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National Parkinson Foundation

This week we sat down with the President and CEO of National Parkinson Foundation, Joyce Oberdorf and Larry Kahn, CEO/Founder of PD Gladiators, a man who develoed early-onset Parkinson disease. Approximately 1 Million people are living with Parkinson disease in the US today. The National Parkinson Foundation’s website describes Parkinson disease this way, “Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive movement disorder, meaning that symptoms continue and worsen over time. Nearly one million people in the US are living with Parkinson’s disease. The cause is unknown, and although there is presently no cure, there are treatment options such as medication and surgery to manage its symptoms.

Parkinson’s involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. Parkinson’s primarily affects neurons in the an area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As PD progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally.”

Joyce came by to talk about research the National Parkinson Foundation is supporting that is aimed at improving the quality of life of patients living with the disease today. They seek to share best practices that show promise among providers, with regard to the pace of progression and/or severity of symptoms so these persons can enjoy life more fully, longer.

She brought Larry Kahn, founder of PD Gladiators, a boxing gym exclusively for PD patients that was launched after Larry learned about and experienced the benefits of vigorous exercise on his symptoms. He shared his poignant story about learning he has PD (after having had it missed over a year earlier by his initial doctor), how he and his wife approached the diagnosis, and how/why he started PD Gladiators. Larry and Joyce talked about research that has shown the benefits of vigorous exercise on cognitive function among ALL of us, including PD patients. They endeavor to share that information widely so that more PD patients can receive the reparative benefits themselves.

We talked about the resources needed by the National Parkinson Foundation and Larry that will enable them to further advance awareness and quality of life among Parkinson disease patients. We hope you share this podcast, as the information they shared will very likely help someone you care about who’s suffering with Parkinson today.

Special Guests:

Larry Kahn, Founder, CEO, PD Gladiators

Gwinnett Studio

Living with Neurologic Illness

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Barbara Mooney, Victoria Collier, Sarah Embro

Senior Salute Radio brings timely information to leading edge Boomers and Seniors about issues involving care-giving and aging. Learn from both professionals and regular people going through the process with their families. Each week we will also Salute an incredible Senior.

Senior Salute Radio is presented by The Elder & Disability Law Firm of Victoria L. Collier.

Today’s Guests:

Sarah Embro/ALS Association Georgia Chapter

The ALS Association of Georgia aims to empower, care for, and support all those living with ALS in Georgia, while advocating for a cure. The ALS Association is the only national affiliated not-for-profit health organization dedicated solely to ALS.

Since its founding in 1988, the ALS Association of Georgia has worked with ALS patients and their families to ensure the highest quality of life possible. The progression of ALS varies significantly from one patient to another. No matter a patient’s situation, the ALS Association of Georgia is available to provide vital services and reliable information.

Barbara Mooney/American Parkinson Disease Association GA Chapter

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) was founded in 1961 to facilitate patient and family support, medical research and education. APDA carries out its mission through a network of chapters, Information & Referral Centers and affiliated support groups which provide education, counseling, assistance and referrals throughout the United States. There are now 65 chapters, 62 Information & Referrals Centers and more than 250 affiliated support groups from coast to coast. The Atlanta Chapter was chartered in 1985 to further the mission of APDA in the Atlanta area. The chapter was then changed to the Georgia Chapter in 2002.

The American Parkinson Disease Association has placed a vast emphasis on grassroots organizing of Information and Referral Centers, chapters and support groups. Since the initiation of Operation Outreach in 1983, the number of chapters, their efficiency, and the funds they have raised have grown dramatically. It is this grassroots structure that distinguishes APDA from other organizations serving people with Parkinson’s disease.

An estimated 1.5 million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a slowly progressive brain disorder resulting in the loss of dopamine production. Dopamine is the neuro-transmitter responsible for aiding in body movements. Symptoms include slowness of movement, tremor, muscle stiffness, and postural instability. To date there is no cure.

Senior Salute Moment/Wayne Huey

1-100_1716[5] — Wayne Huey, Beth Huey (daughter), Michael J. Fox

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, Wayne Huey continues to serve as a teacher and counselor and live a very active lifestyle. Wayne’s tips for coping with Parkinson’s:

1. Stay active and engaged both physical and mentally

2. Find a doctor who specializes in PD or movement disorders

3. Connect with others, keep communication open

4. Don’t let PD define who you are

5. Join a support group

6. Participate in clinical trials