Parkinson’s clearly affects more than just the person with Parkinson’s. While many people feel its effects, one person usually takes on the role of primary caregiver. When asked what they felt to be the most burdensome tasks, caregivers most commonly answered transportation, followed by housekeeping. Other research suggests difficulties in Parkinson’s disease social dynamics also stem from the change in role a caregiver experiences — e.g., more than just a spouse.

To remember ways to reduce caregiver burden, remember the acronym EARS: Education, Assistants, Resources, and Self-Care. First, as a caregiver it is important to Educate yourself. Knowledge can significantly reduce anxiety and stress. Make sure you understand the medications that your partner is taking; know the proper dosage and what to look for — both the intended benefits and possible side effects. Learn about the common symptoms of the current stage of your partner’s PD, even if you don’t want to know everything about future symptoms. Second, recruit some Assistants. Form a team. You may be the captain, but you do not need to be the lone caregiver. Let family and friends know that they can help with things like transportation and housekeeping if they prefer not to provide direct patient support. Third, research caregiver Resources. Both the PD Association of Los Angeles and local support groups are good places to start. In California, the California Department of Health Services operates eleven caregiver resource centers that provide core services to families and caregivers at little or no cost. Finally, the S in EARS: Self-Care. As a care partner, taking the time to honor, value, and love yourself is not a luxury; it is an absolute necessity. Even though your caregiving responsibilities can seem overwhelming, it’s okay if your loved one’s disease does not always take center stage. At times, it may be necessary for you to ask for help. This will allow you to be in charge of your own life so you can better advocate both for yourself and your loved one. Dedicate a small amount of time each day to your well-being. Eat well, exercise, get rest. These should be priorities along with caregiving. EARS: Education, Assistants, Resources, Self-Care.

This article was provided by PDALA.

Learn more about the Parkinson’s Association of Los Angeles.

NeuroDerm, Ltd. announced that enrollment of healthy subjects is ongoing in its Phase I clinical trial of ND0612, a novel drug formulation for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. ND0612 is a proprietary levodopa/carbidopa liquid formula administered continuously via a subcutaneous delivery patch device. It is designed to provide steady levodopa blood levels and enhanced bioavailability of oral levodopa for the reduction of motor complications in Parkinson’s disease.

In pre-clinical studies of ND0612, plasma concentrations of levodopa reached straight-line steady state levels. The current Phase I double-blind, dose-escalation trial in young, healthy volunteers will assess ND0612 for safety and tolerability as well as for levodopa and carbidopa steady state plasma levels.

“This first trial of ND0612 in man is a significant step in the development of a new levodopa treatment standard for Parkinson’s disease,” said Oded S. Lieberman, PhD, NeuroDerm’s Chairman and CEO. “For many years, oral levodopa has been the leading Parkinson’s disease drug therapy. However, due to low and erratic oral levodopa bioavailability, advanced Parkinson’s patients suffer from debilitating motor complications even under the best current standard of care. Should ND0612 achieve constant levodopa base blood levels, than low, harmful levodopa trough levels would be prevented, the efficacy of current levodopa therapy could be significantly raised and a new standard of care in our ability to treat and reduce motor complications in Parkinson’s disease patients may be established.”

This information can be found through NeuroDerm and News Medical.

Yonemoto Physical Therapy, located in Alhambra, is now offering several qigong classes in April 2012. Here is their press release for their upcoming classes:

Want to get more energy, feel revitalized, have less stress, rid yourself of aches and pains with gentle, no impact movements? Then come take a qigong class with us. There will be three new qigong classes starting up in April. The classes will be held in YPT’s gym located at 25 S. Raymond Ave. Suite 100, Alhambra CA, 91801. For more information or to sign up please call us at (626) 576–0591.

Level 1 starts April 16th from 7PM to 8:30PM. It goes for 7 sessions. The first session is free.

Level 2 starts April 21st from 11AM to 12:30PM. Price per class is $30.

Level 3 starts April 21st from 9AM to 10:30AM. Price per class is $30.

What is Qigong?

Qigong — pronounced “kee kung” — teaches you how to focus your breath, movement, and awareness for when you’re exercising, meditating, or another healing act. It translates roughly to “life force practice” or “life force mastery.” Qigong’s root lies in the martial arts, Chinese medicine, and Chinese philosophy. Many are familiar with the concept of “Qi” or “intrinsic life energy” and how it is used in acupuncture. Qigong applies this concept to achieve a more productive exercise and meditation routine.

Learn about neurological movement disorders and meet with Southern California Movement Disorder Specialist staff.

Topic of this support group:

Requip and Mirapex belong in medication class known as Dopamine Agonists. What are Dopamine Agonists, and how do they work to slow down the progression of Parkinson's? What are the common side effects? What are the benefits? Please join us for an in-depth discussion on how these medications may be beneficial to treat Parkinson's disease!  

More information on the South Pasadena Parkinson's Support Group:

If you have any questions, please get in touch with SoCal MDS or Ryan Nguyen of Neurosearch.

Learn about neurological movement disorders and meet with Southern California Movement Disorder Specialist staff.

Topic of this support group:

Ghosts of PD: Past, Present, and Future. Parkinson’s disease treatment options have drastically improved over the past few decades. Before Sinemet (Carbodopa/Levodopa) was available, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was a maximum 5 years. Today, the disease has a multitude of treatment options available. But the fight for the cure is still not over! The future of Parkinson’s disease treatments begins with research opportunities and treatment advancements!        

Do you have any questions about the support group meeting?  Please feel free to call or email Ryan Nguyen (contact information below). Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you at the support group meeting.

More information on the San Marino Support Group:

If you have any questions, please get in touch with SoCal MDS or Ryan Nguyen of Neurosearch.

Learn about neurological movement disorders and meet with Southern California Movement Disorder Specialist staff.

Topic of this support group:

Ghosts of PD: Past, Present, and Future. Parkinson’s disease treatment options have drastically improved over the past few decades. Before Sinemet (Carbodopa/Levodopa) was available, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was a maximum 5 years. Today, the disease has a multitude of treatment options available. But the fight for the cure is still not over! The future of Parkinson’s disease treatments begins with research opportunities and treatment advancements!        

Do you have any questions about the support group meeting?  Please feel free to call or email Ryan Nguyen (contact information below). Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you at the support group meeting.

More information on the San Marino Support Group:

If you have any questions, please get in touch with SoCal MDS or Ryan Nguyen of Neurosearch.

Learn about neurological movement disorders and meet with Southern California Movement Disorder Specialist staff.

Topic of this support group:

Ghosts of PD: Past, Present, and Future. Parkinson’s disease treatment options have drastically improved over the past few decades. Before Sinemet (Carbodopa/Levodopa) was available, the life expectancy after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was a maximum 5 years. Today, the disease has a multitude of treatment options available. But the fight for the cure is still not over! The future of Parkinson’s disease treatments begins with research opportunities and treatment advancements!        

Do you have any questions about the support group meeting?  Please feel free to call or email Ryan Nguyen (contact information below). You can also register for attendance using the link below. Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you at the support group meeting. Happy holidays!

More information on the Pasadena Parkinson’s Support Group:

If you have any questions, please get in touch with SoCal MDS or Ryan Nguyen of Neurosearch.