September Newsletter 2018

September 2018

Register now for the 2018 Choose to Move!
Choose to Move to beat Parkinson's Disease

Choose to Move is an important fundraiser for the Indiana Parkinson Foundation. Your support will help us serve more people with Parkinson's Disease through our CLIMB exercise program and other initiatives. We look forward to seeing you at this year's CTM race!

SUPPORT GROUPS

Caregiver Support Group:
September 24th at the Wild Eggs in Fishers. Our speaker will be Holly Conway Eaton from Senior Home Companions. The meeting will be held from 11:15am-12:45pm.

Support Group:
September 26th at LivRite Fitness in Noblesville from 12:15pm-1:15. This meeting will be an open discussion.

Greenwood Support Groups:
P.D. Support Group every 3^rd Tuesday at 3:00pm, held at Mt. Pleasant Community Life Center (1^st floor meeting room).

Caregiver Support Group every 2^nd Saturday at 10:45am, held at Mt. Pleasant Community Life Center (1^st floor meeting room).

Westminster Village North Support Group:
Every month on Tuesday from 2:00 - 3:00 pm and Thursday from 10:00 -11:00 am at Westminster Village North located at 11045 Presbyterian Dr. Indianapolis. (317)823-6841

Partner Events:

PAACI Symposium
When: September 8^th
Where: Northside Knights of Columbus 2100 East 71^st Indianapolis
Contact: Sheri 317-255-1993 skauffman@paaci.org

Come out and get connected with a larger Parkinson's community and learn more about Parkinson's disease. Dr. Joanne Wojcieszek, movement disorder specialist, will be the keynote speaker.

Metro Indy Lewy Body Dementia Support Group

When: 2nd Thursday each month, from 2-3:30 p.m.
Who: Caregivers of those with LBD *Come a half hour early for a late lunch and socializing*
Location: Amore Pizzeria
Address: 41 Boone Village Zionville, IN
Contact::Mary Milberger at 601-909-LEWY (5399) or at MetroIndyLewy1@gmail.com

Fishers Parks & Rec Programs:
Grandparent's Day is Sunday, September 9th. Come celebrate National Grandparent's Day at Saxony Beach from 5-6pm. Enjoy a fishing workshop on the beach, popular hobbies from year's past and a tea party at Saxony hall. Cost is $8 per person. Please register by September 6th.

We would like to thank those in our community who help us with our programs and services: LivRite Fitness, Wild Eggs in Fishers, UPS Store, and Colleen Card from Right at Home. We would also like to thank Joy Gordon for many years of serving those with Parkinson's disease. We will miss you!

Parkinson’s Disease & Dentistry

The diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease can have many ramifications for the patient throughout the course of life and with the progression of symptoms. Although not initially problematic, maintaining oral health can be a challenge due to direct motor impairment, spasticity of muscle movement and overall physical change. Those difficulties can be compounded by side effects of medications used to treat some of the more substantial symptoms confronted by the patient going about everyday life activities.

Common oral issues in this disease state can oscillate - from dry mouth issues to times will excessive saliva; between alterations in taste to oral sensations without a stimulus; or even variations from lack of consistent control of jaw movements to periods of intense, unintentional grinding. A dentist, working closely with the primary care provider treating the overarching Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis is an essential part of the dental-medicine relationship. An open line of communication between the two can especially help prevent or attempt to lessen some of the more common drug related side oral effects.

Dry mouth from multiple medications is commonly found in medicine in general, and has been well documented in Parkinson’s Disease. Saliva is an important factor in preventing tooth decay, by bathing the oral environment in a lubrication that is nutrient rich and helps promote self-cleansing of natural surfaces. When that is altered, and saliva volume is low, the risk for dental decay climbs astronomically. If alternative medication choices are available to the patient, the physician maybe able to change or adjuste the prescription causing this side effect and thereby lessening the risk of tooth decay.

Alternatively, common medications such as Carbidoa/Levadopa can contribute to a state of excess saliva and drooling, which can be frustrating to the patient as well. Therefore, an open dialogue with the managing doctor can help the patient understand the available medication choices, while understanding the risks and side effects involved in each. Unfortunately, there is no perfect combination that does not impact the oral environment in some way, so managing the side effects and knowing how to be more vigilant about oral hygiene is essential.

