IPLin

Registry services for correction and stabilization of the disease in people suffering from PARKINSON'S DISEASE:

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease

There are primary and secondary symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Not everyone with the disease experiences all of the symptoms and the progression of the disease is different from person to person. Most people who get Parkinson's are over 60, but recently there have been more identified cases in younger men and women.

Most of the symptoms of the disease involve disruption of motor functions (muscle and movement).  However, lack of energy, mood and memory changes, and pain can also occur as part of the disease.

Primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

• Bradykinesia
• Tremors
• Rigidity
• Poor balance

Secondary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

There are no lab tests that can definitively diagnose Parkinson's disease. A systematic neurological exam will include testing your reflexes and observing things like muscle strength throughout your body, coordination, balance, and other details of movement. These tests are also necessary to rule out other conditions, such as nerve dysfunction, narrowing of the spinal canal, or other types of tremor, for which other treatments would be needed.  Your doctor may be order tests, such as blood or urine tests or CT or MRI scans, to exclude the possibility of these other disorders.

 Exercise tips for people with Parkinson’s disease:

• Before starting an exercise regime, you should always check with your doctor.
• Pursue physical and occupational therapy.
• Exercise your face and jaw whenever possible.
• Practice bending, stretching, and breathing exercises.
• Try exercising in bed; it may be easier than on the floor.
• Build your walking skills, even if that means having to hold onto something.
• Try exercising in the water; it is easier on the joints.   Many fitness centers,  have water exercise programs.

Registry services for correction and stabilization of the disease in people suffering from Alzheimer’s: 

Introduction:

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative brain disease that results in loss of memory and mental function. It progresses in stages, and people with Alzheimer's experience gradual memory loss as well as loss of judgment, difficulty concentrating, loss of language skills, personality changes, and a decline in the ability to learn new tasks. In advanced stages, people with Alzheimer's can lose all memory and mental abilities.

Alzheimer's in the most common kind of dementia. About 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's and this number is expected to increase as the population grows older. How it progresses is different for each person. If Alzheimer's develops rapidly, it is likely to continue to progress rapidly. If it has been slow to progress, it will likely continue on a slow course.

The effects of Alzheimer's come because the disease kills brain cells. In a healthy brain, billions of neurons generate chemical and electrical signals that are relayed from neuron to neuron and help a person think, remember, and feel. Neurotransmitters -- brain chemicals -- help these signals move from cell to cell. In people with Alzheimer's, neurons in certain places start to die, causing lower levels of neurotransmitters to be produced. That causes the brain to have problems with its signals.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's, but there are some medications that can help slow the progression of the disease in some people. Some herbs and supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, may help reduce the risk or improve quality of life.

Signs and Symptoms:

The early symptoms of Alzheimer's disease can be missed because they resemble signs that many people attribute to "natural aging." The following are the most common signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's:

Psychological Symptoms

·         Increasing memory loss, starting with forgetting recent events and new information, and progressing to not recognizing friends and family members

·         Difficulty concentrating

·         Difficulty understanding words, completing sentences, or finding the right words

·         Getting lost in familiar surroundings

·         Restlessness

·         Depression

·         Aggression, agitation, anxiety, restlessness

·         Distrusting others

·         Withdrawal, disinterest, hostility, loss of inhibitions

Physical Symptoms

·         Impaired movement or coordination

·         Muscle stiffness, shuffling or dragging feet while walking

·         Insomnia or change in sleep patterns

·         Weight loss

·         Incontinence

·         Muscle twitching or seizures

Causes:

Researchers aren't sure what causes Alzheimer's disease. Both genetics and the environment may combine in some cases. Recent research indicates that free radicals (molecules that can cause oxidation, and damage cells and DNA) may play a role in the development of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is characterized by the buildup in the brain of two types of proteins. Clumps of abnormal cells are called plaques, made of beta-amyloid protein. These plaques build up between neurons and may prevent them from communicating with each other. Inside nerve cells are tangles, made of twisted tau protein. Tau protein is necessary for the brain to function, but in people with Alzheimer's the protein becomes twisted, which may cause damage to neurons (brain cells).

People with the APOE-e4 gene are more likely to develop Alzheimer's -- it's known as a "risk gene" for the condition. But scientists think there may be many more genes involved. And even people without inherited genes for the disease can get Alzheimer's.

