Dyskinesia (uncontrolled involuntary movements that can look like fidgeting or swaying of arms, legs, oral-facial, or trunk muscles) are unfortunately a common experience for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Dyskinesia are associated with long term use of...
Individuals with severe swallowing problems (dysphagia) are often advised to modify their diet to a smooth, puree consistency (think mashed potatoes). Now, while you may love your mother’s mashed potatoes, when you imagine everything you eat reduced to that...
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a neurodegenerative disease that at onset can resemble Idiopathic Parkisnon’s disease. In PSP, however, falls are frequently an early symptom and dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) typically occurs early or by mid-stage disease....
Would you be surprised to know that you can breathe too much, causing physical symptoms? Breathing is generally taken for granted, going on without our supervision. We breathe more during exertion such as exercise, and we have a strong reflex to prevent suffocation....
For many years, a local neurologist has referred most of his early Parkinson’s patients for a comprehensive speech and swallowing evaluation. While I have always appreciated his acknowledgement of the incidious nature of these problems, the patients are often...
“Poetry can sharpen listening, attentiveness, observation, and analytical skills. It can refine the artistic side of medicine: Poetry allows us to express ourselves, fosters creativity, and accepts ambiguity. It enhances empathy, self-awareness, and...
