When a person with Parkinson's or a relative wants to find out about a possible disease, accompanying symptoms play a crucial role. These can affect different parts of the body, including skin, skeleton, sensory organs and psyche. The severity and occurrence of these symptoms vary from person to person, and it is important to note that some symptoms may have other causes.
The increased risk of melanoma in Parkinson's patients has been documented in numerous scientific studies. A first comprehensive meta-analysis was published by Liu and colleagues in the journal Neurology in 2011 and found that people with Parkinson's had more than double the risk of being diagnosed with melanoma. An important study on this topic was also published in 2010 by John Bertoni and colleagues in the Archives of Neurology (later renamed JAMA Neurology). The Bertoni study used data from the North American Parkinson's and Melanoma Survey Group and found that the incidence of malignant melanoma was 2,24 times higher in the Parkinson's cohort compared to the general population.
Who would take me, who would want a woman by their side who has an illness that will increasingly take away her quality of life?
Who wants to give up their life, their freedom bit by bit, for someone they just met?
Who is willing to help? Who is willing to take on a journey that involves an uncertain path?
Who wants to live a life with someone like me?
All the questions were there, the thoughts that were circling around me as I stood at the train station in Stuttgart. And waited for the train into my new life.
Let's take a look at the definition of occupational therapy according to the German Association for Occupational Therapy: "Occupational therapy supports and accompanies people of all ages who are restricted in their ability to act or are threatened with restriction. The aim is to strengthen them in carrying out meaningful activities in the areas of self-sufficiency, productivity and leisure time in their personal environment.
Specific activities, environmental adaptation and advice serve to enable people to act in everyday life, to participate in society and to improve their quality of life.” (DVE08/2007)
Directory of Parkinson's self-help groups in Germany
It is the relatives who know the affected person better than anyone else. They have known her for many years, have noticed the development and are stunned to observe the change and the slow decline in skills.
Directory of Parkinson's self-help groups in Germany
A person you have known and loved for a long time is changing. Parkinson's disease has him or her in its grip and you have to watch it.
This is not easy!
In such a stressful situation, communication is very important. If you manage to stay connected and meet others with benevolent understanding, then you are strong together.
What should I look out for when looking for an occupational therapist?
Here are a few key points:
Amy Orellana, occupational therapist and educator, writes her column about occupational therapy and Parkinson's.