PARKINSON’S DISEASE: AN OVERVIEW

Living with Parkinson’s DiseaseDeborah Orloff, MPH, RNChief Executive Officer

Michigan Parkinson Foundation

Background and Definitions Parkinson’s disease was first described

by Dr. James Parkinson in his paper “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” in 1817.

Slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder with no identifiable cause.

The fourth most common neurodegenerative disease of the elderly

Affects about 1% of the population over 55 years of age.

Pathology Massive loss of the pigmented

neurons and gliosis, most prominently in the substantia nigra with presence of Lewy bodies.

Loss of approximately 80% of these neurons results in the presence of clinical symptoms.

Pathology

Courtesy of Kapil D. Sethi, MD

Normal PD

Courtesy of Kapil D. Sethi, MD

Histology of PD Showing Lewy Body

Disease Onset Average age of onset 50-60 years Approximately 5% of cases occur before

age 40 (young onset) Slowly progressive over 10-20 years Early symptoms may be: constipation,

REM sleep disorder, loss of sense of smell, depression

non-specific symptoms: easy fatigability, incoordination, change in writing, pain/tension in one shoulder, depression

Motor Symptoms of PD

Resting Tremor Rigidity (Cogwheel) Bradykinesia (slow movement) or

Akinesia (absence of movement) Postural Instability (balance and

coordination)

Tremor First Sign in 75% of patients

Occurs at rest

Does not need to be present to make a diagnosis

Typically on ones side of body and involves a distal extremity (hand, leg)

Rigidity

Stiffness caused by an involuntary increase in muscle tone

Can affect all muscle groups Often presents as back, neck or

shoulder discomfort Often dismissed as arthritis;

referrals to orthopedists initially

Akinesia/Bradykinesia “Absence of Movement” Describes the difficulty Parkinson’s

patients have in initiating and executing a motor plan.

Early signs include microphagia (small writing) and loss of dexterity.

Facial: Drooling, hypomimia (masked face).

Vocal: hypophonia (soft voice).

Postural Instability

Usually the last motor sign to appear. Often the most disabling and least

treatable problem. No single factor alone is responsible. “Freezing” is a form of akinesia which

is most problematic during ambulation and often leads to falls.

Non-Motor Symptoms Dysautonomias (problems in functioning of

the autonomic nervous system) *constipation *impotence *urinary problems *orthostatic hypotension *regulation of heat *sensory disturbances

*problems swallowing *pain

Non-Motor Symptoms, con’t Speech problems

Behavioral problems, including: depression anxiety

panic attacks agitation

Sleep Disorders

Non-Motor Symptoms, cont. Loss of smell

Constipation

Cognitive (thinking) problems, including dementia

Fatigue

PARKINSON’S SYMPTOMS

VARIABLE—from person to person

VARIABLE—from day to day

VARIABLE—response to treatment

Parkinsonism

A clinical syndrome characterized by specific motor deficits including tremor, akinesia, bradykinesia, rigidity and postural changes/instability.

An underlying cause is usually identified: chemicals (drugs), structural NPH, or possibly a neurodegenerative disorder (PSP, MSA)

Clinical Features That May Suggest a Diagnosis Other Than PD

Early onset of postural instability

Axial more than appendicular rigidity

Poor response to adequate dosages of levodopa

Early dementia

Supranuclear gaze palsy

Treatment and Intervention

Non-pharmacologic

Exercise Education Nutrition Group Support

Treatment and Intervention Pharmacologic Intervention

Considerations:

*Degree of functional impairment *cognitive impairment

*Age (potential side effects) *Cost

Treatment and Intervention

Newer agents are being introduced at greater ages with success.

Research into an effective agent for neuroprotection is ongoing.

Neuroprotection remains controversial.

How is P.D. Treated? First Line *rest and relaxation *exercise *stress management *nutrition *rehab therapy–ot, pt, speech *mental health counseling *education *support (e.g. support groups)

Medication

Complex: Know action, dosage, side effects, how respond.

Used to treat symptoms, not cure. No two people respond the same. Own responses vary. Need to monitor and change

medication regime over time.

Medication, con’t Newly diagnosed: may hold off until

symptoms interfere

May start with low levels and work upwards.

