Parkinson ‘s Awareness Month hopes to increase understanding

KUSA - As a part of Parkinson's Awareness Month in April, the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies is looking to establish an understanding about the patients, caregivers and the treatment for the disease.

Former PAR president Rick Schwartz, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's 13 years ago, says treatment for the disease is improving greatly.

"Deep brain stimulation seems to be the key to having a better life for a lot of us with Parkinsons," Schwartz said. They're making great strides."

Schwartz said the treatment surgery was conducted while the patients were awake so that they could tell the doctors where to place the probes. Now, doctors are beginning to gain the ability to administer the surgery while patients are asleep.

"Now they're doing it when you're asleep, which makes it a lot easier for the patient and the doctor feels he can put the probe exactly where he wants it with new technology," Schwartz said.

Although the focus of the disease is usually on the patient, Schwartz says it's important for caregivers to receive recognition and help as well.

"I think in a lot of ways the caregivers have more stress on them than the patients themselves because they have to worry about their own health and own time, about the patient and what's going on with them," Schwartz said.

PAR, Schwartz says, offers information to help people with the transition and adjust to the disease.

"We're trying to look at ways to help people, especially the caregivers now," Schwartz said. "It's very important for people to get away and exercise and exercise your brain. The same goes to the patients, PAR is there for them."

PAR will also be hosting their annual Vitality Walk on June 2 to raise money for those living with Parkinson's. For more information about the event, visit PAR's website at http://www.parkinsonrockies.org/.

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Parkinson 's Awareness Month hopes to increase understanding