Parkinson's Disease Comprehensive Care

Summary

This video explores the personal and medical journey of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, highlighting the challenges of managing symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, and cognitive issues. It emphasizes the complexity of the disease, the importance of a team approach for treatment, and the advancements being made in research and clinical care. The UCSD Center is showcased as a leading institution in Parkinson’s care, fostering collaboration between clinicians and researchers. The video also underscores the impact of donations and funding on improving patient care and developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Takeaways

• 😀 The onset of Parkinson's disease often feels overwhelming, as it significantly impacts one's ability to perform daily tasks, like running or dressing.
• 😀 Parkinson's disease is characterized by abnormal movements, which can involve either a lack of movement (like in Parkinson's disease) or excess movement (such as in Huntington's disease).
• 😀 The disease has a range of symptoms, including tremors, slowness of movement, trouble with coordination, and various non-motor symptoms affecting quality of life, such as issues with bowel and bladder function, mood, and anxiety.
• 😀 Parkinson's disease exemplifies the mind-body connection, as stress or anxiety can worsen physical symptoms like tremors.
• 😀 Patients with Parkinson's disease experience daily fluctuations in symptoms, making it impossible to predict their condition from one day to the next.
• 😀 Parkinson's disease is a complex condition that requires a multidisciplinary approach to care, involving a variety of clinicians, from neurologists to therapists and social workers.
• 😀 UCSD's Parkinson's team emphasizes collaboration and weekly meetings to discuss patient cases and provide holistic care.
• 😀 Clinical research and trials are a vital part of Parkinson's care, with phase 1 clinical trials advancing the development of new treatments based on patient insights.
• 😀 UCSD's Center of Excellence is at the forefront of Parkinson's care, with a model that can potentially be replicated at other institutions to improve treatment across the country.
• 😀 The ongoing need for funding is crucial to further research, clinical improvements, and training future specialists in Parkinson's and related disorders, ensuring continued advancements in treatment and care.

Q & A

What is Parkinson's disease, and how does it affect movement?

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that causes abnormal movement patterns. It results in slowness of movement, trouble with coordination, and can include symptoms like tremors. It affects how the brain controls movement, leading to stiffness and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

What are some common symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include tremors, slowness of movement, trouble with coordination and dexterity, and non-motor symptoms such as bowel and bladder issues, cognitive problems, and mood disturbances like anxiety.

How does Parkinson's disease affect quality of life?

Parkinson's disease can severely impact quality of life by causing difficulties with daily activities, such as dressing, walking, and coordinating movements. The disease also leads to fluctuating symptoms, meaning that some days might be better than others, but there's no 'off-day' from the condition.

What role does anxiety play in Parkinson's disease symptoms?

Anxiety can exacerbate symptoms in Parkinson's disease, particularly tremors. When a person with Parkinson's feels anxious, their tremors often worsen, showing the strong link between the mind and the body in managing the disease.

How does the UCSD Parkinson's care team approach treatment?

At UCSD, the Parkinson's care team includes a wide range of clinicians, from neurologists and therapists to social workers and neuropsychologists. They meet weekly to discuss individual cases, ensuring a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to care.

What is the significance of the clinical trials at UCSD?

UCSD's clinical trials are crucial for advancing research in Parkinson's disease treatments. They bridge the gap between laboratory research and patient care, with treatments developed in the lab being tested in clinical trials and eventually offered to patients.

Why is it important to have a team approach to Parkinson's care?

Parkinson's disease is highly complex and affects various aspects of health. A team approach ensures that all symptoms, both motor and non-motor, are addressed comprehensively by specialists from different fields, improving the overall care for patients.

How does UCSD help other medical centers in Parkinson's disease care?

UCSD serves as a model for other medical centers, both within the UC system and across the country. Their systems and team-based approach to care have been successful, and the goal is to recreate this success in other locations.

What role do donations play in advancing Parkinson's research and care?

Donations are essential for funding ongoing research, improving clinical work, and training the next generation of healthcare providers specializing in Parkinson's disease. These funds help advance treatments and improve the infrastructure of Parkinson's care.

How has treatment improved the life of someone with Parkinson's disease?

With the right medication and treatment regimen, individuals with Parkinson's disease can experience significant improvements in their quality of life. For example, one patient noted that after starting treatment, they felt like a completely new person, with the ability to perform daily tasks and try new activities.