAIR TO DANCING”
PARKINSON DISEASE
By Lee-Anne MacLeod
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive, degenerative, non-fatal neurological condition, which affects the control of body movements. It is not contagious and there is no firm evidence to suggest that it is a genetic condition. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal (nerve) cells located in the substantia nigra (middle area of the brain). This causes a deficiency in dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger) necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson's appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells in the body cease to function normally.
The Basal Ganglia, in the caudate nucleus, are neurons that liberate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Although the level of ACh does not change as the level of Dopamine (DA) declines, the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity » too little DA and too much Ach, is thought to bring about most of the symptoms.
Symptoms that may be assisted with Kinesiology & Brain Gym®:
•Muscle Rigidity and Tension
•Tremors
•Motor Movements » Fine & Gross
•Poor Concentration & Memory
•Speech, Communication and swallowing problems.
•Vision – Poor tracking » Reading becomes difficult
•Coordination and Balance
•Anxiety and Stress levels » Depression » Dementia
•Positive Thinking and Self Esteem
•Energy levels, Overall well-being
•Freezing leg movements, coupled with the “run away“ body
•Illegible Hand Writing
•Proprioceptions
Water
Water is vital at all times, but even more so when brain function is reduced due to disease.
Some Kinesiologic Techniques Assisting with Symptoms
Brain Gym®:
•Brain Buttons to aid blood & oxygen supply to the brain. Supports smooth eye teaming and tracking.
•Earth & Space Buttons aids brain /body connection – centering, bodies orientation in space & circulation of Cerebral Spinal Fluid.
•Cross Crawl – sitting or standing. Brain communication between right & left hemispheres supporting brain/body co-ordination.
•Hook-ups settles anxiety and aids with memory, thought processing and problem solving.
•Thinking Caps helps with auditory processing and switches on and improves listening and hearing abilities.
•Core Activation - gently rock right and left. This increases hemispheric communication, improving proprioperception, coordination and balance.
•Lengthening Movements – Calf Activation, Calf Pump, Arm Activation with facilitated passive support.
Vision Gym™ (Visioncircles movements):
•Bracelets increase blood and lymph circulation, increases mobility and reduces pain to hands, arms, feet and legs.
•The Three Pumps increase lymph circulation, body flexibility aiding with reducing muscle ‘rigidity’.
•Wake-Ups Points increase blood circulation to facial muscles while relaxing vision and clarity.
General Kinesiology
•Lymphatic Massage increase lymph flow with improved health while reducing muscular pain and ‘rigidity’
•Spinal Reflexes help stimulate the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
_________________________________________________
TFH & PKAWA The Touch For Health and Professional Kinesiology Asociation of Western Australia
OPEN DAY CONFERENCE – 6 MAY 2006
The cause of Parkinson's Disease (PD), is suspected in some cases to be reflected in the family history of the disease. The Substantia Nigra to the Basal Ganglia, where the release the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), degenerate in PD is degenerative. Also, the Basla Ganglia, in the Caudate Nucleus, are neurons that liberate the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh). Although the level of ACh does not change as the level of DA declines, the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity - too little DA and too much ACh - is thought to bring about most of the symptoms.
In PD patients, involuntary skeletal muscle contractions often interfere with voluntary movement. For instance, the muscles of the upper limb may alternately contract and relax, causing the hand to shake.
This shaking, called 'tremor', is the most common sympton of PD. Also, muscle tone may increase greatly causing rigidity of the involved body part. Rigidity of the facial muscles gives the face a mask like appearance.
The expression is characterized by wide-eyed, unblinking stare and a slightly open mouth with uncontrolled drooping.
Motor performance is also impaired by 'bradykinesia' (brady = slow), in which activities such as shaving, cutting food and buttoning a shirt take longer and become increasingly more difficulty as the disease progresses. Muscular movements are performed not only slowly but with decreasing range of motion, or 'hypokinesia' (hypo = under). For example, handwritten letters get smaller, become poorly formed and eventually become illegible. Often walking becomes too difficult and patients are confined to a wheelchair and then eventually bed with severe body pain, cramps, loss of language and then eventually, the immune systems becomes so weak that death follows from varied causes or infections.
Parkinson's disease explained
Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative, non-fatal neurological condition, which affects the control of body movements. It is not contagious and there is no firm evidence to suggest that it is a genetic condition. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal (nerve) cells located in the substantia nigra (middle area of the brain). This causes a deficiency in dopamine a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger), necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson's appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells in the body cease to function normally. By then, the progression of the disease is significant.
A common disease
It is estimated that approximately one to two people per 1,000 of the population have Parkinson's, with the incidence increasing to one in 100 over the age of 60 years. In Australia, there are approximately 40,000 people with Parkinson's disease, with one in seven sufferers being diagnosed before the age of 50 years. Approximately 500 new cases are diagnosed in Victoria every year.
