Neurodegenerative Diseases

Question 1

Neurodegenerative Disease

Answer 1

Progressive and chronic conditions resulting from damage to PNS, CNS, or both (ie. MS, PD, ALS, GBS, Huntington’s, Dementia)

Question 2

Akinesia

Answer 2

impairment of voluntary and spontaneous movement initiation resulting in freezing, especially during gait activities (Bruce)

Question 3

Bradykinesia

Answer 3

slowed motor movements (Gerri)

Question 4

Dysmetria

Answer 4

decreased coordination of movements

Question 5

Rigidity

Answer 5

Muscle stiffness that impairs movements

Question 6

Fasciculation

Answer 6

involuntary muscle contraction and relaxation; observed as muscle twitch

Question 7

Festinating Gait

Answer 7

small rapid steps resulting from a forward-tilted head and trunk posture

Question 8

Paresthesia

Answer 8

numbness and tingling because of sensory nerve changes

Question 9

Occupational Therapy Evaluation Process

Answer 9

1. Occupational Profile: to understand how client is affected by progression of disease and to understand priority of occupational performance
2. Assessment: standardized and non-standardized to analyze occupational performance (patterns/skills) related to desired occupational engagement

Question 10

Occupational Therapy Intervention Process

Answer 10

1. Teach cognitive compensatory strategy
2. Provide training in activity strategies and energy conservation
3. Help to delegate roles to family to balance independence with assistance from others during occupational performance
4. Provide environmental modifications and adaptive equipment training for home, work safety and performance
5. recommend exercise programs that are within the client’s limitations and that promote a balance of activity performance and rest periods