What do these three people have in common? They all have Parkinson’s disease and work day in and day out to cope with it.
What is Parkinson’s disease? Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease appear.
What are the symptoms? Tremor (shaking) Slowness of movement Rigidity (stiffness) Difficulty with balance Small, cramped handwriting Stiff facial expression Shuffling walk Muffled speech Depression
Who gets Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease affects both men and women in almost equal numbers. It shows no social, ethnic, economic or geographic boundaries. In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, joining the 1 million Americans who currently have Parkinson's disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 65, 15% of those diagnosed are under 50.
So what are some treatment options? Learning to pace yourself, prioritize goals, and make timely use of physical, occupational and speech therapies will enhance your physical, intellectual, and emotional well-being, and can make all the difference in how you enjoy life and maintain your independence. A superb way to do all of that is through animal assisted therapy.
One way to stay active and positive: dance or any activity that requires slow, controlled movements.
Introduce animal assisted therapy Animal-assisted therapy (AAT) is the addition of an animal in a treatment plan. Pets are a common calmer in many homes across the world. We take care of them and they take care of us. Medical practitioners, veterinarians, health care professionals and others in many different fields are using this unique human-animal bond for its potential therapeutic value. Many people have wonderful memories of pets, after living a whole life with an affectionate companion following you at your side. Many abilities to form healthy relationships could have stemmed from our experiences with pets. Pets may also teach children (or re-teach senior citizens) the responsibilities of daily life as well as compassion.
Armstrong, pre-accident
Armstrong – tell his story
Animals have been proven to aid patients suffering for loneliness and depression. They add a sense of safety and protection. Pets force us to slow down, step back, and enjoy the simplistic nature of life. Everyone is busy nowadays and this fast-paced blur rushes us strait into a nursing home. Having a pet to take care up and come home to every day keeps someone young.
Many times, domesticated animals who simply love to be around you reduce anxiety. With their juvenile attributes, they can relax the patient, allowing them to forget the stresses and frustrations from the day. A tight bond grows very quickly and never dissolves. This is true across the board – anyone can benefit from the love and companionship of a pet.
In elderly patients, work with therapy pets can increase mobility, lower blood pressure, reduce physical effects of stress, assist in the recollection of memories, and teach motor skills. More specifically, AAT can increase the brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine, which affect our attitudes and make us feel better. The most basic and common help that AAT offers is the improvement of motor skills, increased range of motion, balance, and mobility.
“ Animal-assisted therapy offers promise as a psychosocial intervention for people with dementia” (Filan). In these patients, who are already receiving hours upon hours of therapeutic treatment, AAT allows these processes to proceed more effectively and quickly.
Animal-assisted therapy can be used for anyone. Simply by having a pet by your side, you are implementing the tactics of AAT.
“ The psychology behind the human companion animal bond is based primarily on three fundamental principles: 1) all people need to love and be loved; 2) all people need to feel worthwhile; and 3) pets can fulfill these needs” (Ormerod).
Having a pet around can increase feelings of happiness, security, and self-worth. It has been shown that pets reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation on a daily basis and during separations or transitions. “Pets have a place in our intrinsic desire for close and caring affectionate bonds with others” (Paladino).
It is most beneficial when it is “delivered and/or directed by a health or human service provider working within the scope of his/her profession” (Janssen). Animal-assisted therapy improved people physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
Pets may also teach children (or re-teach senior citizens) the responsibilities of daily life as well as compassion.
They provide a connection to nature when one seems to be trapped in their own bodies or trapped indoors.
Taking care of a pet can help children develop social skills.
People of all ages can reap the benefits.
Developing positive feelings about pets can contribute to one’s self-esteem and self-confidence. Positive relationships with pets can aid in the development of trusting relationships with others.
Man’s best friend.
They can be safe recipients of secrets and private thoughts--children often talk to their pets, like they do their stuffed animals.
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AAT can simply provide a distraction in the middle of many long days spent at the hospital.
