![]() World Parkinsons Awareness Day - 11 April 2021 James Parkinson, English Surgeon, first described the effects of what we now know as Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s New Zealand Website describes Parkinson’s as a progressive neurodegenerative condition. It is caused by insufficient quantities of dopamine – a chemical in the brain. Dopamine enables quick, well-co-ordinated movement. When dopamine levels fall, movements become slow and awkward. Parkinson’s has both motor and non-motor symptoms, and while it cannot be cured it can be treated. As Parkinson’s is a progressive condition it can often take many years to develop and has little effect on life expectancy. Different people will experience a different number and combination of symptoms. Parkinson’s is relatively common. Approximately 1 in 500 people have the condition. It becomes more common with older age groups, and it is believed 1% of people above the age of 60 have Parkinson’s. The average age of diagnosis is 59. Although there is a slight increase in risk of development of Parkinson’s in people who have family members with Parkinson’s, the risk is very low. Although there is a slight increase in risk of development of Parkinson’s in people who have family members with Parkinson’s, the risk is very low. Visit https://www.parkinsons.org.nz for more information The following are some interesting talks relating to Parkinson’s: “Deep brain stimulation is becoming very precise. This technique allows surgeons to place electrodes in almost any area of the brain and turn them up or down – like a radio dial or thermostat – to correct dysfunction. Andrea Lozano offers a dramatic look at emerging techniques in which a woman with Parkinson’s instantly stops shaking and brain areas eroded by Alzheimer’s are brought back to life” https://www.ted.com/talks/andres_lozano_parkinson_s_depression_and_the_switch_that_might_turn_them_off Listen to 'The chemistry of disease' on Radio New Zealand. Guy Jameson has been awarded the Beatrice Hill Tinsley Medal for his work understanding the chemical structure of proteins that are important in diseases such as Parkinson's. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ourchangingworld/audio/201815053/the-chemistry-of-disease If you or someone you know is struggling with Parkinson’s Disease our friendly
therapists can help, just contact us on: Phone: 03 377 5280 or email: admin@tpl.nz ![]() World Autism Awareness Day - 2 April 2021 Raising understanding and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorders Friday 2 April is World Autism Awareness Day and it falls during World Autism Awareness week (29 March – 4 April 2021). Autism Awareness Week’s goal is to shine a bright light on autism, increasing knowledge of autism and the importance of early diagnosis and early intervention. It celebrates the unique talents and skills of people with autism and is a week where individuals with autism are warmly welcomed and embraced in community events. Autism New Zealand has a knowlegeable, professional staff who work daily with children and adults with autism and their support networks. Their main role is ‘essentially empowering people living with autism’. What is Autism and Aspergers Syndrome? Autism New Zealand’s definition is: “Children and adults who have an autism spectrum disorder look the same as other people, and due to the invisible nature of their disability it can be much harder to create awareness and understanding. Autism and Asperger syndrome still remain relatively unknown disabilities among the general population. Yet it is estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are approximately four times as common as cerebral palsy and 17 times as common as Down's syndrome. ASD affects 1 in 66 people, approximately 65,000 New Zealanders, which is equivalent to the entire region of Otago.” The following are some wonderful audio links around Autism which are well worth a listen: “Autism Research - Dr Javier Javier Virues-Ortega” on Radio New Zealand. https://www.ted.com/talks/ami_klin_a_new_way_to_diagnose_autism There's no known cause ... and no cure. Autism remains one of the most complex disorders for researchers to tackle. But what if we could see inside the brains of sufferers to see if therapies are actually reshaping them? That's what a New Zealand team plans to do. It's a world-first study combining the latest behavioural science with cutting-edge functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology. “Karen Pierce and Eric Courchesne - Early Detection of Autism” on Radio New Zealand. https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/sunday/audio/201811139/karen-pierce-and-eric-courchesne-early-detection-of-autism