Understanding Parkinson’s: Eric Phipps explains the condition

Eric Phipps of the Round Table Lodge of Lincolnshire helps us understand ‘Brother Parkinson’… He writes: 

We have no definite cause of Parkinson’s disease (PD). It could be genetic i.e. inherited, or be environmental. We live in an atmosphere of many chemicals from modern life, and note that  many agro chemicals are known neuro toxins. The other important factor is age. Increasing age makes development of Parksinons more likely. When we look at the grey heads in the average Lodge we can expect to encounter Parkinsons, and so should attempt to understand it.

PD results from a decrease in production of the neurotransmitter dopamine which takes the messages from our brains to actuate our muscles to perform any bodily movement. As we grow up we construct a neural network called our proprioception – our personal gyro by which our position in three dimensions is known. This is our balance, and about 200 muscles operate in the simple act of standing up, each one receiving the instruction to tense or relax to achieve the desired action – think of the guy ropes on a tent in the wind.

When we lose dopamine we lose our balance, and so need some kind of walking aid like a stick or Rollator. It is  necessary to ensure the Lodge building has no trip  hazards, there is a chair lift, and a disabled toilet.  Descending makes a bigger demand on our balance than ascending, so even if there is a Dias of only one step the Parkinson’s sufferer will still need a hand down. Please therefore understand why ‘Br Parkinson’ will not always stand to order or for toasts.

He is very likely to need a lift to and from lodge, assistance with his regalia case, and carrying his drink to the festive board. Chairs with arms and a higher seat are especially useful. Also his phone will be set with multiple alarms for precise medication times.

Encourage him to attend Lodge, as PD can inhibit being in a different environment, and social contact is good therapy. Help him along where possible. My father used to say ‘a bit of help is worth a lot of pity’.

And finally, note that there are more than 40 different symptoms for PD, and not everyone has a tremor.              

Actor Michael J. Fox has Parkinson’s. He delivered an address at an IBM Lotusphere conference, explaining how social networks help him fight the condition. Picture: ID 23157800 | Disease © Drserg | Dreamstime.com