HONOLULU (KHON2) — April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to highlight the effects this disease can have on people and those around them.
Parkinson’s is a common brain disorder that can cause tremors and shaking.
“It can affect your mobility, it can make you move slower, affect your balance and cause stiffness. It can also sometimes affect your speech,” said Dr. Michiko Bruno, Medical Director of the Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center at The Queen’s Medical Center.
Seven thousand people in Hawaii are affected by Parkinson’s Disease.
Awareness and early diagnosis are key.
“At Queen’s, we’ve just started advanced focused ultrasound treatment that can pinpoint and treat the tremor, as well as pump treatment to supplement the dopamine, deep brain stimulation surgery to put implants in the brain, so we have many exciting new treatments,” said Dr. Bruno.
Amazing strides are being made today, and so many options exist.
“Queen’s is conducting research to understand the interplay of genetics and environmental factors, especially here locally, to try to really get to the bottom of the problem,” Dr. Bruno said.
If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, you don’t have to go it alone.
“We want to build a support system, ohana, stay active. We have many pilot programs, such as hula and boxing, across the island. Try to keep active as well as having a good diet, all the things that help brain health in general,” according to Dr. Bruno.
If you are experiencing internal shaking or changes in your handwriting or dexterity, see your doctor.
The Hawaii Parkinson’s Association is holding a symposium on how to cope and live with Parkinson’s — on Saturday, April 26 at Aloha Tower Marketplace from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It is open to the public and free of charge.
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To learn more about the services provided by the Queen’s Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center, visit their website at www.queens.org or call them at (808) 691-8866.