New Advancements

Several new advancements in research are worth highlighting for the last month. Globally

there have been several researches in the US, Europe and Asia that are potentially very

important.

Some of the researchers were involved developing techniques for monitoring the patients’

movements as they go about doing their daily work. The radar device tracks the movements

for gait change, balance, etc.

Some articles focused on discussing the benefits of Deep-Brain-Stimulation surgery and its

benefits. The heartening fact is that now the surgery has very little side effects compared to

the earlier ones. Any treatment should be considered only after discussion with your doctor.

Another article focused on understanding factors that can worsens symptoms. There is one

article that identifies specific factors that may lead to freezing. It is important to note that

stress and anxiety plays a significant role in worsening the symptoms.

Finally, the author also suggests some techniques to manage the freezing episodes.

Following are details about these researches and discussions:

1)

DBS as a treatment alternative

A product developed by top devices company using Deep -brain-stimulation is the latest treatment available for PD. This device is configured to detect brain signals and enables personalized deep brain stimulation a reality. Side effect of this device has been greatly reduced due to recent enhancements. Patients where effectiveness of medication is reduced can consider this option.

Please note, any treatment should be decided only based on the advice of you doctor.

Following is the link to the original article:

https://www.koreabiomed.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=20456

2)

Monitoring PD at home can help manage it better

As the disease progresses, patient do experience change in walking speed and gait change. This symptom worsens as the disease progresses. Hence, it becomes important to measure the changes in gait and walking speed in order to arrive at level of degeneration. Scientists have developed a radar device that can continuously monitor the patient from afar as the patient goes about doing daily activities.

Following is the link to the original article:

https://spectrum.ieee.org/radar-device-could-monitor-parkinson-s-at-home

3)

Coping with freezing

Freezing usually happens either when the medication effect wears off or when patient of Parkinson’s Disease is anxious, agitated or having the “off” period. It can also happening while walking, turning, stepping from tile to carpet, stopping, slowing, unfamiliar places. It may as well result in losing balance or fall. In case of freezing, patient needs to talk to the doctor. Maintaining diary and noting time, day and reason of freezing. Doctor can then adjust the medication that may help reduce episodes.

Following can help during freezing:

• Try to be aware of the reasons / trigger for freezing and strategy in advance.

• Have straight leg while marching. Swing the leg high with knee straight.

• Shift the body weight between legs.

• Listen to music and walk in rhythm.

• Hum, sing or count.

• Imagine the line to step over and focus on target.

• Can use a mobile laser device to create a line.

• Turn by walking half the circle.

Family / caregiver should support in following ways:

• Remain calm. Don’t rush.

• Wait patiently.

• Help rock the person from side to side.

• Encourage the patient to march and count.

• Try physiotherapy.

More details at:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/freezing-in-parkinsons-disease-2612088

4)

What can worsen the symptoms?

There are some factors that can worsen the symptoms of patients with Parkinson’s Disease:

• Chronic stress can trigger the disease. It can lead to symptoms like tremors, movement

problems, sleep issues, depression, gait change, balance issues, muscle weakness, memory

issues, speech distortion.

• Emotions or mood changes can also impact the symptoms adversely.

• Medications

• Some foods as well can worsen symptoms like fatty acids, ammonia, histamines, etc.

Following is the link to the original source:

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-worsens-parkinsons-disease#aggravating-factors