Risk Factors:

The causes and risk factors associated with Alzheimer's disease are not entirely clear, but include:

·         Family history of Alzheimer's

·         Older age -- the risk of developing Alzheimer's doubles every five years after age 65

·         Long-term high blood pressure

·         Heart disease

·         History of head trauma -- one or more serious blows to the head may put a person at an increased risk.

·         Down syndrome

·         Education level -- people with higher levels of education are less likely to develop Alzheimer's

Diagnosis:

There is no single test for Alzheimer's disease. A true diagnosis can be made only after a person dies and an autopsy is performed on the brain.

However, Alzheimer's usually has a characteristic pattern of symptoms. A doctor will start by ruling out other possible causes. The doctor will ask questions about medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam (including a neurological exam).

The following tests may also be used:

·         Mental status evaluation, to test memory and attention span. It can also reveal difficulties in problem-solving, social, and language skills.

·         Genetic test, using a blood test for the APOE-e4 gene. The presence of the gene in the blood may suggest Alzheimer's, but it does not always make an accurate diagnosis.

·         Imaging tests such as CT, MRI, or PET scans.

In the early stages of dementia, brain scans may be normal. In later stages, an MRI may show a decrease in the size of certain brain areas. While the scans do not confirm the diagnosis of Alzheimer's, they rule other causes of dementia such as stroke and tumor.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's. The most promising treatments include lifestyle changes and medications.

Lifestyle

Research indicates that the following lifestyle changes may help improve behavior in people with Alzheimer's disease:

·         A regular walk with a caregiver or trusted companion may improve communication skills and lessen the chance of wandering.

·         Bright light therapy may reduce insomnia and wandering.

·         Calming music may reduce wandering and restlessness, boost brain chemicals, and improve behavior.

·         Pets can increase appropriate social behaviors.

·         Relaxation training and other exercises that require focused attention can improve social interaction and the ability to perform tasks.

The Safe Return Program, implemented by the Alzheimer's Association, encourages identification bracelets, wallet cards, and clothing labels for patients with Alzheimer's. Information is stored in a national database and distributed to authorities when a person is reported missing.

Massage and Physical Therapy

People with Alzheimer's disease become frustrated and anxious because they cannot communicate well with language. Using touch, or massage, as a form of nonverbal communication has been shown to benefit those with Alzheimer's. In one study, people with Alzheimer's who received hand massages and were spoken to in a calming manner had a reduction in pulse rate and in inappropriate behavior. Health care professionals speculate that massage may be good for people with Alzheimer's not only because it is relaxing, but because it provides a form of social interaction.

Mind-Body Medicine

Music Therapy

IPLinPNT-Individual Physical Loading in Post Natal Traumas.
IPLinPNT method was developed on the grounds of a neurological diagnostic center Forecast (Прогноз) in St. Petersburg, Russia. As its foundation were used theoretical methods of evolutionary neurology and rehabilitation principles combating evolutionary delay using individually designed physical exercise loading. Patient examination and analysis systems were built upon the principles of diagnostics and analysis of postnatal traumas developed by a legendary Russian Doctor, Scientist and Professor Alexander Ratner (1934-1994). IPLinPNT method was tested on different forms of pediatric cerebral palsy at two special education schools and gave significant results including considerable lowering of tremor, lowering of spasticity, improvement in verticalization, development of a step, just to mention a few. The method was also used with simpler neurological dysfunctions like ADD and ADHD this time backed by laboratory diagnostics with the use of Doppler ultrasound showing improved blood flow in the brain and neck and electroencephalography showing synchronization of rhythms. The results were not only statistically significant but in many cases had higher efficiency than any other existing rehabilitation methods. The first, incomplete model of the IPLinPNT method is still being used by neurological diagnostic center Forecast (Прогноз) in St. Petersburg, Russia by a group of instructors trained by Alexey Sinitsyn himself. The final form of the method was used by Mr. Sinitsyn on the grounds of his company IPLifPNT in St. Petersburg, Russia with a close collaboration of a team of medical specialists and with the use of independent diagnostics before and after the use of IPLinPNT method. A talented neonatologist Olga Volkova and a team of professors of St. Petersburg Medical University conducted independent control of the patients and medication support. By the year of 2009 the number of patients undergone IPL rehabilitation was close to 2,000 people. From 2010 to the present day the system is going through the final comparative analysis with other internationally recognized rehabilitation systems on the grounds of a few sites in New York City, including Individual Physical Loading, Inc. studio.