Physical symptoms vary among individuals
The type, number, severity and progression of symptoms varies greatly between individuals. No two people are affected in the same way. Some of the main symptoms are:
Tremor (shaking)
Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
Freezing
Stooped posture
Shuffling gait
Micrographia (small handwriting)
Lethargy, fatigue and/or pain.
Causes are unknown
At present, there is no known cause of Parkinson's disease and therefore the condition is termed 'idiopathic'. Research is being conducted worldwide to investigate possible causes, including:
Pesticides, toxins or chemicals
Genetic factors
Head trauma
Personality types.
How is Parkinson's typically commonly managed?
These systems are aimed at improving the patients quality of life.
Parkinson's is managed by:
Drug therapy and/or medication
Neurosurgery
Multidisciplinary therapy (for example physiotherapists, dietitians, counsellors).
Things to remember
Parkinson's is a manageable condition.
The symptoms of Parkinson's vary in number, type, severity and progression.
No two people will experience the condition the same way, so management will also vary.
Parkinson's Disease
Shaking, stiffness and slow movements are symptoms of a condition called Parkinsonism. Parkinson's Disease is the most common type of Parkinsonism. Other causes of Parkinson's Disease include exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, head injuries and possible infections.
Is there a cure?
While there is no known cure, there are ways to manage many of the symptoms. Parkinson’s is not fatal and is not a mental illness.
What is the treatment?
The main treatment for Parkinson's is drug therapy. The best treatment program includes a combination of therapies, self-help programs, activity and diet. As the disease is slowly progressive, there may be little interference with normal activities for several years. A wide variety of drugs are available which don't cure, but make movement easier and prolong functional life for many years.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Neurologist
Parkinson's Victoria Tel. (03) 9551 1122
Support groups
Movement disorders programs
Community services at your local council
The Independent Living Centre Tel. (03) 9362 6111
OR Our Fusion of Natural Therapies
Where carers can get help
All of the above
Carers Association of Victoria (03) Tel. 9650 9966
The Brain Foundation Tel. (03) 9882 2203
References
1. Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home Edition 1997
2. Parkinson's Syndrome Society of Queensland
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine - MEDLINEplus
4. Central West PD is a great Web site
5. Better Health Victoria
--------------------------------
Joyce’s Story - 80 years young with Parkinson’s Disease
Stay happy and vibrant,
Lee-Anne MacLeod
Seven Year Case Study
“WHEELCHAIR TO DANCING”
PARKINSON DISEASE
By Lee-Anne MacLeod
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive, degenerative, non-fatal neurological condition, which affects the control of body movements. It is not contagious and there is no firm evidence to suggest that it is a genetic condition. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal (nerve) cells located in the substantia nigra (middle area of the brain). This causes a deficiency in dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger) necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson's appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells in the body cease to function normally.
The Basal Ganglia, in the caudate nucleus, are neurons that liberate the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh). Although the level of ACh does not change as the level of Dopamine (DA) declines, the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity » too little DA and too much Ach, is thought to bring about most of the symptoms.
Symptoms that may be assisted with Kinesiology & Brain Gym®:
•Muscle Rigidity and Tension
•Tremors
•Motor Movements » Fine & Gross
•Poor Concentration & Memory
•Speech, Communication and swallowing problems.
•Vision – Poor tracking » Reading becomes difficult
•Coordination and Balance
•Anxiety and Stress levels » Depression » Dementia
•Positive Thinking and Self Esteem
•Energy levels, Overall well-being
•Freezing leg movements, coupled with the “run away“ body
•Illegible Hand Writing
•Proprioceptions
Water
Water is vital at all times, but even more so when brain function is reduced due to disease.
Some Kinesiologic Techniques Assisting with Symptoms
Brain Gym®:
•Brain Buttons to aid blood & oxygen supply to the brain. Supports smooth eye teaming and tracking.
•Earth & Space Buttons aids brain /body connection – centering, bodies orientation in space & circulation of Cerebral Spinal Fluid.
•Cross Crawl – sitting or standing. Brain communication between right & left hemispheres supporting brain/body co-ordination.
•Hook-ups settles anxiety and aids with memory, thought processing and problem solving.
•Thinking Caps helps with auditory processing and switches on and improves listening and hearing abilities.
•Core Activation - gently rock right and left. This increases hemispheric communication, improving proprioperception, coordination and balance.
•Lengthening Movements – Calf Activation, Calf Pump, Arm Activation with facilitated passive support.
Vision Gym™ (Visioncircles movements):
•Bracelets increase blood and lymph circulation, increases mobility and reduces pain to hands, arms, feet and legs.
•The Three Pumps increase lymph circulation, body flexibility aiding with reducing muscle ‘rigidity’.
•Wake-Ups Points increase blood circulation to facial muscles while relaxing vision and clarity.
