PARKINSON‘S DISEASE

Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs when the brain cells that make Risk Factors
dopamine, a neurotransmitter that coordinates movement, stop
working or die. This results in imbalanced dopamine and
acetylcholine levels and decreased ability to control movement.
PD negatively impacts how a person moves, feels, thinks, sleeps,
and speaks. There is no specific test for PD, and there is no cure.
Treatment is symptomatic. Age Genetics Toxins & Head
pesticides trauma

Symptoms Symptomatic Treatment

• Medication to • Surgery (deep • Physical,
Flat affect, increase dopamine brain occupational,
Depression, anxiety,
speaking and and inhibit stimulation) speech
cognitive impairment,
insomnia swallowing acetylcholine, therapy
and sleep disturbances, impairment, misc. other drugs
personality changes, drooling,
dementia, psychosis dizziness,
decreased
Protective Measures
blinking, blurred
vision, loss of
Stooped sense of smell
posture,
forward tilt of
trunk, tendency Exercise Healthy diet Stop smoking
to fall Constipation,
backward,
muscle
urinary
frequency,
Patient Education
rigidity, incontinence, • Avoid falls: eliminate rugs, install grab bars, elevate toilet
increased erectile seat, adequate lighting.
sweating dysfunction • Wear supportive, sturdy, low-heeled shoes.
• Utilize rolling walker or cane when walking.

Dyskinesias, • Maintain proper posture, lift feet when walking,

Tremor,
dystonia, avoid prolonged sitting.
shaking at rest,
balance
stiffness, reduced • Avoid monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
and walking
arm swing, grip
problems, • Effects of levodopa/carbidopa diminish over time.
difficulty, cramped
falls, shuffling
handwriting, • Do not eat high-protein meals with levodopa/carbidopa.
gait, rigidity,
increased risk
slow movement, • High-fiber soft diet, increase fluids.
for
tendency
melanoma • Maintain regular bowel elimination.
to get stuck,
nerve pain • Use adaptive silverware and cups with lids.
• Use thickeners with liquids as appropriate.

NOTES

www.lecturio.com/nursing Watch Video