Altered taste and burning sensations can also be related to some Parkinson’s Disease medications. However, for patients who have more progressed disease related symptoms, inability to eat enough vitamin and mineral rich foods can result in nutritional deficiencies. These deficits include various anemias, that can intensify or bring about burning sensations or changes in taste. Working with a nutritionist to figure out the best approach to high value foods that are easy to consume, especially taking into consideration a patient’s physical limitation, is essential. Balancing this knowledge with oral hygiene instruction, can concomitantly help manage the risks for tooth decay.

From the dental perspective, the one constant in the Parkinson’s Disease population is the need for consistent oral hygiene, due to the risks from dry mouth and poor nutrition. However, since the patient’s experience with oral care is not constant throughout disease progression, the biggest suggestion on the part of the dentist is education of the population on the use of adaptive tools, frequent care and counseling by an oral health care team, including an open dialogue with the team leader- the dentist.
Taking something as simple as brushing twice daily with a conventional toothbrush and toothpaste can become challenging for Parkinson’s Disease patients. Adapting these every day items, such as using a larger handled electric toothbrush with a toothpaste made for a dry oral environment, can help the patient continue to be compliant with daily care. If finances are a limitation, using the same principle and applying it to a manual toothbrush with a tennis ball attached to the handle, can accomplish the same goal in providing additional dexterity to a patient experiencing limitations. Dentists can even suggest prescription strength fluorides or antimicrobial rinses that can help a patient maintain oral health. These are suggestions that a dental team can adapt to each individual in their course of disease progression.

Parkinson’s disease is not a ticket to dentures, and conversely, maintaining the teeth is more beneficial to a patient in the long run. With nutrition and oral health goals in mind, great strides can be made not only in helping a patient understand how Parkinson’s disease is effecting their oral health, but also how the individual and their family can be proactive in keeping additional issues of tooth pain, infection, cavities or gum disease at a minimum.

By Pamela J. Linder, DMD -Director of Hospital & Special Needs Dentistry
Indiana University School of Dentistry
(317)-724-8300

Parkinson's Disease and the Benefits of Exercise

By Joy Resetar Gordon

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain. According to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, it affects 1 in 100 people over the age of 60. PD causes a loss of function in the cells of the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine helps to control movement, coordination, and planning processes in the body. When dopamine is lacking, the symptoms of Parkinson disease begin to present. The most common symptoms are slow or small movement, stiff muscles, tremor, and difficulty with balance. While medications can be helpful to manage these symptoms, research continues to show the benefits of exercise for individuals with Parkinson disease. Parkinson Wellness Recovery states that “exercise is medicine” for Parkinson’s patients.

I have seen the remarkable benefits of exercise in my patients going through physical therapy and in my participants in The Indiana Parkinson Foundation’s exercise program called “The Climb.” Many people ask me what changes exercise can make for someone diagnosed with PD. Current research reveals a number of benefits. One study found that progressive resistance training led to improved strength, motor ability, and balance in individuals with PD. For the resistance training to be effective, it should be completed at least two to three times a week. I encourage individuals with PD to get involved in a Parkinson-specific exercise class to encourage ongoing participation in aerobic and resistance exercise. In addition, utilizing exercises that focus on increasing amplitude of movement can increase the size and speed of movement. Exercise has further positive effects of reducing fall risk, improving cognition, and increasing the quality of sleep! Finally, recent evidence shows the ability of exercise to help your brain change and create a neuroprotective effect – exercise is amazing!

In summary, if you have PD, exercise can:

Improve your strength!
Increase your speed!
Decrease your risk for falling!
Improve your cognition!
Improve your sleep!

How could a person begin? You could start with resistance training, aerobic exercise (treadmill, stationary bike, elliptical, etc.), Tai Chi, yoga, dance classes, or water aerobics -- just to name a few! Exercise should be an important part of your life after being diagnosed with PD, so it is important to find something that you enjoy doing. You need to move to improve – so get moving! Check out some of the PD exercises classes near you:

http://www.indianaparkinson.org/the-climb/locations

https://rocksteadyboxing.org/find-a-class/

References
(The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Parkinson’s Disease Causes. Michael J. Fox Foundation website. . International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society website.Parkinson Wellness Recovery website.)

Finding balance is key to addressing the challenges of Parkinson’s care.

