THE MYSTERIOUS BRAIN
By Judy Talley, MA Gerontology
PMDAlliance Program Director
Unlike other organs of the body, the brain doesn't provide much direct sensory indication of its condition. It doesn't burp, belch, cough, sneeze, cramp or ache. It does much of its work beyond our direct awareness - constantly adapting, changing, learning - all in response to its role in keeping the body alive. This lack of direct sensory expression means the brain can become diseased without directly identifiable symptoms. It’s not like a leg that hurts where it’s broken or a stomach that churns when its distressed. That’s why diagnosing a disease like Parkinson’s is so difficult.
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"Just What Is a Neuropsych Evaluation"
Marissa Menchola, PhD
Neuropsychology is the study of the relationship between behavior, emotion, and cognition as well as brain function. Neuropsychology is an important component of the continuum of care for a person with PD and the care partner.
During our November 4th Spotlight on Cognition in Tucson, attended by more than 90 people, participants engaged in a discussion about Parkinson hallucinations and delusions with Scott Sherman, MD learned about a therapy available for advanced Parkinson's -Dopua from Marjorie Crenshaw, RN, and heard from Marisa Menchola, PhD about neuropsychology and the purpose of neuropsychological testing. To view a portion of Dr. Menchola's talk, click on the video above.
PMDAlliance's "Spotlight" Conferences offer an in-depth look at treatments and medications. Focused on a particular aspect of PD, our Spotlights allow participants to learn about the disease and treatments to improve quality of life. This conference focused on Nuplazid and Duopa. To learn more about Nuplazid click here. To learn more about Duopa click here.
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IT'S TIME TO RAISE AWARENESS!
Bill Hanne, PhD
PMDAlliance Ambassador
Board Member Parkinson Support Group of Green Valley
Susan Schneider, the widow of the late actor Robin Williams, wrote an excellent article in the forthcoming Discovery relating basically their experiences with Parkinson’s (PD) and Lewy Body Dementia (LBD).
On the surface, based on a quick read of the article, “The Terrorist Inside Robin Williams’ Brain,” one can be left with the impression that the only issue is the LBD which led to Williams’ suicide in August of 2014.
I would—and do—argue otherwise. In my opinion there are several other issues, the primary one being the inability of the medical professionals who treated Williams from early 2013 to late May 2014, barely three months before his demise, to diagnose him with having PD.
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TELL AMAZON TO DONATE TO PMDALLIANCE
EVERY TIME YOU MAKE A PURCHASE. IT'S EASY!
Before your place your next order on Amazon, register for Amazon Smile. Use the Amazon Smile site each time you make a purchase and they'll make a donation to PMDAlliance. It costs you NOTHING!
Click on the image or click here below and register today to help support the work of PMDAlliance!
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ITS FLU SEASON... TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO KEEP YOURSELF HEALTHY CLICK HERE
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GIIVE A SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT
Gift Certificate for Move It! Online Streaming Exercise Program
Contact us today to purchase a certificate for your loved one!
PMDAlliance's Move It!™exercise clubs provide group-based exercise for people with PD who live in underserved communities, may be homebound, or are part-time residents. Club members access a Parkinson's based exercise class three times per week conducted live, in real time online. They also have the opportunity to participate in a facilitated discussion group after class once per week.
Unlike exercising to a DVD, which lacks community engagement, socialization or feedback and relies entirely on self-motivation, our Move It!™clubs offer active, real-time exercise using internet technology. People with PD interact with each other, develop a sense of community and participate in an exercise program that is specific to their needs.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
LEARN. LIVE. CONNECT.™
FOUNTAIN HILLS
December 7, 2016
Charles Adler, MD
December 7th, 9-12noon - Charles Adler, MD, from Mayo Clinic will speak at our Learn. Live Connect. Fountain Hills Conference at the TruFit Studio in Fountain Hills.
To register for any conference, please send an email to info@PMDAlliance.org or call 800.256.0966. Be sure to indicate which conference(s) you'll be attending and the date(s).
Every conference includes a presentation by a neurologist who is a movement disorder specialist or an expert medical provider.
Visit our website and friend us on Facebook to learn about conferences near you. Some events require registration; many do not. Tell your friends and family to join our e-news and invite them to attend with you.
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DEEP DIVES
Periodically, PMDAlliance offers special events in various locales that explore and inform about specific topics of interest, including opportunities to hear in-depth discussions of medications and procedures, and talks by patients who share their experiences. These events are publicized and always listed on our calendar ( click here to view our calendar).
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LIVING WELL WITH PD
PMDAlliance's mantra is you first, then the disease. Knowing that you are more than your disease, our monthly Get Out! casual dinners in Phoenix, Tucson and Prescott, include a time to connect with new and old friends. Get Out! events are more than fun; they're based in science demonstrating how important socializing is for aging brains.
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CARE PARTNER CORNER
About one in 10 caregivers looks after a spouse, according to a 2015 joint report by the AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving. Tough Love by Paul Wynn, recognizes that succeeding as a spousal caregiver means knowing when to ask for help, finding time for yourself, and making peace with your partner Click here to read the article.
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SAVE THE DATE
Additional information related to
details, logistics and dates of events beyond October id available on the calendar at www.PMDAlliance.org
MONTHLY GET OUT! DINNERS
GET OUT! Tucson
1st Wednesday, 4-6 PM
GET OUT! West Phoenix
2nd Mondays, 4-6 PM
GET OUT! East Phoenix
3rd Wednesday, 4-6 PM
GET OUT! Prescott
4th Monday, 4-6 PM
Maria Christina Ospina, MD will join this month!
CONFERENCES & EVENTS
Learn. Live. Connect. Fountain Hills AZ
December 7, 2016, 9-Noon
TruFit Studios, 16838 E Palisades Blvd #104, Fountain Hills, AZ
Join Charles Adler, MD, who is the Director of Movement Disorders for Mayo Clinic, for his talk about non-motor symptoms. Hear information about various exercise options and see them demonstrated.
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Donate Now. Help Keep PMDAlliance Strong!
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PMDAlliance serves as a hub of information about activities occurring in your community. We offer direct support services, programs and events that enhance the daily lives of people with Parkinson disease and other movement disorders and their care partners. Our services assist others in building local community programs and offer opportunities to socialize and have fun!
PMDAlliance relies on the generosity of its program sponsors and individual donors to provide its many events and programs to the thousands of people across Arizona who benefit from them.
We direct 100% of donated funds to services for people in Arizona. If you like what we're doing, please consider a donation today. |
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