May use multiple medications.

PD meds may interact with others.

Types of Medications Anticholinergics Levodopa (Sinemet CR, Atamet) Amantadine MAO Inhibitors (NO DEMEROL OR

ANTIDEPRESSANTS) Dopamine Receptor Agonists Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase (COMT) Selegeline

Frequent Side Effects of Meds Orthostatic hypotension Memory loss or confusion Agitation Depression Hallucinations and psychosis Sleep disturbances/daytime sleepiness Nausea Motor Fluctuations

Challenges of Medications Timing Monitor and adjust Side effects Complications Drug interactions Cost Frustration Incorporating med regimen into

setting

Surgery Surgery does not cure or stop the

progression. Destruction of cells Deep brain stimulation Pallidotomy Thalamomtomy Gene transfer (beginning stages) Fetal and adrenal grafting (stem cells)

EXPERIMENTAL

Surgical Treatments Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery

* Insertion of an electrode into the brain to deliver electrical stimulation which dampens tremor, rigidity, dyskinesia.

*Reversible

*Sites vary depending on diagnoses

Current Research Cause of PD

Restoration

Neuro-protection

New Pharmacologic Agents

Different Modes of Administrating Drugs

Management

Physical Therapy

Occupational Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy

Mental Health Counseling

Treatment Goals

Reduce incidence and severity of symptoms

Maintain independence

Work together as a team

IMPLICATIONS FOR CARE Provide information Medication

Management Skin Care Elimination (bowel,

bladder) Comfort Rest Cognition

Mental health Safety Cognition Sleep Communication General Health Family

education/support Community

Resources

Role: Medication Management

Correct dose and time Properly administer Track behavior Drug interactions Swallowing difficulties Report problems Document, communicate

Provide Expert Care : COMMUNICATION Speech production Facial expression Slowed thinking Slowed responses Information

processing, including memory, concentration, confusion

Stress increases

problems

Depression

Dementia

Handwriting

Family talks for

PWP

Communication, continued Management

Assess for hearing problems, also Allow time - patience Quiet environment Positive communicative atmosphere Structure conversations, use familiar words Adult topics and routine Encourage communication Referrals: Speech and Language Pathology Assistive devices

Communication, continued

Identify problems Document Communicate to other team

members Develop plan that works for PWP

and family Evaluate

Safety Management Assess for risks Identify probable causes Review previous incidents Develop plan Monitor outcomes, revise as

necessary Referrals: Physical Therapy,

Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, Dietitian

Safety Management:Ambulation Ambulation

Avoid rubber or crepe soled shoes Visual, auditory cues Identify problem areas, e.g. narrow

hallways, doors Remove hazards, e.g. area rugs Concentrate on one task at a time Ambulatory aids Avoid pivot turns

ADL’S: MANAGEMENT Symptoms vary/abilities vary

Perform tasks at times of optimum functioning

Give medications so optimal time for tasks is at peak medication time

Frustration = PATIENCE Person with PD/Caregiver

Referrals: Occupational Therapy Assistive Devices

Sleep Problems Different sleep problems Assess when person is having difficulty:

falling asleep, awakening during the night, early awakening, napping during the day, etc.

Difficulty normally moving in bed Other problems lead to interrupted sleep,

including other medical problems, depression, anxiety, pain, RLS

May be related to medications

Sleep Problems: Management

Sleep hygiene

Medications

Alter PD medications

Treat depression

Physical aids, e.g. satin sheets

Special Issues in LTC Settings Connecting with health professional

knowledgeable about management of Parkinson’s disease.

Medication management. Complexity of care and course. Hospitalization. Communication/cognition issues. Maintaining in mainstream of life. Family interactions. End of Life issues.

Objectives in Long Term Care Assist individual and family to obtain

optimal functioning: physically, emotionally, spiritually.

Provide highest quality of care to assist individual to achieve a state of wellness consistent with the quality of life desired by the patient.

Assist individual and family to achieve a satisfactory end of life experience.

Where to get help

Michigan Parkinson Foundation 30400 Telegraph, Suite 150 Bingham Farms, MI 48025 800-852-9781; info@parkinsonsmi.org

www.parkinsonsmi.org