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I have recently writen a booklet in which I have tried to relate what it is 'like' to have PD to the facts of having PD. The following is an extract from the section which deals with the subjective experience of bradykinesia. Slow movement (bradykinesia) Bradykinesia, or slow movement is an extremely invasive symptom of PD. It affects the PWP on many levels, both physically and socially. A glance at the list of symptoms reads like a 'who's who' of the body and the difficulties associated with each symptom are self evident. Body Language: What is not obvious is that the lack of facial expression, body movement, blinking, and spontaneity add up to a lack of body language. People in conversation with a PWP often form the opinion that the PWP is not interested in what they are saying. They are not getting those little encouraging nods, no smiles are forthcoming and the PWP could even be looking slightly away from them, making no apparent effort to make eye contact. It is hardly surprising that social contacts start to dry up. Even people who are aware of the problem have difficulty with it. Short of hanging a sign around our necks saying "I am listening-really", all we PWP's can do is make sure that people are aware of our difficulties and then periodically verbally reassure them that we are listening. Tiredness: Another source of friction associated with slow movement is the misconception that PWP move slowly because they are tired. This is not the case. Dr Parkinson called this disease the Shaking Palsy because the bradykinesia is a form of paralysis. Unfortunately no amount of encouragement or sleep will speed a PWP up. However the encouragement is very welcome if directed at helping to maintaining a positive mental attitude. ++++++++++++++++++++ Dennis Greene 47/10 [log in to unmask] ++++++++++++++++++++