Reflection on Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurological condition meaning that it happens over time and the condition continues to get worse. Parkinson's disease is the progressive degeneration and death of dopamine producing neurons, which is located in the basil ganglia. In order to further my understanding on Parkinson's Disease, I decided to read an article titled "How to Improve Gait in Parkinson's Disease". The main symptoms that are associated with Parkinson's disease are bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and postural instability. With these symptoms present, gait is often largely affected in someone with Parkinson's disease. This source helped further my learning because I did not know much about gait in relation to Parkinson's disease, since gait is typically addressed by a physical therapist. 

This article starts by introducing two people with Parkinson's disease and their solutions to improving gait. One of these people is Mark Mason, a 72-year-old retired NASA computer scientist with Parkinson's disease. When walking, he uses poles that help him stay upright and help him to be able to walk smoothly. He enjoys walking two to three miles most days of the week and without these poles, he would not be able to do so. Another person that was introduced in the article is Anna Grill, who also has Parkinson's disease. She often struggles with bradykinesia and initiating movements. She has found that when she feels her feet are stuck to the floor and won't move, if she acts like she is at the starting line of a race and mentally says ready, set, go and launches herself forward, she can move. The article later discusses how there are 7 common strategies that work for most patients in regards to motor movements and gait. The seven common strategies are internal cues, external cues, making wide turns, incorporating relaxation techniques to reduce stress, watching other people walk and mimicking their movements, adopting new walking patterns, and using the legs in other ways (Hanc, 2022). Although these strategies work for most people, it is essential to find the best strategy based on the client's circumstances. 

I chose this resource because it was focused on gait. As an occupational therapy student, I have not learned much about gait, as gait is typically addressed by a physical therapist. I wanted to further my learning on this topic in relation to Parkinson's disease. I liked how this article gave strategies to improve functional mobility in clients with Parkinson's disease. I also liked how it gave two examples of clients who have Parkinson's and explained how they improve their gait and their strategies that help them. I liked how they quoted their own words which allowed for the strategies to be explained in simple terms. It was interesting to see how two people with the same disease use two completely different strategies to perform the same task, in this case gait.  

In our neuro class, I have learned about the cardinal signs of Parkinson's disease which are bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, and tremors. The article I read talked about these signs and how they can lead to problems with balance and walking. I liked how it took what I have learned and provided an example. I have learned the symptoms associated with Parkinson's but this article explained how these symptoms can lead to other issues, such as walking. 

This article provided me with what to do once you have Parkinson's. I can take what I have learned and apply it to practice in the future. This article provided me with strategies for clients with Parkinson's disease that help with motor movements and gait. I definitely recommend this source for people to read so they can also learn strategies that could help future clients. This article can help not only therapists, but also caregivers of people who have Parkinson's disease. This article was very informative and I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to better their knowledge of Parkinson's disease. 

Here's the link if you want to check it out! 

https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-to-improve-gait-in-parkinsons-disease/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=21%20Brain%20&%20Life&utm_content=Parkinson%27s%20Spotlight%209

Hanc, J. (2022, January). How to improve gait in parkinson’s disease. Brain and Life Magazine - Trusted by Neurologists. https://www.brainandlife.org/articles/how-to-improve-gait-in-parkinsons-disease/?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=21+Brain+&+Life&utm_content=Parkinson%27s+Spotlight+9