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STROKES
Due to a disturbance of the blood supply to the brain either by a blood clot or a bleed. May cause paralysis down one side of the body and could involve loss of speech if the left side of the brain is affected, (right sided stroke).
HEART ATTACK
Usually caused by a blood clot blocking the coronary artery and causing death of part of the heart muscle.
OSTEO-ARTHRITIS
Changes in joints due to swelling and being misshapen. The cartilage often wears away so that the bones in the joint grind together and the ligaments are lax and so the joints are unstable. It is an exaggeration of ageing in the joints and weight bearing areas are affected, hips, knees, and other joints such as shoulders elbows and wrists. It is a very painful, crippling disease.
PARKINSONS DISEASE
Parkinsons Disease is a slowly progressive condition in which chemical messengers from the brain which control movement are gradually lost. As a result, walking, talking, dressing, writing and leisure activities can be affected.
Parkinsons Disease affects approximately one person in a thousand, both men and women and all social and ethnic groups. It is more likely to be found in those aged over 65 but some people of 40 and younger can develop it.
The condition can be difficult to diagnose and manage and it is important that a GP refers the patient to a consultant for confirmation and advice on the best treatments.
THE SYMPTOMS
Muscle stiffness
Starting and carrying out movements
Slowness
Shaking
Symptoms vary from person to person and even from day to day. Some movements and activities may be easy while on other occasions even a simple task will require intense concentration. For some the symptoms can cause other difficulties like constipation or depression.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of Parkinsons Disease is made by clinical observation. The doctor will make a thorough examination and ask detailed questions about the patients medical history and establish the difficulties and changes experienced. Special tests such as X-rays and brain scans may be used to rule out other conditions which may have similar symptoms.
TREATMENT
There is no cure at present for Parkinsons Disease but a lot of research is being carried out to find a cure and to develop new treatments. In the meantime there are a number of drugs available to help control symptoms.
As everyone has differing symptoms, they will often be given different drugs which are tailored to their needs. The medicines will need to be taken at the correct time and dosage, and regular assessments by the Doctor are required to make sure they are working.
Physical therapies such as Speech and Language Therapy and Occupational Therapy can also be beneficial.
CONFUSIONAL STATES
May be due to Toxic confusional state or Dementia or even a combination of both. There is a need to distinguish between the two states. Toxic Confusional state is treatable whilst Dementia is often irreversible and more of a management problem.
There is a tendency to equate confusion with Dementia and they are not the same things.
. TOXIC CONFUSIONAL STATES
Short history.
Sudden onset of mental change.
May show fluctuation of mental state, (sometimes lucid, sometimes not)
May be restless, aggressive, sleepy, have hallucinations.
Changes in environment and constipation may cause temporary confusion but usually only in people who are already suffering from stress.
MOST COMMON CAUSES
Infections, drugs, heart failure, metabolic disturbances i.e. diabetes, changes of environment, constipation, bereavement
TREATMENT OF TOXIC CONFUSIONAL STATES
Dependant upon treating underlying cause and most cases can be managed at home. Treatment will need sympathy, patience and support from carers.
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