While the definitive cause of PD remains unknown, researchers believe it comes from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, genetics account for about 10-15% of PD cases, with various gene mutations linked to the disease. Environmental factors may include head injuries, exposure to pesticides, and more.
Learn More About Parkinson’s Disease
Understanding a Complex Condition
Many people come into the Resource Center looking to learn more about different conditions older adults often experience, including Parkinson’s Disease (PD). Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects dopamine producing neurons in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. It’s often known as “the old man’s shaky hand disease,” due to the telltale tremor many people with PD have. But Parkinson’s is much more than that. There is a saying in the PD community, “If you have seen one person with Parkinson’s Disease, then you have only seen one person with Parkinson’s Disease,” because everyone’s experience with this disease is unique.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
PD symptoms can be categorized into motor and non-motor types. Motor symptoms are physical and easy to see, whereas non-motor symptoms are often “invisible.”
Motor Symptoms may include:
- Tremor
- Bradykinesia (slow movement)
- Rigidity (stiffness)
- Postural instability (gait and balance problems)
Non-Motor Symptoms may include:
- Loss of smell
- Constipation
- REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Incontinence
- Cognitive changes
- Vision changes
- And more
Causes & Risk Factors
Treatment Options
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but various treatment plans can help manage symptoms, including medication and exercise. At Evergreen Commons, we offer a range of classes tailored to individuals with PD, accommodating different mobility levels and symptom-management needs:
- Moving with Parkinson’s: Partnering with the Grand Rapids Ballet School, this class embraces the therapeutic power of dance, allowing participants to express movement creatively. Care partners are welcome!
- Pedaling for Parkinson’s Spin: A group cycling class using PD-specific protocols, shown to be beneficial for managing symptoms through high-speed cycling.
- Vocalize: Focused on managing speech and swallowing difficulties, this class aims to improve speech volume, articulation, facial expressions, and conversational flow.
- Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery (PWR!): An evidence-based, Parkinson's Foundation-accredited exercise program. Both chair and circuit-based PWR! classes accommodate varying levels of ability, integrating therapy goals with community-based exercise.
- Fine Motor Fitness: This class focuses on the coordination between the nervous system and the small muscles in the hands, fingers, eyes, tongue, and toes. You will work on your ability to reach, touch, point, place, grasp, and release; skills important to activities of daily living. The class also includes a brain health component with an emphasis on improving attention, memory, and processing speed.
- Parkinson’s Support Group: A monthly meeting providing information, social connectivity, and fun excursions for those living with PD. Care partners are welcomed!
Regardless of where someone is in their Parkinson’s journey, Evergreen Commons offers valuable resources, so we can navigate the complexities of Parkinson’s Disease together.
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If you have questions or are interested in any of these programs, please contact Member Services:
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