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Pharmacy & Acute Care University
Pharmacy & Acute Care University
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Neurology 111

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  1. Hemorrhagic Stroke
    9 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  2. Status Epilepticus
    10 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  3. Myasthenia Gravis Exacerbation
    9 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  4. Parkinson's Disease
    11 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  5. Traumatic brain injury
    9 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes
  6. Epilepsy
    9 Topics
    |
    2 Quizzes

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Neurology 111 Parkinson’s Disease Non-Pharmacologic Therapies
Lesson 4, Topic 9
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Non-Pharmacologic Therapies

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Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects motor function. While pharmacotherapy plays a crucial role in managing PD, non-pharmacologic therapies are integral to comprehensive care, offering significant benefits in improving quality of life and functional abilities. This section delves into various non-pharmacologic approaches beneficial for patients with PD.

  • Physical Therapy:
    • Goal: Enhance mobility, flexibility, balance, and gait.
    • Approaches: Tailored exercises, gait training, and balance enhancement activities.
    • Clinical Insights: Regular sessions can slow down the progression of symptoms. The intensity and type of exercise should be adjusted according to disease stage and individual capabilities.
  • Occupational Therapy:
    • Goal: Maintain independence in daily activities.
    • Approaches: Adaptive techniques and tools for dressing, eating, and writing; home safety assessments.
    • Clinical Insights: Focuses on fine motor skills and cognitive strategies to compensate for PD symptoms, enhancing patients’ ability to perform daily tasks.
  • Speech and Language Therapy:
    • Goal: Address speech and swallowing difficulties.
    • Approaches: Exercises to strengthen speech muscles, strategies to improve clarity of speech, swallowing safety techniques.
    • Clinical Insights: Essential as PD progresses, given the increased risk of dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia.
  • Nutritional Counseling:
    • Goal: Optimize nutritional status and manage weight.
    • Approaches: Balanced diet plans, addressing specific needs like fiber for constipation.
    • Clinical Insights: PD patients may have unique nutritional challenges due to medication side effects or motor symptoms affecting eating.
  • Psychological Counseling:
    • Goal: Support mental health and cognitive function.
    • Approaches: Counseling, cognitive-behavioral therapy, support groups.
    • Clinical Insights: PD can lead to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline; psychological support is vital for emotional well-being.
  • Complementary Therapies:
    • Yoga and Tai Chi: Enhance flexibility, balance, and relaxation.
    • Massage Therapy: Relieve muscle tension and improve circulation.
    • Acupuncture: Can aid in managing pain and stress.
    • Clinical Insights: These therapies should complement, not replace, conventional PD treatments.
  • Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Technology:
    • Goal: Facilitate independence and safety in daily activities.
    • Tools: Special utensils, dressing aids, voice-activated devices.
    • Clinical Insights: Technology advancements, like smartphone apps and adaptive devices, can significantly aid PD patients.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) Pre-and Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:
    • Goal: Optimize physical function and adaptation to DBS settings.
    • Approaches: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies tailored to post-DBS needs.
    • Clinical Insights: Although DBS is a surgical intervention, pre-and post-operative rehabilitation are non-pharmacologic and crucial for the success of the procedure.