In Canada, April is Parkinson’s Awareness month. It is a time for us to show support to those living with the disease and to create awareness. Parkinson’s Disease affects the nervous system and overtime can result in a loss of strength, balance, speed, and vocal power. It can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. In the U.S, it is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, following Alzheimer’s.
Some of the Early signs of Parkinson’s Disease includes tremors, stiffness in muscles, and slowness of movement.
There is no single definitive cause of Parkinson’s, but it has been determined about 10 to 15% of Parkinson’s cases are due to genetics. Some other factors which have been linked to the disease is a person’s environment, profession, and lifestyle. It can be hard to diagnose the disease as there is no conclusive screening or test for it; a doctor will carefully weigh out symptoms, history, and other factors.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, but there are ways to manage it with medicine, surgeries, therapies, and exercises. Exercise has been proven to be crucial for people living with Parkinson’s. It helps in many ways including reducing the risk of falls and injury, improving motor and cognitive functions, and also reducing depression, fatigue, and insomnia. The Parkinson’s Foundation recommends people with Parkinson’s exercise 3 days a week for at least 30 minutes each time. Some other ways to help manage the symptoms of the disease is going to physical, occupational, speech, and/or massage therapy.
People living with Parkinson’s Disease often struggle with feeling isolated, it is important to find support to relieve this isolation and to maintain the best quality of life. This month help support Parkinson Awareness month by learning more about the disease and how you can help those around you who are affected by it.
For more information visit www.Parkinson.ca
Whitevalley Resource Center would like to thank our sponsors, The United Way, and Interior Health.