Cerebral Palsy Symptoms

The signs of cerebral palsy are usually not noticeable in early infancy but become more obvious as the child’s nervous system matures. Early signs include the following:

·         Delayed milestones such as controlling head, rolling over, reaching with one hand, sitting without support, crawling, or walking

·         Persistence of “infantile” or “primitive” reflexes, which normally disappear 3-6 months after birth

·         Developing handedness before age 18 months: This indicates weakness or abnormal muscle tone on one side, which may be an early sign of CP.

Problems and disabilities related to CP range from very mild to very severe. Their severity is related to the severity of the brain damage. They may be very subtle, noticeable only to medical professionals, or may be obvious to the parents and other caregivers.

·         Abnormal muscle tone: Muscles may be very stiff (spastic) or unusually relaxed and “floppy.” Limbs may be held in unusual or awkward positions. For example, spasticleg muscles may cause legs to cross in a scissor-like position.

·         Abnormal movements: Movements may be unusually jerky or abrupt, or slow and writhing. They may appear uncontrolled or without purpose.

·         Skeletal deformities: People who have cerebral palsy on only one side may have shortened limbs on the affected side. If not corrected by surgery or a device, this can lead to tilting of the pelvic bones and scoliosis (curvature of the spine).

·         Joint contractures: People with spastic cerebral palsy may develop severe stiffening of the joints because of unequal pressures on the joints exerted by muscles of differing tone or strength.

·         Mental retardation: Some, although not all, children with cerebral palsy are affected by mental retardation. Generally, the more severe the retardation, the more severe the disability overall.

·         Seizures: About one third of people with cerebral palsy have seizures. Seizures may appear early in life or years after the brain damage that causes cerebral palsy. The physical signs of a seizure may be partly masked by the abnormal movements of a person with cerebral palsy.

·         Speech problems: Speech is partly controlled by movements of muscles of the tongue, mouth, and throat. Some individuals with cerebral palsy are unable to control these muscles and thus cannot speak normally.

·         Swallowing problems: Swallowing is a very complex function that requires precise interaction of many groups of muscles. People with cerebral palsy who are unable to control these muscles will have problems sucking, eating, drinking, and controlling their saliva. They may drool. An even greater risk isaspiration, the inhalation into the lungs of food or fluids from the mouth ornose. This can cause infection or even suffocation.

·         Hearing loss: Partial hearing loss is not unusual in people with cerebral palsy. The child may not respond to sounds or may have delayed speech.

·         Vision problems: Three quarters of people with cerebral palsy havestrabismus, which is the turning in or out of one eye. This is due to weakness of the muscles that control eye movement. These people are often nearsighted. If not corrected, strabismus can lead to more severe vision problems over time.

·         Dental problems: People with cerebral palsy tend to have more cavities than usual. This results from both defects in tooth enamel and difficulties brushing the teeth.

·         Bowel and/or bladder control problems: These are caused by lack of muscle control.

 Physical  Therapy

Physical therapy is one of the most important aspects of cerebral palsy therapy. The referral to the physical therapist is often the first referral made in a cerebral palsied child’s treatment and is usually started soon after a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made. Physical therapy consists of activities and education to improve flexibility, strength, mobility, and function. A physical therapist also designs, modifies, and orders adaptive equipment. Physical therapy may be carried out in clinics, hospitals, and schools -- and through a home exercise program. Physical therapy will not be successful without an ongoing daily home program.

Aquatic-based rehabilitation uses the physical properties of water to resist or assist in the performance of exercises. Cerebral palsy patients experience muscle shortening in most of their involved extremities and it becomes a difficult task to lengthen the affected musculature with regular stretching while having to deal with the affects that gravity has on the spastic arm or leg. In the past, there was clinical prejudice against strengthening activities for this population. However, recent research findings are revealing that children with cerebral palsy can benefit from strengthening programs and that strength is directly related to motor function. Some of the documented benefits are optimization of neuromuscular responses, improved motor unit contraction synchrony and facilitation of maximal muscle contraction along a joint's available range of motion.

Physical therapy for cerebral palsy patients does not cure spasticity but can improve impairments and limitations. Physical therapy for cerebral palsy patients is an important step towards an independent lifestyle. If these changes happen only in the therapy gym, the disability remains unchanged. Therapy must improve abilities to perform meaningful tasks in everyday life. Changing the level of disability is the ultimate goal of physical therapy for cerebral palsy