Karen Pierce and Eric Courchesne are directors at the University of California's Autism Centre of Excellence. Dr Pierce specialises in the early detection and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in toddlers, and Dr Courchesne's research has proved that the abnormal brain development causing autism begins in the womb. Karen Pierce and Eric Courchesne are the keynote speakers at Autism New Zealand's national conference later this month. What's going on in the minds of children with neurological disorders? https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/201817128/what's-going-on-in-the-minds-of-children-with-neurological-disorders Susan Haldane is the head of Mind Over Manner - an organisation which uses the power of theatre to help people understand what's going on in the minds of children with neurological disorders like ADHD and autism. ‘'Professor Russell Snell - the hunt for autism genes” on Radio New Zealand https://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/201837972/professor-russell-snell-the-hunt-for-autism-genes Kim Hill (RNZ) talks to Professor Russell Snell, a world-renowned geneticist based at the University of Auckland who has long studied human disease genes and variations in genes in general with a focus on the molecular genetics of disease, in particular neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimers. Nutrition Tips for people with Arthritis Good nutrition can be helpful in:
![]() Omega 3 Oils There is limited evidence that fish oils (omega 3) reduce inflammation in some people with arthritis. Omega 3 oil is also thought to reduce risk of heart disease. It is recommended to have 1-2 servings of fish or other seafood a week for good health. Omega oil is also found in flaxseed oil, walnuts and a small amount in red meats. ![]() Vitamin Supplements If you are unable to achieve a healthy food intake, vitamin supplements may be necessary. Talk with your Doctor about this. Alternative Arthritis treatments Alternative treatments are available for many chronic diseases. Discuss these with your Doctor before you try them as they may interact with your treatment. Need more help? Therapy Professionals Ltd has experienced Dietitians who can provide group or individual nutrition education. For Enquiries: phone 377 5280. ![]() Calcium
Ways to Maintain Healthy Weight To lose weight Even a small reduction in body weight will relieve stress on joints
Ways to gain weight For some people, keeping weight on can be a struggle
If you would like advice from our Dietitians, call us, we come to you
Therapy Professionals Ltd Phone No: (03) 377 5280 Email: admin@tpl.nz Website: www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz ![]() Ageing and Down Syndrome International Down Syndrome Day 21 March Adults with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before, now commonly reaching their 50’s 60’s and 70’s. For this reason it makes sense to learn all we can about the unexpected challenges that may accompany growing older. Many documents refer to adults with Down syndrome as ‘experiencing accelerated ageing'. What this means is, conditions usually seen in elderly adults (over 65) within the general population are being experienced by individuals with Down syndrome in their late 40's or 50's. The reason for this is not fully understood, but is believed to be largely related to the genes on chromosome 21 responsible for Down syndrome which are also associated with the ageing process. As we do not yet fully understand the ‘ageing’ process in adults with Down syndrome, predicting and preparing for this is challenging. Being aware of possible changes, and monitoring for early signs of these, will help with a proactive response. Below are a few common signs of ageing in adults with Down syndrome: Eyesight changes:
Diagnosis: Regular check ups with an Opthalmologist can help with early diagnosis. Hearing changes:
Diagnosis: Routine ear examinations for wax and periodic screening with an audiologist is recommended. Undiagnosed vision and hearing problems are common and are frequently mistaken as stubbornness, confusion or disorientation. These can be greatly improved with glasses, hearing aids, removal of ear wax and environmental adaptions. Hypothyroidism: Common in adults with Down syndrome but frequently undetected. The thyroid gland is involved in various metabolic processes controlling how quickly the body uses energy, makes proteins and regulates hormones. Signs and symptoms can include:
Diagnosis and treatment: It can be easily detected by a blood test and controlled with medication. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Leading to poor quality sleep which is not restorative. It can also put a strain on the heart and lungs and cause high blood pressure. Early signs include:
Later signs:
Diagnosis: Via a sleep study ![]() Osteoarthritis: Many individuals with Down syndrome have hyper flexible joints. Over time these can lead to increased wear and tear on the large joints (hips, knees etc.) causing osteoarthritis. Those who are or have been overweight are at a greater risk. Arthritis is painful and it can lead to:
Treatment: Pain levels are often under reported so needs to be discussed with a GP or specialist if suspected. Suitable pain relief is essential. Osteoporosis: A thinning of bone mass leading to the risk of fracture. Adults with Down syndrome are at a higher risk for disease especially if there is:
Diagnosis: A bone density scan and can be treated with medication, exercise and diet. Atlantoaxial or Cervical spine (neck) instability: Instability between the first and second spinal bones directly below the base of the head, If instability is present and arthritis changes occur in the spine, there is increasing risk of damage to the spinal cord in that region. The bones of the neck are more vulnerable as adults with Down syndrome grow older. Symptoms include:
Diagnosis: A screening cervical spine x-ray is generally recommended at least once during adulthood. Coeliac disease: Where one’s body cannot digest gluten present in wheat products, causing damage to the lining of the intestine and preventing absorption of certain nutrients causing:
Diagnosis: Screening can be done via a blood test, but formal diagnosis requires a biopsy of the small intestine. Treatment: Dietary modification Alzheimer’s: A type of dementia that gradually destroys brain cells affecting:
Early onset Alzheimer’s disease is more common in adults with Down syndrome as they both share a genetic connection on chromosome 21. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease increases with age, although it is not inevitable that people with Down syndrome will get Alzheimer’s. It is helpful to have a good baseline of basic self-care skills, personal achievements, academic and employment milestones and other skills for comparison as changes are observed. Diagnosis: clinical judgment based on an accurate history. Reference:
National Down Syndrome Society NDSS Aging and Down Syndrome Health and Well-being Guide. About Osteoporosis - Moving Safely Good posture and proper body mechanics are important throughout your life, especially if you have osteoporosis. “Body mechanics” refers to how you move throughout the day. Safe Movement Knowing how to move, sit and stand properly can help you stay active and prevent broken bones and disability. Proper posture can also help to limit the amount of kyphosis, or forward curve of the upper back, that can result from broken bones in the spine. One of the most important things about body mechanics and posture is alignment. Alignment refers to how the head, shoulders, spine, hips, knees and ankles relate and line up with each other. Proper alignment of the body puts less stress on the spine and helps you have good posture. Unsafe Movement To keep proper alignment, avoid the following positions or movements:
![]() Some exercises can do more harm than good. If you have osteoporosis or have had broken bones in the spine, you should avoid exercises that involve bending over from the waist. Some examples include:
Many exercises and activities such as yoga, Pilates, tennis and golf may need to be avoided or modified because they often involve twisting and bending motions. Bending forward during routine activities also puts stress on the spine and can increase the chance of breaking a bone in the spine. While bending forward puts strain on the spine, it is usually safer if you’re able to keep your back flat.
Many exercises and activities such as yoga, Pilates, tennis and golf may need to be avoided or modified because they often involve twisting and bending motions. Bending forward during routine activities also puts stress on the spine and can increase the chance of breaking a bone in the spine. While bending forward puts strain on the spine, it is usually safer if you’re able to keep your back flat. Sitting
Standing
![]() Climbing Stairs
![]() Bending and Turning
![]() Lifting and Carrying
![]() Pushing and Pulling
![]() Coughing and Sneezing
![]() Getting into Bed
Lying Down and Getting Out of Bed
When getting out of bed, reverse the steps you used to get into bed (above):
When on your back, never lift your head and upper back to sit up in bed or get out of bed.
