BCHS occupational therapist to discuss Parkinson's disease
 Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It is characterized by any combination of four cardinal signs: rest tremor, rigidity, extreme slowness of movement, and gait disturbance. This condition also produces changes in a person’s memory and mood.
Rebecca King, a registered occupational therapist at Battle Creek Health System and Senior Diagnostic Services, will discuss Parkinson’s disease related to its process and how to improve physical function and mobility at a special program on Wednesday, April 23 as part of Senior Health Partners and Battle Creek Health System’s ‘Aging Well’ series.
A light luncheon will be served at 11:30 a.m. followed by King’s presentation at noon at the Burnham Brook Center. The program is free but seating is limited. Calling Senior Health Partners at (269) 441-0948 can make reservations.
The presentation will review the neurological clinical background of Parkinson’s disease and examine the role of occupational therapy for the Parkinson's patient. “Activities of daily living such as dressing, feeding, and handwriting can all become more difficult with Parkinson's,” says King. “The program will address how to best adapt to these conditions and minimize their impact on the activities of daily living.”
An accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease rests on the clinician's ability to recognize its characteristic signs and associated symptoms, especially in the early stages. Correct diagnosis is fundamental to the appropriate therapy of Parkinson's even though the same menu of anti-Parkinson drugs is used to treat all of the various Parkinsonian syndromes.
“Occupational therapists can provide training to improve function or adapt the activity to achieve greater independence of those with Parkinson’s,” says. King. “During the program adaptive equipment options will be demonstrated. Tips on reducing tremors will be discussed as well, in addition to scheduling challenging activities during medication ‘on’ times.”
Senior Health Partners, a collaboration of Battle Creek Health System, Burnham Brook Center, and Summit Pointe, works to expand wellness and educational offerings to senior citizens in Calhoun and surrounding counties. For more information about senior programs, visit the Burnham Brook web site at http://www.burnhambrook.com , or call (269) 441-0948.
About the Presenter:
Rebecca King, OTR is a registered occupational therapist at Battle Creek Health System with over 13 years of clinical experience. King received her Bachelor of Science degree in occupational therapy from Western Michigan University, with emphasis in geriatric training. She works in acute care setting at BCHS, as well as the Senior Diagnostic Center.
King participates in the Parkinson's Second Opinion Clinics held in Battle Creek in partnership with the Michigan Parkinson's Foundation. Her special interests and clinical experience includes the areas of Parkinson's, geriatric cognition, and mental health.
Battle Creek Health System, sponsored by two parent organizations--Trinity Health (the fourth largest Catholic health system in the U.S. with 12 hospitals, 9 nursing homes, 19 senior house facilities, 8 home health care agencies, and 4 hospices in Michigan alone) and BCHS Community Partners, is accredited by the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations. Battle Creek Health System as a recipient of the 2008 HealthGrades Orthopaedic Surgery Excellence Award™. HealthGrades is a leading health care information company that provides objective ‘report card’ ratings nationwide. BCHS provides excellent health care for the community and promotes wellness for the whole person with access and compassion for all. For the latest medical information, visit the BCHS web site at www.bchealth.com or call the BCHS Marketing Department at (269) 966-8132.
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