Over 150,000 people in the UK live with Parkinson's according to estimates by the charity Parkinson's UK. The charity also points out that it is 'the fastest growing neurological condition in the world'. Today, the 11th of April, is observed globally as World Parkinson's Day.
For the purposes of this edition of the Medigarments blog, we will not use the term 'Parkinson's Disease'. Though the condition is referred to as such by some people, the Parkinson's UK charity does not use this term. Extensive research has shown that many people find the inclusion of the word 'disease' to sound negative and also to imply that the condition is contagious, which it categorically is not.
 |
| SDO® Original Gauntlet in No. 10 Lavender theme |
Parkinson's is a degenerative disorder affecting the central nervous system of the body. It occurs when cells in the brain that produce dopamine stop working, leading to a deficit of this vital neurotransmitter.
The deficit prevents the body's motor system from functioning correctly and causes a variety of symptoms, the most common of which are slow movements, muscle stiffness and tremor. Many people with Parkinson's also experience drowsiness, insomnia, pain and cognitive issues.
It is not entirely understood what causes Parkinson's but it appears to be a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Though age also seems to play a role (the condition grows more prevalent as age increases), Parkinson's can sometimes affect younger people. It is less prevalent among women than men.
Parkinson's was first described medically in 1817 by James Parkinson, a surgeon who termed the condition 'paralysis agitans' in his groundbreaking paper 'An Essay on the Shaking Palsy'. 44 years after Parkinson passed away, the neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot further advanced Parkinson's work and renamed the condition after him.
World Parkinson's Day is observed on the 11th April each year, a date which was chosen as it was James Parkinson's birthday. The event exists to raise awareness about the condition as well as funds for the many various charities around the world.
At the present time, there is no cure for Parkinson's and so treatment focuses on reducing and managing the symptoms. In addition to utilising physiotherapy, exercise and medication, many people with Parkinson's can benefit from wearing dynamic compression garments that aid greatly in improving coordination and reducing the incidence and severity of tremor.
Managing Parkinson's with Dynamic Lycra®
Explore our full range of SDO® dynamic compression garments on the Medigarments Ltd website, where you'll find a diverse selection designed to meet the unique needs of individuals living with Parkinson's and other neurological conditions. Each garment is meticulously crafted using dynamic Lycra® to ensure optimal comfort, support, and therapeutic benefits, helping to enhance mobility, posture, and muscle function.
If you're unsure which product is right for your patient or have questions about how our garments can aid in their symptom management, our experienced and knowledgeable clinical team is ready to assist you. We are committed to providing personalised advice and guidance tailored to your specific needs. Don't hesitate to reach out to our team, whether it's for product recommendations, fitting tips, or general inquiries, simply give us a call, and we'll be happy to help. At Medigarments Ltd, we are dedicated to supporting your patients on their journey to better health and improved quality of life.
Please subscribe to our free newsletter to receive this article, along with lots of other updates and special features, direct to your email inbox. Please support us in spreading the word by liking and following us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
SDO® Original and SDO® Lite are part of The World of SDO® Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ range of dynamic Lycra® compression garments by Medigarments Ltd. SDO® and Sensory Dynamic Orthosis™ are trademarks of Medigarments Ltd.