Ref: National Osteoporosis Foundation USA About your abdominal muscles Our abdominal (stomach) muscles are critical in supporting our backs. It is very important to keep them strong. We have four layers of abdominal (stomach) muscles, the rectus abdominis, external oblIques, internal obliques and transversus abdominis. The first three of these muscles are vital for support of your lower back. They act as an inbuilt corset and are the majority of muscles that make up your core muscles. To protect your back from injury keeping your core muscles strong is very important along with ensuring when you’re handling loads you lift without twisting and losing the curve of your spine. If you want to protect your back from injury here is a simple way to strengthen your abdominal muscles. ![]() Here is an exercise you can try to improve your abdominal strength. Sitting on a dining chair try lifting both feet just off the floor while your hands push down on the chair seat just beside your legs. (See diagram). Hold for a few seconds and increase the time, as your muscles get stronger. Practice four times before each meal perhaps! NB Remember to breathe normally – do not hold your breath ![]() Notice how your stomach (abdominal) muscles feel while doing this exercise so you will know when trying the following. Now you can practice bracing your abdominal muscles in any position – sitting, lying, standing, or walking. Try doing it while doing everyday activities like vacuuming, standing doing the dishes, sitting watching the TV, lifting anything and while you do exercises and stretches. It’s particularly useful to brace these muscles while lifting, or carrying anything with a little weight especially children. Strong abdominals help your back and as well as your figure! If you are having trouble doing this exercise or have back pain, you don’t have to struggle alone. Our friendly physiotherapists can help. Just contact us Ph: 03 377 5280 Email: admin@tpl.nz Website: www.therapyprofessionals.co.nz Compiled for you by Therapy Professionals Physiotherapists
Communicating with Technology Sometimes people with disabilities have problems communicating even their basic needs and wants. This is frustrating for them and those around them. Communicating is a complex task, which, at its most basic level, is about understanding and being understood. There are many components to the process of communication, like understanding and using:
- words and sentences (Ianguage)
If someone has a problem with any of these areas then it can make communication difficult. A speech Language therapist is skilled in identifying where the break down in communication occurs and finding solutions to these problems. The use of technology can help some people struggling to communicate however not everyone. Others may benefit more from low-tech solutions. Independence can be enhanced with the use of technology too. For those who technology would help Speech Language Therapists can help with:
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Therapy Professionals Speech Language Therapists are experienced working with people of all ages and many kinds of disabilities. Whether you are older having had a stroke or you’re a child with an intellectual and physical disability we can help. If you need help with a communication problem our friendly Speech Language Therapists
can help, just contact us. Phone 3775280 Email admin@tpl.nz ![]() Teaching Crossing the Road Skills For most adults, crossing the road is automatic behaviour, we do it without thinking and we don’t consider how complex a skill crossing the road is. Nor do we consider how our life might be curtailed if we couldn’t successfully negotiate our way around roads. Some of the skills required for crossing the road include:
In some cases even more advanced problem solving is required. For example, if the traffic light signals say it is safe to cross and a motorist continues through the intersection, we need to be able to identify the car is not stopping and decide to wait for it to pass before crossing. Traffic-related mishaps account for a large number of deaths and injuries amongst our society’s children and youth. For youngsters with special needs, the risks can increase dramatically due to: ![]()
,Acquiring these skills is important for our independence and quality of life. For those of us with special needs, who struggle to learn road skills easily, this can be a big barrier to independence. Parents, educators and support workers need to work much harder to teach young people with special needs about street and traffic safety and employ strategies to help compensate for the challenges they may face. The first step is to break the skill down into its separate skills and teach each of these skills step by step. If you are struggling to teach a young adult to cross the road and would like some help our friendly Occupational Therapists at Therapy Professionals Ltd can help. Just contact us on
