Parkinson’s Disease - Don’t go it alone
We’ve heard it and said it ourselves – we treasure Wimberley for its smalltown ambiance and strong sense of community. There are few places of large public encounters, where we see friends, neighbors, familiar faces. How many times do we see someone with a cane, a walker, someone who seems to have a tremor, perhaps a bit unsteady as they walk? If they’re not an acquaintance, we passingly wonder what condition they have.
If they have Parkinson’s disease (PD), Wimberley is fortunate to have an active and engaged support group for them and their caregivers, the Wimberley Area Parkinson’s Association (WAPA). Monthly WAPA meetings bring in doctors, nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists and other PD patients to discuss medications, implant devices, physical therapies, and adaptive measures to enable patients and caregivers to deal with symptoms and to learn how to ensure the highest quality of life for all involved. Just as valuable is the chance to socialize and share experiences about what does or does not work for others. Neurologists admit that Parkinson’s is the most difficult medical condition they treat and emphasize that each patient’s situation is unique, a fact confirmed by many patients. Just talking with others can suggest improvements in medications, treatments, daily routines and outlook.
Years of studies and research confirm that although there is no cure yet, physical activity, especially regular focused routines done as often as possible, can slow the progression of PD. WAPA members participate in three-day-a-week exercise classes developed especially for Parkinson’s patients. The emphasis is on increasing mobility and developing strength, coordination and balance to enable participants to live an active life. WAPA stresses the attitude that there are things patients can do to get control of Parkinson’s rather than let it get control of them.
In PD, nerve cells in the brain stop producing the chemical dopamine which transmits signals between these cells. Put simply, when you want a muscle to move, a signal has to originate in the brain, move through your nervous system to the muscle and tell it to move; if there is not enough dopamine in your brain, the initial signal is either delayed or weakened. PD is estimated to be the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S., after Alzheimer’s, and afflicts up to 1.5 million Americans. PD has been diagnosed in people as early as their teen years. About 1.5-2.0% of people older than 60 have the disease and form the largest single age cohort.
Nationally there are excellent resources for PD patients and caregivers. The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the American Parkinson Disease Association support research and provide information to keep people informed on new treatments and technologies. The Davis Phinney Foundation focuses on practical suggestions to help patients and caregivers cope with daily issues and develop techniques to promote the best possible lives. Further information on these three groups can be found online. For more information please visit the Wimberley PD support group website at www.WimberleyAPA.com, or call or text 361-265-8161.