Parkinson’s disease is a common condition affecting older individuals. Its symptoms affect movement control, speech, and emotional health, negatively impacting a patient’s quality of life. Richmond University Medical Center offers Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation to manage symptoms and slow the disease’s progress. With compassionate care delivered from our Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center in Staten Island, New York, patients can continue to live fulfilling lives while pursuing activities they enjoy.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
The brain is a complex network of neuron cells. These cells use electrical impulses to communicate with one another. These signals are controlled by chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which translate electrical signals into information that the brain can use. Together, they set moods, interpret sensory input, control body movement, and generate thought.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when cells in the basal ganglia die off. The basal ganglia is the part of the brain that produces dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that fine-tunes motor signals for precise physical movement. It also produces norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that controls many essential functions like heart rate and blood pressure. As cells die off, the brain experiences a critical deficiency of both neurotransmitters – losing function as a result.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition, meaning that it gets worse over time. It is also chronic and cannot be fully cured. With the right rehabilitation program, however, patients can slow its progress. By counteracting degeneration and managing symptoms as they develop, patients can stay mobile and maintain an active life full of the activities they enjoy.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease come on slowly. In the early stages, the signs may be barely noticeable. They expand and intensify as the disease progresses over a period of months or years. Symptoms can be different for everyone, but common ones include:
- Tremors: Tremors typically begin in the hands or fingers. The hands may tremble at rest, or the thumb and forefinger may rub together in a “pill-rolling” motion.
- Slowed movement: Also called bradykinesia, this symptom slows the patient’s movement. Simple tasks become more difficult, and the patient may be less expressive.
- Muscle stiffness: Muscles may feel tense, rigid, and sometimes painful. This symptom appears in any part of the body, limiting movements to be short and jerky.
- Poor balance: Patients with Parkinson’s disease may gradually develop a stooped or hunched posture, leading to balance difficulties and frequent falls.
- Loss of automatic movements: Movements made without thinking, such as blinking, smiling, or swinging arms while walking, may slow or stop entirely.
- Speech changes: As patients lose precise mouth control, their speech changes. They may speak quietly or in a monotone, slur their words, or hesitate before talking.
- Writing changes: Writing requires fine motor control, which is impacted by Parkinson’s. Handwriting may become small or cramped.
- Nonmotor symptoms: Changes in norepinephrine levels may create other symptoms, such as constipation, frequent urination, low blood pressure, or loss of smell.
- Emotional symptoms: Patients with Parkinson’s disease may experience depression, anxiety, confusion, memory problems, or persistent fatigue.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can have a significant negative impact on a patient’s life, especially in the late stages. This is why it is important to seek rehabilitative treatment early. Richmond University Medical Center can help patients manage their symptoms while slowing their Parkinson’s development, maintaining a higher quality of life.
Parkinson’s Rehabilitation Services in Staten Island, NY
The aim of Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation at Richmond University Medical Center is to slow down the disease’s development, manage symptoms, and teach patients how to work around their symptoms and accomplish everyday tasks. We employ several proven methods to achieve these goals. Each care plan is personalized to the patient, taking their unique situation and condition into account. They may feature a combination of the following:
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an important part of maintaining mobility. The more patients move and train their muscles, the longer they can delay the movement-inhibiting effects of Parkinson’s disease. At Richmond University Medical Center, licensed and trained physical therapists guide patients through the right exercises to increase their strength, control, flexibility, and balance. They also encourage patients to make big, exaggerated movements to counteract bradykinesia and hypokinesia.
Speech-Language Pathology
Patients with Parkinson’s disease often struggle to speak clearly. This can impact their ability to communicate, which is frustrating and may impact relationships with cherished loved ones. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment, or LSVT LOUD is a type of speech-language pathology that helps patients maintain their voice volume and prevent slurred speech. This slows down the effects of Parkinson’s disease on speech, allowing patients to stay connected and communicative.
Medication
For some patients, medication may effectively treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease by increasing dopamine levels. Levodopa is a commonly used medication that gives cells the materials they need to produce more dopamine, replenishing the brain’s supply. Other medications used may include enzyme inhibitors and dopamine agonists, which increase dopamine levels, and amantadine or anticholinergic drugs, which reduce involuntary movement and tremors.
Occupational Therapy
While physical therapy and medication can help reduce symptoms, they cannot halt their progress entirely. Especially in the later stages of Parkinson’s, patients may struggle with symptoms that impact their everyday life. Occupational therapy focuses on helping patients maintain quality of life despite their symptoms. Patients relearn how to complete tasks related to work, personal care, or leisure time. They may also learn how to use assistive tools effectively in their everyday lives.
Manage Parkinson’s Disease With Rehabilitative Services
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, do not wait on treatment. The sooner patients start rehabilitation, the longer they can stay independent and live fulfilling lives. It is important to start as soon as possible for best results.
Richmond University Medical Center offers Parkinson’s disease rehabilitation services in Staten Island, NY. We deliver compassionate, patient-centered care to help you live the best life available to you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to learn more about Parkinson’s rehabilitation.
