attract the attention of patients and their families. “Of course, the tremors are the most easily recognizable symptoms,” added Trottier. “But not all patients will suffer. Besides, one of the first symptoms that occurs is the loss of the sense of smell.” Other symptoms include muscle tightness, slowness of movement, balance loss and muscle pain. Patients with Parkinson’s disease may also experience sleep disturbances, constipation and loss of memory. “It is important to specify that memory impairment experienced by patients with Parkinson disease are not the same as those with Alzheimer’s disease,” highlighted the coordinator. “This scares a lot of people, but in the case of Parkinson, memory usually comes back and there is no change in the individual’s personality.” It is important to know that all the symptoms will not apply to all patients, since Parkinson’s disease develops differently from one person to another. “This can be a challenge for medical teams to reveal the diagnosis of Parkinson patients,” said
Trottier. “It is not uncommon for patients to live with the disease for several years before we can truly identify it as such.” Although there exists no current treatment for Parkinson, experts continue to research the disease and are hoping to create some sort of treatment for patients. Moreover, for some patients in advanced stages of the disease, brain surgery is possible. “The operation has a success rate of 100 per cent since the selection criteria are very rigorous,” explained Trottier. “Patients that are in wheelchairs can drive their car again.” Advice for living with Parkinson daily Following the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help. According to Parkinson Canada, it is important to first learn about the disease from reliable sources and find a doctor you trust. Communication with family and relatives is therefore key. «It is important to maintain an active social life, to eat well and exercise regularly,” advised the coordinator. “Patients should also avoid stress as much as possible.”
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Certains élèves de l’École secondaire publique L’Héritage ont organisé une vente de garage le 23 mai dernier, lors de la journée de congé. L’événement avait pour but d’amasser des fonds pour leur voyage humanitaire au Costa Rica. En effet, les étudiants s’envoleront pour ce pays d’Amérique centrale en janvier 2017. — photo fournie
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The Journal Cornwall
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Wednesday, June 1, 2016
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