Understand the Disease and the Person with Parkinson’s

The incidence and severity of Parkinson’s disease (PD) symptoms vary from day to day and even from one time of day to another. It takes skill and patience to know when to assist with a task and when to simply allow the person more time to do the task independently.
It also takes time and ongoing education to learn the many symptoms of PD as well as the often-complicated medication regimens that offer the most symptom relief and improve quality of life.
Caregivers must closely observe the person with Parkinson’s over time to detect and respond helpfully to subtle changes in motor function (how we move) and mood (how we feel).
Your loved one might not be aware of his or her changing abilities. Understanding of health risks (such as falling) may not have “caught up” to his or her actual level of risk and impairment.

Be Realistic About Your Experiences and Needs

Friends and family members who have infrequent contact with the person with Parkinson’s often underestimate the severity of symptoms as well as your level of caregiver burden. At the same time, they might be able to help identify serious changes in the person’s status that you did not notice because things progress gradually over time.
Providing physical care to someone with advanced PD, such as re-positioning or helping with bathing, can be exhausting and even cause physical injury to the caregiver.
Caregivers focus on loved ones, but need to remember to care for themselves. This includes building a support network, recognizing stressors and reaching out for help or a break, when needed.
To order free caregiver resources or speak with PD specialists, call the Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).

( source Parkinson Foundation website on caregiving)

Indiana Parkinson Foundation

There are multiple ways in which you can show your support for our mission and its various programs. Learn about our numerous planned giving options and see which one is right for you.

Memorial Donations:
When a loved one has passed and they wish for their legacy to live on through a memorial donation to the Indiana Parkinson Foundation, please contact us us for envelopes. You can contact us at 317-550-5648 or send donations to the Indiana Parkinson Foundation at 14350 Mundy Dr, Suite 800 #181 Noblesville, IN 46060

Special Event Donations:
You can give for birthdays and anniversaries.

Monthly Giving:
You can go to our website (www.indianaparkinson.org) and set up a month to month donation plan.

Legacy:
Your legacy will live on with a part of your estate plane. Please consult your legal, tax or financial advisor on how to set up and contact 317-550-5648 for our EIN #.

Life Insurance:
If you are over insured you can leave Indiana Parkinson Foundation as the beneficiary. Please consult your legal, tax or financial advisor to set up and contact 317-550-5648 for the EIN#.

Stock Gifts:
If you would like to make a stock as a gift, please consult your legal, tax or financial advisor.

Individual Retirement Accounts:
Retirement plans are assets that continue to be a growing source of wealth. These can be highly taxed upon your death. By naming the Indiana Parkinson Foundation as the beneficiary for part or all of the account you may avoid both income and estate taxation. Please consult your legal, tax or financial advisor for set up.

PD BRIEFINGS:

Source National Parkinson website;
If you are a Parkinson patient, caregiver or medical professional, there are various online courses available to you.

The webinars educate you on PD symptoms, progression, treatments and management during our live presentations. Or watch one of more than 40 recorded past webinars at your convenience. These will develop knowledge in the latest Parkinson's research, guidance and recommendations.

Upcoming Webinars

Join in on upcoming seminars live or view recordings on our website afterwards to learn the many ways to live well with Parkinson's disease from experts in their specialities.

Not able to view online? Call 888-272-8710 to listen live and enter code 6323567#.

*Satellite viewing locations and dates where you’ll be able to view Expert Briefings are forthcoming.

Mental Health and PD

Tuesday, September 18, 2018, 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. ET
Laura Marsh, MD
Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine
Director, Mental Health Care Line
Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center

Join IPF on Social Media...
Encourage your friends, family, and neighbors to follow us on social media, so we can inform those in the community about Parkinson's Disease and all of our programs.
Facebook: Indiana Parkinson Foundation
Instagram: @indianaparkinsonfoundation
Twitter: @IN_Parkinson

Volunteers needed:
If you have an interest in serving on IPF committees or in classes please contact Jada Aidun at 317-550-5648. We are looking for people who want to give back and get involved by using their skills and talents.

Kroger
Re-enroll with Kroger community rewards for The Indiana Parkinson Foundation they are only good for a year! If you have any questions, please email CECOMMUNITYREWARDS@KROGER.com or visit our website at http://www.kroger.com.New members can enroll by searching for either looking for IPF number which is GI068 or directly for Indiana Parkinson Foundation.

Amazon Smile
Each time you shop with a click of the button you can also donate to help those effected by Parkinson Disease. Just add the Indiana Parkinson Foundation to your charity of choice.

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