As Parkinson's disease (PD) progresses, the effectiveness of medication decreases. Symptoms can re-emerge before it is time to take the next dose of medication (this is known as ‘wearing off’) or involuntary movements, like dyskinesia, can appear.
When these periods of wearing off occur, some people cannot move as freely as before. Their feet may feel as if they are glued to the floor when they want to walk, or they may freeze, unable to step forward. Difficulties with movement are known as motor symptoms. But non-motor symptoms, such as lacking clarity when thinking, anxiety or fatigue can also occur.
Many people with PD have discovered and developed strategies that help them maintain movement and improve mobility to overcome their personal obstacles.
Coping Strategies is part of an ongoing EPDA project called Coping Strategies - Tips and Tricks developed by people with PD, their carers and healthcare professionals. The Coping Strategies web and CD-Rom is aimed at improving quality of life. The coping strategies have all been presented by real people with PD, and were collected in physiotherapy workshops staged during European Parkinson’s Disease Association (EPDA) conferences, all over the world, from 2004 – 2007. The EPDA also hopes this resource will provide professionals with techniques that can be creatively applied, and inspire future research.
This is an invaluable opportunity to share in the various tips and tricks that people have developed to help themselves to manage their own difficult situations caused by PD.
If you would like to share a coping strategy, tip or trick that helps you or someone you know with PD, please contact us at info@epda.eu.com
The Coping Strategies CD-ROM is available in Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Click here to launch the Coping Strategies CD-ROM
