27forParkinsons: Day 5 This challenge has given me more insight into Parkinson's and Lewy Body Disease and I've had family and friends thank me for enlightening them on the ravages of these illnesses ... Parkinson's Symptoms Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition, which is characterised by both motor (movement) and non-motor symptoms. The provisional medical diagnosis is based on symptoms because there is no definitive medical test or radiological procedure which diagnoses Parkinson's. The diagnostic criteria is composted of four cardinal symptoms which are: Tremor Bradykinesia Muscle rigidity Postural instability TREMOR Although tremor is the most commonly recognised symptom, it is not present in all cases of Parkinson's (30% of those with the condition will not experience tremor) and tremor is common in other conditions. Tremor is related to an imbalance of neurotransmitters, dopamine, and acetylcholine, for this reason, tremor may be the least responsive symptom to dopamine replacement therapy. The classic Parkinson's tremor, if present, is described as a 'resting' tremor in that it is present when the rest of the affected limb is at rest. The tremor is regular and rhythmic and occurs at the rate of 4-6 times per second. Initially, tremor may be unilateral. However, with the natural progression of the condition it can be experienced on the other side. A classic tremor presentation of Parkinson's involves the thumb and first finger and is referred to as 'pill rolling' Tremor may be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, fatigue, and lack of sleep. It diminishes with voluntary action and is absent during sleep. Cognitive testing and motor tasks in a different body part increase the resting tremor. Unlike Essential Tremor the resting tremor of Parkinson's is less likely to be increased by caffeine or improved with alcohol. Bill developed a tremor of his right hand around 2019 and in recent months it had been getting worse ... as he'd say 'eating peas ain't easy anymore'. It was only in the last couple of weeks before he went into care that I noticed the 'pill rolling' about the same time appeared to need a 'security blanket/item' - he couldn't sit on the couch watching TV without playing with or holding the remote, his last weeks in care his Carlton rug (made by our beautiful friend Jan) became his security blanket. The past two days have been easy for communication and contact - today I spent time with my 'Tuesday' friends at the hydro pool before afternoon tea with Lindie. Lindie and I went to the recently opened The Gippy Nook, really enjoyed the coffee, (I think we were told it was Southern Addictions from Yarragon) and gourmet donuts, I opted for the Black Forest and Lindie Golden Gaytime - rather large and messy to eat (maybe a serviette and teaspoon would make the presentation nicer and easier for customers to eat). Over this 'wintery blast' of Spring weather - looking forward to some longer warmer days. https://www.27forparkinsons.org.au/fundraisers/valsellings