Author: Meghan Parsons

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

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What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body’s muscles and movement. It is not until approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged that the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear.

What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s?

The loss of dopamine production in the brain causes the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The key signs of Parkinson’s disease are tremor (shaking), slowness of movement, rigidity (stiffness), and difficulty with balance. Other signs of Parkinson’s disease may include small, cramped handwriting, stiff facial expression, shuffling walk, muffled speech, and depression.

Who gets Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease affects all genders, although more men than women are diagnosed. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1 million Americans who currently have Parkinson’s disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.

How is Parkinson’s diagnosed?

The process of making a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis can be difficult. There is no single test that can confirm Parkinson’s disease. A physician arrives at the diagnosis only after a thorough examination. Blood tests and brain scans known as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be performed to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms. People suspected of having Parkinson’s disease should consider seeking the care of a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s disease.

What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?

There are a number of effective medicines to help ease the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Most symptoms are caused by a lack of dopamine. The medicines most commonly used will attempt to either replace or mimic dopamine, which improves the tremor, rigidity and slowness associated with Parkinson’s disease. Several new medicines are being studied that may slow the progression. Currently, there is no cure that will prevent or reverse the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. As the disease progresses, treatment plans may need frequent review and adjustment to maintain functioning and quality of life.

Where can I find support?

Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon (PRO) is a local non-profit serving the Pacific Northwest. With support groups across the region, a toll-free helpline, and online and in-person education, you and your family can rely on PRO for personal support and encouragement.

Article Provided by:
Parkinson’s Resources
800-426-6806
www.ParkinsonsResources.org

Compliments of: 
CareAvailability
https://careavailability.com/understanding-parkinsons-disease/

Alzheimer’s Association— Leads the Fight Against Alzheimer’s

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We are relentless. We are optimistic. We are inclusive. We are a group of people— staff and volunteers—determined to end Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Serving 38 counties in Oregon and Washington, the Alzheimer’s Association® Oregon & Southwest Washington Chapter fights for the more than 69,000 Oregonians and 120,000 Washingtonians living with Alzheimer’s disease. Our services include free and confidential support groups, community education classes, and extensive online resources. If you, or a loved one, are navigating Alzheimer’s, dementia, mild-cognitive impairment or memory-loss, call our 24/7 Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

Alzheimer‘s and Demential Caregiving Center (ALZ.ORG/ CARE)

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia often involves a team of people. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision making, or simply care about a person with the disease — we have resources to help.

Caregiver Support Group and Community Education Classes (ALZ.ORG/CRF)

Get easy access to resources, community programs, and services. Our Chapter provides support, education, training, and other resources. Visit our Community Resource Finder for real-time support group and educational program listings.

Online Caregiver Forum (ALZCONNECTED.ORG)

ALZConnected® is a free online community for everyone affected by Alzheimer’s or another dementia, including: people with the disease, caregivers, family members, friends, and individuals who have lost someone to Alzheimer’s. Connect with others who know, first-hand, how this experience affects your life.

Alzheimer‘s Navigator (ALZHIEMERSNAVIGATOR.ORG)

Alzheimer’s Navigator helps guide caregivers to answers by creating a personalized action plan and linking to information, support, and location resources.

Alzheimer‘s Association TrialMatch (ALZ.ORG/ TRIALMATCH)

TrialMatch® connects individuals living with Alzheimer’s, caregivers and healthy volunteers to clinical trials that may advance Alzheimer’s research. TrialMatch allows users to search for studies without creating an account, choose whether to receive email notifications of new opportunities, and directly contact research teams.

Alzheimer‘s Disease Facts and Figures Report (ALZ.ORG/ FACTS)

The number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s is growing—and growing fast. More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. By 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million.

Walk to End Alzheimer‘s (ALZ.ORG/WALK)

Across the nation, the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to ending this disease. Because like flowers, our participants don’t stop when something’s in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.

Article Provided by:
Alzheimer’s Association Oregon Chapter
800-272-3900
www.Alz.org/ORSWWA

What is Remote Patient Monitoring?

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As we age we strive to keep our independence. Remote Patient Monitoring is a great way to help monitor chronic health conditions and prevent medical emergencies – helping you stay safe and healthy in the comfort of your home.

Remote Patient Monitoring is simple and easy to use. Depending on your own personal needs you can use at-home devices to track your oxygen levels, blood pressure, glucose, temperature, and weight. The consistent monitoring of these biometrics helps to create a baseline and monitor any changes that might indicate a medical emergency.

Your vitals get sent to a medical team in real time. If your readings are outside of the normal range for you, a nurse will call you to triage your condition and coordinate any next steps like scheduling a visit with your doctor or reviewing your medication.

Remote Patient Monitoring is a great way to help manage chronic health conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Congestive Heart Failure
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Regular tracking of biometrics, symptoms, and medication adherence help to better manage chronic health conditions and prevent medical emergencies. What’s most important about all of this is that consistent monitoring increases your ability to stay home and empowers you to better self-manage your health conditions.

Remote Patient Monitoring is a proven, low-cost way to improve healthy living at home. That’s why many Medicare patients are eligible to receive this service at no cost, with no copay.

Remote Patient Monitoring can help you live a happier and healthier life at home.

