Title

Case Study: The Parkinson's Experience

Author

Scott A Thurman

Faculty Sponsor

Debi Brannan

Abstract

Previous research has extensively studied individual components of Parkinson’s by studying the disease but thus far does not address the comprehensive impacts and obstacles of life with Parkinson’s. The common experiences of Parkinson’s can offer insight as to how provide better care by addressing multiple domains in a person’s life. This hypothetical case study highlights commonalities shared by those with Parkinson’s that spans across social, emotional and biological aspects of life. Possible treatment strategies are discussed concerning the impacts of fatigue, social isolation, increased burdens of care, and family dynamics in order to offer insight to care providers as to the range of care needed by those with Parkinson’s disease. The goal of this article is to highlight that, while interventions are needed to address the disease, providers should be mindful that interventions are also needed to limit the negative impacts of Parkinson’s on a person’s life experience.

Description

“For everything this disease has taken, something with greater value has been given – sometimes just a marker that points me in a new direction that I might not otherwise have traveled. So, sure, it may be one step forward and two steps back, but after a time with Parkinson’s, I’ve learned that what is important is making that one step count; always looking up.”
- Michael J. Fox, 2009. Always looking up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist. New York, NY: Hyperion

Subject

Alternative and Complementary Medicine

Cognition and Perception

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Neurology

Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene

Other Life Sciences

Personality and Social Contexts

Psychiatric and Mental Health

Social Psychology

Social Work

Parkinson’s disease

Fatigue

Burden of Care

Medicare

Social Isolation

Symptoms

Social Work

Palliative Care

Case Study

Rights

Western Oregon University Library has determined, as of 06/01/2023, this item is in copyright, which is held by the author. Users may use the item in accordance with copyright limitations and exceptions, including fair use. For other uses, please ask permission from the author.

http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Type

Text

volume

2

Date Published

5/29/2013

Note

Debi Brannan

Alternative Title

The Parkinson's Experience

Identifier

pure/vol2/iss1/5

Language

eng