In 2015 at the age of 60, Cosmetic Manager, Gloudina Flynn, started dropping cosmetic items and perfumes and found it difficult to keep her hands steady while offering assistance to and performing makeovers on clients. She could not understand why this was happening to her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After seeking medical assistance and then being referred to a neurologist and undergoing multiple tests and assessments, she was diagnosed with Parkinson\u2019s, a life-changing diagnosis which meant early retirement and major lifestyle adjustments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Parkinson\u2019s is a chronic and progressive brain disorder, which affects the nervous system, especially the nerves that make your muscles work. The nerve cell damage in the brain causes dopamine levels to drop and this causes the symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s. This disorder is mostly found in people older than 50 and men are at a higher risk of developing it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Parkinson\u2019s Day is held on 11 April every year to raise awareness of Parkinson\u2019s disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr Stefanie Perold, Family Physician at Hermanus Hospital, Parkinson\u2019s is a chronic, progressive disorder that will become totally debilitating and shorten a person\u2019s lifespan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSome of the symptoms associated with Parkinson\u2019s often include a tremor of the thumb or fingers while the person is resting, which becomes progressively worse, the person\u2019s movements can become slower, their balance and posture become impaired, and muscle stiffness that lasts through the whole day (this is called rigidity). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe nerves in the hands and fingers are also affected so their handwriting will change, often getting smaller. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTheir facial expressions are sometimes affected and this can give them a serious look or a blank stare on their face. They may also start speaking slower than usual. The disease can be hereditary as the risk is higher for family members to get it,\u201d explains Dr Perold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gloudina says her diagnosis was very difficult for my daughter. \u201cShe felt that it was not possible for me to have this disease since we do not have such a family history. After I was diagnosed, she started to notice that I was smiling less,\u201d Gloudina recalls. \u201cInitially I was very depressed but after I started treatment, I realised my life cannot stop because of this and I need to remain positive and active. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy hands often shake, and I tend to drop things, it has also become difficult for me lift my left hand to brush my hair and sometimes at night my legs become restless, but it is okay, I can cope with it. I am still able to care for myself and clean my home and I want to continue doing it for as long as possible.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three years ago, Glaudina moved into Huis Lettie Theron in Hermanus, which offers an assisted living service because as the disease progresses, it will become more difficult for her to perform daily tasks. She adds that her supportive family has played a big role in the positive attitude which she has towards her condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy family is very supportive; they include me in their activities and don\u2019t feel the need to leave me behind.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Glaudina advises people with Parkinson\u2019s disease to continue doing exercise, and says it is not necessary to sit still because you have been diagnosed with this disease. \u201cIt is important to stay positive and not dwell on the fact that you are going to become rigid and dependant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI try to stay as active as possible by going for the walks. I was recently able to complete the Light House to Light House walk, a 15 km beach walk. I believe staying active has helped with the progression of my disease.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Dr Perold there is no clear scientific evidence of any specific preventative measures as yet, but basic measures of living a healthy active life apply here too. If you suspect you may have some of the symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s, please speak to your healthcare worker, who will refer you for appropriate care as necessary.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 2015 at the age of 60, Cosmetic Manager, Gloudina Flynn, started dropping cosmetic items and perfumes and found it difficult to keep her hands steady while offering assistance to and performing makeovers on clients. 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