General Kinesiology
•Lymphatic Massage increase lymph flow with improved health while reducing muscular pain and ‘rigidity’
•Spinal Reflexes help stimulate the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems
_________________________________________________
TFH & PKAWA The Touch For Health and Professional Kinesiology Asociation of Western Australia
OPEN DAY CONFERENCE – 6 MAY 2006
The cause of Parkinson's Disease (PD), is suspected in some cases to be reflected in the family history of the disease. The Substantia Nigra to the Basal Ganglia, where the release the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA), degenerate in PD is degenerative. Also, the Basla Ganglia, in the Caudate Nucleus, are neurons that liberate the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine (ACh). Although the level of ACh does not change as the level of DA declines, the imbalance of neurotransmitter activity - too little DA and too much ACh - is thought to bring about most of the symptoms.
In PD patients, involuntary skeletal muscle contractions often interfere with voluntary movement. For instance, the muscles of the upper limb may alternately contract and relax, causing the hand to shake.
This shaking, called 'tremor', is the most common sympton of PD. Also, muscle tone may increase greatly causing rigidity of the involved body part. Rigidity of the facial muscles gives the face a mask like appearance.
The expression is characterized by wide-eyed, unblinking stare and a slightly open mouth with uncontrolled drooping.
Motor performance is also impaired by 'bradykinesia' (brady = slow), in which activities such as shaving, cutting food and buttoning a shirt take longer and become increasingly more difficulty as the disease progresses. Muscular movements are performed not only slowly but with decreasing range of motion, or 'hypokinesia' (hypo = under). For example, handwritten letters get smaller, become poorly formed and eventually become illegible. Often walking becomes too difficult and patients are confined to a wheelchair and then eventually bed with severe body pain, cramps, loss of language and then eventually, the immune systems becomes so weak that death follows from varied causes or infections.
Parkinson's disease explained
Parkinson's disease is a progressive, degenerative, non-fatal neurological condition, which affects the control of body movements. It is not contagious and there is no firm evidence to suggest that it is a genetic condition. Symptoms result from the progressive degeneration of neuronal (nerve) cells located in the substantia nigra (middle area of the brain). This causes a deficiency in dopamine a chemical neurotransmitter (messenger), necessary for smooth, controlled movements. The symptoms of Parkinson's appear when about 70 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells in the body cease to function normally. By then, the progression of the disease is significant.
A common disease
It is estimated that approximately one to two people per 1,000 of the population have Parkinson's, with the incidence increasing to one in 100 over the age of 60 years. In Australia, there are approximately 40,000 people with Parkinson's disease, with one in seven sufferers being diagnosed before the age of 50 years. Approximately 500 new cases are diagnosed in Victoria every year.
Physical symptoms vary among individuals
The type, number, severity and progression of symptoms varies greatly between individuals. No two people are affected in the same way. Some of the main symptoms are:
Tremor (shaking)
Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
Freezing
Stooped posture
Shuffling gait
Micrographia (small handwriting)
Lethargy, fatigue and/or pain.
Causes are unknown
At present, there is no known cause of Parkinson's disease and therefore the condition is termed 'idiopathic'. Research is being conducted worldwide to investigate possible causes, including:
Pesticides, toxins or chemicals
Genetic factors
Head trauma
Personality types.
How is Parkinson's typically commonly managed?
These systems are aimed at improving the patients quality of life.
Parkinson's is managed by:
Drug therapy and/or medication
Neurosurgery
Multidisciplinary therapy (for example physiotherapists, dietitians, counsellors).
Things to remember
Parkinson's is a manageable condition.
The symptoms of Parkinson's vary in number, type, severity and progression.
No two people will experience the condition the same way, so management will also vary.
Parkinson's Disease
Shaking, stiffness and slow movements are symptoms of a condition called Parkinsonism. Parkinson's Disease is the most common type of Parkinsonism. Other causes of Parkinson's Disease include exposure to certain chemicals or drugs, head injuries and possible infections.
Is there a cure?
While there is no known cure, there are ways to manage many of the symptoms. Parkinson’s is not fatal and is not a mental illness.
What is the treatment?
The main treatment for Parkinson's is drug therapy. The best treatment program includes a combination of therapies, self-help programs, activity and diet. As the disease is slowly progressive, there may be little interference with normal activities for several years. A wide variety of drugs are available which don't cure, but make movement easier and prolong functional life for many years.
Where to get help
Your doctor
Neurologist
Parkinson's Victoria Tel. (03) 9551 1122
Support groups
Movement disorders programs
Community services at your local council
The Independent Living Centre Tel. (03) 9362 6111
OR Our Fusion of Natural Therapies
Where carers can get help
All of the above
Carers Association of Victoria (03) Tel. 9650 9966
The Brain Foundation Tel. (03) 9882 2203
References
1. Merck Manual of Medical Information, Home Edition 1997
2. Parkinson's Syndrome Society of Queensland
3. U.S. National Library of Medicine - MEDLINEplus
4. Central West PD is a great Web site
5. Better Health Victoria
--------------------------------
Joyce’s Story - 80 years young with Parkinson’s Disease
Stay happy and vibrant,
Lee-Anne MacLeod
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