Sopris Lodge at Carbondale hosts Jodi Brown, CEO of Parkinson Association of the Rockies, from 2 to 3pm on April 4. The presentation is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required as attendance will be limited. For details, call Chase Corte at 970-678-0057 or visit soprislodge.com/events
Sopris Lodge is located at 295 Rio Grande Ave., north of the Rio Grande Trail.
The event, part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, will cover commonly used terminology and signs, symptoms and potential causes of Parkinson’s, according to a press release. Brown will also highlight how individuals and care partners can lead fulfilling lives, emphasizing the importance of exercise and community connection.
“The program is beneficial for those recently diagnosed, caregivers or anyone seeking to expand their understanding of this condition,” the press release continued.
The Sopris Sun contacted Brown via email for a Q&A. Some of Brown’s answers were edited for clarity.
Question, Sopris Sun: How many people in Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley have Parkinson’s disease?
Answer, Brown: It is not an exact science as we do not have a Parkinson’s disease registry in Colorado, but we estimate that there are approximately 25,000 people living with Parkinson’s disease in the state. We do not know exactly how many are living in the Roaring Fork Valley. We are trying to get a Parkinson’s disease registry here in Colorado. We were close to having it brought to the legislature last session but it fell off at the last minute. We will continue to work toward that. There are approximately 1 million people in the U.S with Parkinson’s, although recent consensus is that number is low. Approximately 90,000 people are diagnosed annually.
Q: What are some of Parkinson’s effects on cognitive abilities?
A: Multi-tasking can become more difficult, also memory difficulties and dementia. There can be mood changes associated with Parkinson’s disease, plus anxiety, depression, apathy and impulsivity.
Q: What is the average length of time from before suspected symptoms appear and a neurologist gives a diagnosis?
A: There is not an easy answer to this question. Some people may experience non-motor symptoms many years before a diagnosis, such as loss of smell or constipation. It can take time for a neurologist to diagnose Parkinson’s, as symptoms could be related to other possible illnesses. Seeing a movement disorder specialist is recommended if you’re having a difficult time with diagnosis.
Q: Several exercises are recommended for those with Parkinson’s, including Power Punch boxing, which is Parkinson Association of the Rockies’ boxing class. Explain?
A: Non-contact boxing is a great exercise for people with Parkinson’s, as it is a high-intensity workout using boxing techniques for a full-body workout. All classes can be modified, based on the participant’s abilities and symptoms. It is a great class as it works core, voice, cognition and balance. Parkinson Association of the Rockies currently offers three Power Punch boxing classes between Glenwood Springs and Carbondale, and is working to add a class in Rifle.
Q: Is occupational therapy beneficial for some Parkinson’s patients?
A: Absolutely. A person with Parkinson’s (PWP) will most likely build a team that could include an occupational therapist, physical therapist and speech therapist. These professionals can help with many of the motor or non-motor symptoms that can be present with a Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Q: Can Parkinson’s patients drive a vehicle?
A: Yes, a PWP can drive a vehicle. However, as the symptoms progress, this is something that should be evaluated regularly. An occupational therapist can administer a driving test to help determine when it might be time to hand over the keys and stop driving.
Q: Would you like to add anything?
A: Parkinson’s is called the “snowflake” disease as everyone diagnosed will have a different journey with the illness due to the number of motor and non-motor symptoms that can present with this chronic illness.
We will be hosting “Chat with a Parkinson’s Pro,” which is an education seminar that will include a movement disorder specialist, to talk about topics the community wants to explore at the Glenwood Springs Recreation Center on Aug. 17. A Vitality Walk will be held in El Jebel on Sept. 28.
Parkinson Association of the Rockies provides resources in the Roaring Fork Valley. All are free to PWPs and their care partner.
Resources include: Support groups in Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle; Chair yoga at the New Castle Community Center;Power Punch boxing at Midland Fitness in Glenwood Springs and Elite Performance Academy in Carbondale.
For more information, contact 303-830-1839 or info@parkinsonrockies.org