Parkinson’s Disease is Complicated by A.C. Woolnough, Ambassador World Parkinson Congress, Barcelona 2022
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oday is the youngest you’re going to be for the rest of your life. It is the oldest you’ve ever been as well. Why introduce time for an article about Parkinson’s disease? One reason is the single biggest risk factor for Parkinson’s is age. The older you get, the greater chance of being diagnosed. However, between 1020% of diagnoses is for Young Onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD)— meaning 50 years or younger. No matter what age, PD is chronic (it isn’t going away) and it is progressive (it is going to get worse). The most obvious symptoms are the motor difficulties—gait and balance issues, tremor, dyskinesia (large uncontrollable movements) and freezing. Most people are unaware there are numerous nonmotor symptoms as well; pain, depression, constipation, loss of smell, facial masking, soft voice, small handwriting, memory problems, other cognitive issues and many more. Diagnosis of Parkinson’s is complicated because symptoms vary person to person. Since there is no cure, various therapies are used to treat symptoms, including a plethora of drugs and exercise. Exercise has been shown to be one of the most effective (certainly the most cost effective) means to slow the progression of the disease. The most effective exercise is a combination of physical, cognitive, and social. That is why a program called Rock Steady Boxing is becoming one
of the most popular. Using the moves, the exercises and the training regimen of boxers in a non-contact group format, all the domains for PD exercise are addressed. As one person put it, “You move to keep moving.” Support groups are another means to combat the disease. Sharing and learning from each other, guest speakers, practicing large physical movements and other activities make up a typical meeting. Some groups have a smaller support group focused on the needs and experiences of care partners. I have been fortunate to be a member of two patient advisory councils, an Ambassador for two World Parkinson Congresses, a presenter at more than five PD conferences, a participant in more than twentyfive studies, written a monthly PD column, and been an advocate on Capitol Hill. If you have a question or concern about Parkinson’s, feel free to email me at acwooly@gmail.com. If I can’t help you, I’ll steer you in the direction of someone who can.
Parkinson’s Support Groups Want to start a Parkinson’s support group in your community or connect with our social services manager for a personalized Navigation Session? Contact Sarah Winter, MSW, LICSW at 206.946.6517 or sarah@nwpf.org
COEUR D’ALENE Lake City Center, 1916 N Lakewood Drive 1st Friday of the month at 1 - 2:30 pm Contact: Beth Hatcher 208-635-5243 Email: cdapsg@hotmail.com Women with Parkinson’s Affinity Apartments, 3594 N. Cederblom Street 3rd Friday at 1 pm. A casual get-together. Free to people with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.
KALISPELL
Gateway Community Center 1203 Hwy 2 West, United Way Conference Room Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Flathead Valley 3rd Wednesday of the month at 3 - 4:30 pm Contact: Marjory McClaren 406-250-5577 Email: marjmccl@yahoo.com Contact: Lynnell Gravelle 406-756-7250 Email: lynnell@arspt.com 4th Wednesday of the month at 3 - 4:30 pm Contact: Lynn Woods 406-420-2321 Email: lynwoods@gmail.com This is a new group forming now to address the needs of Parkinson’s Care Partners. Please join us!
SANDPOINT East Bonner County Library meeting room, 1407 Cedar St., 2nd Mondays at 2 - 3:30 pm. Contact: A.C. Woolnough 208-304-5756 Email: acwooly@gmail.com
68 Wise Guide | 2020 Edition
SPOKANE
Check www.NWPF.org for details Caregiver Support Group Follow us on Facebook! Parkinson’s Resource Center | 1420 E @NW Parkinson’s Foundation Sprague Ave, Ste 103 3rd Wednesdays at 11:30 am - 1 pm Contact: Halle Goodwin, MSOL 509-443-3361 Email: halle@nwpf.org
Women Affected by PD Support Group Riverview Retirement, Dining Room 1801 E Upriver Drive, 1st Thursdays at 1 - 2:30 pm Bring your lunch and join this group of remarkable women living well with Parkinson’s. Contact: Sally Sullivan 509-499-5113 Email: 22sullys@gmail.com Parkinson’s Support Group Touchmark on South Hill, 2929 S Waterford Drive 3rd Wednesdays at 2:30 - 4 pm Contact: Lori McCormick 509-321-8130 Email: lori.mccormick@touchmark.com Parkinson’s Connect Parkinson’s Resource Center, 1420 E. Sprague Ave., Suite 103 Last Tuesdays at 4 - 6:30 pm Great for new to community or newly diagnosed. Friends and family welcome! Share experiences, ask questions of peers in a relaxed, unstructured fun social setting. Anyone with a Parkinson’s-like disorder is welcome. Contact: Halle Goodwin, MSOL 509-443-3361 Email: halle@nwpf.org