Zarrow Pointe Discusses Parkinson’s Management and Healthy Aging

Dreams never retire: no facility better understands this idea than Tulsa’s leading senior retirement community, Zarrow Pointe. Part of their commitment to providing vibrant and fulfilling lifestyles for their residents is staying informed and ahead of the curve on challenges that seniors might face. On December 7th 2018, Zarrow Pointe opened its doors to the public for a discussion on Parkinson’s Disease featuring Dr. Syed Hussain, Neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist at the OU Department of Internal Medicine. This open forum talk addressed challenges and solutions to living with Parkinson’s, ways to raise awareness about the disease, and the latest treatment options to improve patients’ quality of life.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with the disease each year, and studies confirm that the numbers increase with age. In the 2016 US Census, there were approximately 9,300 reported diagnoses in the State of Oklahoma; with numbers being so high, it’s imperative that we gain a better understanding of the disease as a part of our planning for a healthy and active future. Dr. Hussain explained that Parkinson’s is a movement disorder caused by damage to the neurons in the brain that produce dopamine: a compound that controls the body’s motion, coordination, attention, and alertness. “As the disease progresses, a deficiency in dopamine-producing brain cells causes symptoms… which vary from patient to patient, but typically include tremors, postural instability, stiffness, and slowness, which can greatly interfere with day-to-day activities.” 

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, there is currently a wide range of treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life, including innovative surgical options for advanced cases that no longer respond to medication. In the talk, Dr. Hussain explained one such cutting-edge treatment called deep brain stimulation, a promising procedure that blocks or alters brain signals that cause debilitating Parkinson’s symptoms. With deep brain stimulation, many patients have regained their abilities to dress, eat, and walk without assistance, all of which can help restore a patient’s sense of self and independence. Dr. Hussain also emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to managing Parkinson’s. He highlighted the need for caregivers of different disciplines to work together to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, rather than relying on medications alone. He advocated regular exercise and physical therapy
for patients to improve their balance, strengthen muscles, and manage rigidity, freezing, and falls.

Zarrow Pointe knows the value of regular wellness practices. They provide a variety of programs aimed at preserving active lifestyles for residents, from aquatics classes to Tai Chi. Zarrow Pointe CEO Jim Jakubovitz sums it up best: “At Zarrow Pointe, we are passionate about helping our residents experience health, wellness, and comfort throughout the progression of life. To achieve this goal, our wellness and physical therapy program specifically integrates the mind, body, and spirit to help our residents experience a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle.” 

With this philosophy in mind, attendees could take from this discussion a better understanding of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, as well as an optimistic outlook on disease care and healthy aging practices as a whole. ZP

Zarrow Pointe Discusses Parkinson’s Management and Healthy Aging
By Jalexa Schell