Article provided by:
New Horizons In-Home Care
877-642-2737
www.NHCares.com

Compliments of:
CareAvailability
www.CareAvailability.com 

Hard Word

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“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Having talent helps, but hard work is far more important. Not just as a sports metaphor -but work ethic matters in our relationships, our jobs, our parenting, and even our hobbies.

Speak Out

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“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.” – Pastor Martin Niemöller

Some things are beyond my personal control, but at a minimum, I can protest, write letters, send donations, and offer prayers. I can ensure that the issues that affect the welfare of others are present in my mind and conversations, now and not just when I feel the pain.

Let the Light In

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“There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” – Leonard Cohen

I am not comfortable showing vulnerability, no one really is. When I am more transparent with my struggles, I am grateful for the support received. More importantly-it helps others feel less alone in their struggles, and they see a more authentic version of me. So don’t cover all the cracks, let the light come in.

Anna Hobson, Ambulatory Care Navigator, MultiCare Medical Center

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I work as an ambulatory case manager at Tacoma General. Medical Center Our department spreads over 5 hospitals and employees over 30 case managers. We serve a demographic of elders to help navigate their health care needs and goals. Many of our patients need resources for housing or care for loved ones. We utilize the Retirement Connection Guide often as majority of our patients want to “see” their options and don’t use a computer or they have trouble navigating. I personally have used the Retirement Connection resource for a few years, and refer other members of our team to also utilize for resources. The collection of information and resources in the book have been instrumental in helping our patients connect with much needed resources. Having such an organized book of resources have made it easier for the elder population to navigate needs and interests, in a one stop experience. The value of the Retirement Connection has been a key to our departments success in helping patient meet their health care goals. Having the book in print to provide for our patients has been a game changer. Of course we also implement other resources, but having the Retirement Connection saves a of time and energy to provide helpful, current resources.

You Never Have To Be Alone

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In the year 2011, a small but enthusiastic group of people had a vision – to form an organization in north east Seattle focused on supporting and empowering older adults to be active, engaged and independent. They were concerned that  there were few, if any, resources, activities and events in this Seattle enclave dedicated to the older adult population. Further, this community did not have a senior center in its midst.

From this fertile ground of need and opportunity, Northeast Seattle Together – NEST – was born!

NEST is a non-profit organization dedicated to its core mission – connecting its members with each other and with resources to age successfully in the place they call home.

Having recently celebrated its 10thanniversary, NEST offers a  vibrant community made of up of volunteers, members, and a network of trusted professionals. Local businesses are partners as well.

Do you realize that social isolation – defined as a lack of meaningful contact and interaction with family, friends, and the broader community – can have on seniors the equivalent impact of smoking 15 cigarettes a day?

NEST aims to address the toxic impact of isolation by providing its members dignified assistance, connections with their community, and an ability to stay in their houses so they can live in the neighborhoods they love.

Examples of NEST events and groups include monthly potlucks, cultural presentations often open to the general public, health and wellness talks, social groups, and activities such as pickleball and exercise classes.  In addition, there are men’s and women’s support groups, low vision groups, and other resources devoted to engage our members and minimize isolation.

“Living alone, I have found that the friends I’ve met at NEST are even more important than the help I receive. With them, I can get out and enjoy our community and the world. I don’t have to feel alone.”

Janet – Northeast Seattle Resident and NEST Member

NEST offers  two types of paid membership:

NEST Builders:

  • Discounts to NE Seattle Businesses
  • Free admission to NEST events and activities monthly potlucks, cultural presentations, health and wellness talks ,social groups, and activities such as pickleball and exercise classes
  • Discounts at local area merchants

Full Access members:

  • Receive all of the benefits above plus access to volunteers who can assist with yard work, transportation and a variety of other helpful tasks as requested by the member.
  • Referrals to a network of trusted professionals who often provide a discount to members for their services
  • Discounts at local area merchants

NEST serves14 northeast Seattle neighborhoods. The service area stretches from north of Union Bay, to south of NE 110th St and east of I-5.Nest is one of several villages serving the greater Seattle area. Nationally there over 200 villages similar to NEST that support aging in place.

To learn more about NEST visit our website at www.nestseattle.org or call us at 206-525-NEST (6378).

Tell your friends and neighbors about NEST and help build a community where neighbors have choices for staying independent, active and connected.

Article Provided By:
Don Desonier & Deborah Anderson, NEST Marketing & Membership Committee
www.nestseattle.org
206-525-NEST (6378)

Smile

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“Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.” – Dr. Seuss

This time of year I get a bit sad thinking of the people I miss, either because of distance or they have passed away. I have to work hard to focus on the awesome times we shared together, and to be happy for those moments instead. This is also a good reminder for me to not regret when relationships change, but to be thankful for the stage of life when we supported each other differently- because not all relationships are intended to last our lifetime, and that’s ok.

Gratitude

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“It’s not joy that makes us grateful, It’s gratitude that makes us joyful.”  – David Steindl- Rast
It is hard to feel grateful when we are struggling with big things: loss, hunger, isolation, etc. These moments are when it becomes the most important. Take notice of the smaller things: leaves changing color, the sound of rain, a past memory, or the impact you made on someone else. Start small and keep adding, the smaller you start- the more you will have to be grateful for.