Noni's Senior Living Placement

Independence is not lost - it is found! when living in a community that meets your care needs!

This is a great description of Parkinson’s Disease, the symptoms and treatments.

Case Study 192: Parkinson’s Disease What is it? Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It results from the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra. Dopamine is critical for smooth, coordinated muscle movements. Key Symptoms (Motor) • Tremor (often at rest, described as “pill-rolling”) • Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) • Rigidity (stiffness of the limbs/trunk) • Postural instability (impaired balance, frequent falls) Non-Motor Symptoms (often overlooked but equally important) • Sleep disturbances • Depression and anxiety • Constipation • Loss of smell (anosmia) • Cognitive changes (later stages may involve dementia) Diagnosis There’s no single test - diagnosis is clinical, based on symptoms and exam findings. Imaging like DaTscan may support diagnosis but isn’t always necessary. Treatment Options • Levodopa-carbidopa: the gold standard medication, replenishing dopamine. • Dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, COMT inhibitors: additional medication classes. • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): a surgical treatment for advanced cases, targeting brain circuits to reduce motor symptoms. Living with Parkinson’s Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and lifestyle modifications are crucial. Exercise and multidisciplinary care can significantly improve quality of life. Teaching Point Parkinson’s is more than tremor - it’s a complex disorder with motor and non-motor symptoms. Awareness and comprehensive care are essential to support patients at every stage of the journey. #CaseStudy192 #ParkinsonsDisease #Neurosurgery #Neurology #MovementDisorders #Neuroscience #MedicalEducation #DBS #ParkinsonsAwareness #LadySpineDoc #SundayCaseStudy

I was honored to talk to people about Noni’s today at the Music That Connects event at the San Diego LGBTQ Center. The big bonus is hearing the beautiful harmonious melodies of In A Chord Men’s Ensemble (www.inachord.org).

The Life of a Showgirl (Silverado’s version) ✨ #memorycare #assistedliving #dementiacare #eldercare #seniorcare #aging #purposefulliving #dementia #alzheimers #trend #taylorswift

Wisdom from a 102 year old grandmother.

Take what lands and leave what doesn’t ✨

Mindset of a caregiver.

i reflect on my caregiving journey almost every day and this clip put into words everything i’ve been feeling since my grandma passed last year. i had so much love for her and now, even more gratitude for my mom. helping my grandma through her final chapter was the LEAST i could do. my grandma used to tell me every single day, “please don’t leave me.” at some point, i got numb to it. but now looking back, i understand how sacred that ask was and how scary it must be to get old and not know who will be there for you. this was a conversation between @jasonreynolds83 & @rachelnpr on NPR’s Wild Card. I highly encourage you to watch the full episode.

Why won’t mom do anything?

If someone you love with dementia seems “lazy” or uninterested in activities, it’s not because they don’t care. It’s because their brain is changing. Many people with dementia struggle with initiation, sequencing, and motivation, which are three key functions that make starting and completing tasks difficult. In this video, I share how to overcome these challenges by adjusting how you invite and guide them into activities. With the right approach, participation and purpose are possible. #dementiaactivities #dementiacare #caregivertips #dementiaeducation #alzheimerscare #caregivingcommunity #caregiverlife #dementiaawareness #engagementindementia #memorycare #occupationaltherapy #speechpathology #dementiacaregiver #caregiverresources #agingwell #activitiesfordementia #dementiasupport #apathyindementia #caregiveradvice

Is dementia a mental illness? No - here is why.

🧠 Is dementia a mental illness? It’s a common question—and an important one. Dementia is not a mental illness. It’s a neurological condition caused by physical changes in the brain. That means it’s different from psychiatric conditions like depression or anxiety—though they can sometimes coexist. Confusing the two can delay diagnosis, lead to inappropriate treatment, and increase stigma for both individuals with dementia and those living with mental health conditions. Understanding what dementia really is helps us respond with more compassion, support, and accurate care. #Dementia #DementiaAwareness #NeurologicalDisorder #MentalHealthEducation #Alzheimers #FrontotemporalDementia #LewyBodyDementia #VascularDementia #CaregiverSupport #DementiaEducation #BrainHealth #CognitiveDecline #SLP #Neurodiversity #UnderstandingDementia #DementiaSupport