April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic, progressive neurologic condition that affects dopamine production in the brain. Approximately one million people in the U.S. are living with PD. Parkinson’s is a movement disorder and is characterized by motor symptoms that include slow movement, stiff joints, impaired coordination, and tremor; as well as non-motor symptoms like impaired cognition, fatigue or lack of energy, apathy, and depression. All of these symptoms can lead to difficulties in accomplishing everyday tasks. Whether you are newly diagnosed or have been living with PD for some time, OT can offer strategies to help navigate the difficulties of everyday life. Washington University Occupational Therapy offers in-home and clinic-based services that are personalized to help individuals analyze and solve problems related to performing everyday activities that can be complicated by PD. The goal of our program is to ensure that you are able to live independently and safely at home and to maintain your quality of life. PD, like many chronic conditions, can change over time. Occupational therapists help to teach self-management skills and address barriers across all stages of this disease by adapting tasks and the environment to support performance. Listed below are areas that we commonly address:
- Medication management
- Activity and exercise programs
- Home safety and fall prevention
- Driving assessments
- Care partner education and training
WUOT also offers LSVT BIG®, a program targeted specifically for people living with PD. Read more about LSVT® here https://www.lsvtglobal.com/.
Local resources for PD can be found by visiting the American Parkinson Disease Association St. Louis Chapter https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/st-louis/.
Learn more about Washington University Occupational Therapy Services for Parkinson’s Disease.
Credits:
LSVT® is a trademark of LSVT Global, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.