{"id":428,"date":"2011-04-01T12:14:35","date_gmt":"2011-04-01T16:14:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/parkinson.netfirms.com\/epp_e\/?p=428"},"modified":"2011-04-01T12:14:35","modified_gmt":"2011-04-01T16:14:35","slug":"occupational-therapists-making-a-difference-for-people-with-parkinsons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archiveparkinson.thedev.ca\/fr\/occupational-therapists-making-a-difference-for-people-with-parkinsons\/","title":{"rendered":"Occupational Therapists: Making a difference for people with Parkinson\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"

(Written for Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists publication, OT Now)<\/em><\/p>\n

April is Parkinson\u2019s Awareness Month. Over 100,000 Canadians have Parkinson\u2019s disease, making it the second most common brain disease in Canada. Parkinson\u2019s is a complex disease. It\u2019s not just about tremor, stiffness, rigidity, postural instability and poor balance\/coordination; it has cognitive aspects, as well. Occupational therapists like Sheri Corkum, an occupational therapist at the Movement Disorders Centre in Markham, ON, can help people with Parkinson\u2019s manage their disease symptoms and have better quality of life through:<\/p>\n

Advice about managing activities of daily living (ADLs).<\/strong> Problems with multi-tasking are common in Parkinson\u2019s. This is a cognitive issue as well as a motor issue. \u201cWe recommend that people do their ADLs sitting down and we help them learn to isolate one movement at a time and one step of the movement at a time,\u201d says Corkum. \u201cIncorporating energy-conservation techniques is also critical since fatigue is common.\u201d<\/p>\n

Clear communication.<\/strong> Communication difficulties in Parkinson\u2019s go beyond the motor issues of speech production and writing. People may experience subtle changes in their thinking ability and language early in the disease, so when working with clients, it is important to simplify the communication environment by speaking slowly, clearly and carefully. It is suggested to use simple words and short sentences. If necessary, repeat your message using different words. Ask closed \u2013 yes or no \u2013 questions. Be aware of your tone of voice, facial expression, and body language.<\/p>\n

Movement and visual strategies to address shuffling and freezing.<\/strong> Shuffling and freezing severely impair mobility in Parkinson\u2019s. Corkum suggests, \u201cMovement strategies include side-to-side weight shifting and lifting the toe and foot of the unweighted foot to take an exaggerated step. Visual aids could include lines of tape that mimic steps to help people step forward past them, laser canes and walkers.\u201d<\/p>\n

Using contrasting colours as a strategy to help daily activities in the home.<\/strong>People with Parkinson\u2019s have decreased color discrimination and contrast sensitivity.<\/p>\n

Exercise recommendations.<\/strong> Regular exercise has been shown to be beneficial for people with Parkinson\u2019s. Corkum, who leads an exercise program for people with movement disorders, places a high premium on:<\/p>\n