 | Dana Shaw, OTR/L, is director of rehabilitation services at Wesley. She can be reached at Dana.Shaw@wesleymc.com. For more information about Wesley’s rehabilitation services, log on to www.wesleymc.com or call (316) 962-2730. |
Rehabilitation and Therapy
2006-06-01 10:04:00
What is Parkinson’s disease?
ANSWER: Parkinson’s disease is a slowly progressive, degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It affects about one in every 250 people over 40 years old and one in every 100 people over 65.Symptoms• Tremor, usually starting in the hands and spreading to the arms, legs, and face;• Muscle stiffness and difficulty initiating movement;• Shuffling, short-stepped gait;• Difficulty turning or stopping;• Difficulty swallowing;• Difficulty speaking.If you or a loved one has any of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, see your doctor.TreatmentParkinson’s disease cannot be cured, but it may be treated with a wide variety of drugs that can make movement easier and prolong functional life for many years.Physical therapy and mechanical aids such as wheeled walkers can help maintain independence. A nutritious diet is important, as well as occupational and speech therapy to maintain quality of life.Rehabilitation staff members at Wesley Medical Center have recently completed a comprehensive training program on therapy for patients who have Parkinson’s disease. They are the only rehab staff in Wichita accredited by the Parkinson Foundation of the Heartland, a chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation.The program helps therapists learn to better recognize and respond to the patients’ physical, emotional, nutritional and communications needs. Specific topics include treatments for Parkinson’s disease, fall prevention, exercise, improved speech, better nutrition, and methods to make activities of daily living easier. The 24 staff members who completed the program include physical, occupational and speech therapists.The goal for therapy is to help patients maintain independence and stay as healthy as possible through the management of their chronic illness. Wesley offers a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services for patients who have Parkinson’s disease, as well as other movement disorders.
