Growth & Change: Parkinson's Awareness Month in Full Bloom

By Michelle Haub on April 5, 2023

April is a time for growth and change. Those bulbs resting underground all winter are now popping up leaves and flowers of fresh life through the soil. It’s a time where something that we can’t see changing is evolving into something beautiful. This is why it is fitting that April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s may feel like that flower bulb in the winter when they are diagnosed, and they may not understand they can still experience growth, independence, and beauty.

One million Americans are living with Parkinson’s disease (Pd), and new data reports that 90,000 are diagnosed each year, up from previous data showing 60,000. Even this new number is likely under-representative, as many people are misdiagnosed or under-diagnosed. The hallmark symptoms of Pd include resting tremor, bradykinesia (slow movements), rigidity, and postural instability. Unfortunately, there are many other symptoms that others don’t “see,” and a few of these include sleep disturbances, depression, anxiety, apathy, swallowing difficulties, dry eyes, vision changes, and cognitive changes. People with Pd are more prone to aspiration pneumonia, falls, and isolation.

When people receive the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, they are told it is a progressive degenerative neurological disease. Four words that in and of themselves are not positive and combined sound even more concerning. Some doctors will typically give the patients a prescription for medication that may decrease some of the physical symptoms. Some people will receive orders to see physical, occupational and/or speech therapists. There is not a magic pill, and there is no cure, and yet, there is HOPE! Having the symptoms and receiving the diagnosis doesn’t mean this is as good as one’s life will be or a command to “make a short bucket list.” People do get better and do have an increased quality of life.

Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program can help. The program exists to help individuals with Pd and their caregivers navigate the journey of Pd. Our goal is to help people live well with Parkinson’s through education, exercise, and engagement. You may have noticed that I am using a little ‘d’ in the initials for Parkinson’s disease. This is not standard, but it is purposeful. Program leaders work to help those affected by Pd to minimize the disease; therefore, taking away the ‘status’ or power of the disease for as long as possible and helping them to bloom with confidence, capabilities, and community.

If you or someone you know would like more information about Meadowlark Parkinson’s Program, please contact me, Michelle Haub, by calling (785) 323-3899 or via email at mhaub@meadowlark.org. You can also learn by visiting www.meadowlark.org and clicking on the “Community Services” tab.