2017 AMDA Conference

If a picture is worth 1,000 words and video shoots at 30 frames per second, every second of video is worth 30,000 words and a whole minute of video could be worth 1.8 million words. Regardless of the metrics, videos are an excellent tool for showing some of the many highly variable presentations of common issues associated with Parkinson's, especially motor manifestations such as tremor, bradykinesia and freezing of gait. During this session, the presenters will make extensive use of video to highlight presentations of common phenomena associated with Parkinson's over the course of the disease. When available, videos will demonstrate similar phenomena at early and later stages to help illuminate how common symptoms such as tremor and gait deficits change over time. Additional video will demonstrate possible compensatory approaches for difficult to treat issues such as freezing of gait and swallowing issues as well as the significant gains that can be achieved by the simple speech and physical therapy approaches to many issues. All topics, however, will be accompanied by a discussion of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment approaches.

Learning Objectives:
(1) Recognize key components of primary motor symptoms of Parkinson's, tremor, rigidity, akinesia/bradykinesia and postural instability.
(2) Highlight potential complications of dopaminergic therapy, including dyskinesias, motor fluctuations and off-period symptomatology.
(3) Implement strategies to address freezing of gait.
(4) Identify manifestations of voice and swallowing issues associated with Parkinson's and possible treatment approaches.