Phone: 03 377 5280 Email: admin@tpl.nz ![]() Enable Equipment Service (Ministry of Health Funded Equipment Management Scheme) If you’re in need of equipment to assist you to function in life, you may be eligible for Enable equipment. The equipment is on loan from the Ministry of Health free of charge, however the assessment and application may cost you, so please discuss with a therapist. Therapy Professionals Ltd’s Physio and Occupational Therapists are accredited assessors for Enable equipment in the following areas: 1. Personal Care & Household Management a) Personal equipment to enable you to carry out personal care activities in their home, at work or place of study, such as: - eating and drinking - personal hygiene (washing and toileting) - getting dressed - transferring from the bed or chair - getting in or out of the home b) Household Management equipment to enable you to carry out essential household tasks to return to, or remain safely your home, such as the preparation of food and drinks, if you live alone or by yourself for much of the day. ![]() 2. Walking & Standing a) Walking equipment to support you with walking and transferring. b) Standing equipment to support you to maintain a good functional position and body alignment in standing. 3. Basic housing modification equipment to ensure your safety at home such as: - handrails, - wedge threshold ramps - lever taps or - internal door widening. 4. Complex Housing Modifications are where the alterations to the structure of the property are made. 5. Wheeled Mobility and Postural Management Level 1 and credential lying advice and recommendations related to wheeled mobility, seating and postural management. The Process: It takes between two hours and several months depending on the complexity and expense of the equipment. - an Enable accredited therapist assesses your need for equipment and if you’re eligible. - Therapist completes the Enable service request electronically if funding is ‘available’. While funding may be available, Enable has final discretion on eligibility for equipment. - Equipment is trialed or issued to you. - The therapist will follow up on the use and appropriateness of the equipment. Keeping Records of Equipment
Most equipment comes with an ASSET NUMBER. You or the residential providers are responsible for keeping records of asset numbers and maintenance of the equipment. The asset number stickers can fade and come off especially on soft fabrics, eg slings. We recommend you develop a system to record asset numbers permanently. (eg: taking a photo of the piece of equipment and asset number. Keep it somewhere safe or in your client’s file). Repairs and Maintenance: Contact one of the subcontractors listed below: More Mobility/ Mobytech Ltd 113 Blenheim Road, Christchurch 8041 Phone: (03) 348 3460 Option 3 or 027 516 2340 Email: repairs@mobytech.co.nz christchurch@moremobility.co.nz Website: http://www.moremobility.co.nz Personal Mobility Systems (Wheelchair Services (SI) Ltd) (not generally a mobile service) 29 Shakespeare Road, Christchurch 8240 Phone: (03) 366 8815 or 0275 383 584, Free: 0508 662 454 Email: admin@mobilitysystems.co.nz Website www.mobilitysystems.co.nz Rehab Enterprises, mobile workshop. Contact Owen Henwood on phone: 027 230 5974 or email: owenhenwood@live.com Alteration or Modification of Equipment If you wish to have equipment altered or modified this is not a repair or maintenance. Call the therapist. Equipment no longer needed for clients: Ring Enable and ask for it to be picked up Phone: 0800 171 995 OR Residential providers - If another client would benefit from the equipment, call the therapist, they will assess and if suitable re-issue the equipment. ![]() Eating and Drinking Problems related to Dementia A number of eating and drinking issues may occur for those with dementia including under or over eating and swallowing problems. Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) related to dementia and Alzheimer’s have increased with longer life expectancy. The prevalence among those individuals with intellectual disability is also increasing, however at a younger age as they prematurely age. Swallowing difficulties: How do you know someone has an eating and drinking difficulty? They will have some or all of the following signs while or after eating and drinking:
![]() Under-eating As we age our appetite decreases. For those with dementia this decrease in appetite can be more pronounced. In the early stages under-eating can be prompted by depression and later on due to forgetting to eat or even how to eat. Medications can affect appetite too. Suggested support
Over-eating: For some people with dementia an increase in weight can be an issue for a number of reasons. They:
![]() General suggestions:
Equipment:
![]() Use visual and other strategies:
Safety:
The role of the team and when to refer:
If you need help with someone with a swallowing problem, just contact us at Therapy Professionals Ltd, our friendly Speech Language Therapist can help.
Phone: 03 377 5280 Email: admin@tpl.nz Website: therapyprofessionals.co.nz |
AuthorShonagh O'Hagan Archives
April 2021
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