If you are taking Mirapex and experiencing symptoms of heart failure, see you doctor immediately. Symptoms of heart failure can include shortness of breath, swelling of the legs or arms or abdomen, fatigue, problems sleeping, decreased ability to do physical activities, increased urination, nighttime cough, heart palpitations or chest pain.  

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• Our team of experts is growing. Read more about our physical therapist, Dr. Meredith Roberts below. 
• New secure patient portal is now live streamlining the registration process for patients. Learn more at www.centerformovement.org
• Tai Chi starts next week! Classes every Tuesday 4:30-5:30 pm and sponsored by the Parkinson's Association of the Rockies, register online at www.parkinsonrockies.org
• New Tremor Group established for the Denver and surrounding areas. Next meeting December 4th at 5:30pm. Find out more at  scheduled events.
• What is your balance score? Learn about the status of your balance at the Gait & Balance Intensive Workshop November 3rd. Lunch provided. Learn more about the workshop and faculty by visiting our website or call 303-781-0511.
• Deep brain stimulation open forum "Ask the Expert" on October 19 from 9:30 to 10:30 am, register by calling 303-781-0511 or email events@centerformovement.org. Everyone is welcome to attend and ask the medical team questions about DBS.     

Meredith Roberts, DPT, has experience in neurorehabilitation therapy since 2005 after earning a doctorate in Physical Therapy from The Sage Colleges, Troy NY. Her training and experience has focused on the treatment of individuals with neurological, orthopedic, post trauma, spinal cord injury, heart failure and other cardiothoracic medical conditions in a multidisciplinary setting at the National Rehabilitation Hospital at Washington Hospital Center in Washington DC. Meredith also has cardiac rehabilitation experience and is a Parkinson's wellness recovery clinician. PWR! clinicians have specialty training specifically designed to target Parkinson's disease's unique challenges. Meredith has also implemented training for fall risk screening programs, transfer techniques and wheelchair assessment. Meredith, Dr. Giroux and Sierra work as a team to formulate individualized treatment strategies using a comprehensive approach to facilitate the best outcomes in walking, balance, strength, endurance and physical performance for our patients. Alignment of the medical and rehabilitation therapies in a team environment provides the most optimal setting for patient centered care. 

Our team are offering a Gait and Balance Intensive Workshop on November 3rd from 9 am to 3 pm. This workshop is designed to improve balance, walking and posture. Participants will experience the benefits of music therapy, physical therapy, learn key exercises for balance and learn motivational techniques to stay on track. You will also learn the status of your balance and ways to monitor your balance at home. Medical evaluation for people with balance problems will be available in the Neurology clinic by appointment on Friday November 2nd. Read more about the faculty Sarah Thompson music therapist, Meredith Roberts physical therapist, Sierra Farris physician assistant and Dr. Monique Giroux. 

Deep Brain Stimulation Brief Overview: 

DBS is an appropriate treatment option for many individuals living with Parkinson's disease, tremor or dystonia. Knowing what to expect is extremely important when living with an implanted device.   

 

Symptoms expected to improve after DBS: 

• Tremor
• Stiffness
• Slowness
• Shuffling
• Dyskinesia
• More On time without dyskinesia
• Less Off time and more predictable medication response
• Less need for medications
• Dystonic spasms and posturing

A thorough evaluation should be performed prior to surgery so you and your family understand fully what to expect after surgery. It can take several months to reach the full benefit from DBS ranging from 6 to 12 months for optimal response. If problems persist with symptoms or stimulation side effects cannot be eliminated, an investigation into the cause should be initiated. Many times a poor response to DBS can be solved with appropriate programming of the device. Learn more about DBS on our website. 

 

Appointments for routine care, lead placement and troubleshooting poor outcomes are available at the clinic. Sierra works with Dr. Giroux and physical therapist Meredith Roberts to optimize the response to stimulation while eliminating bothersome stimulation side effects. Neurosurgeon Dr. Adam Hebb, an integral member of our DBS team, will be available for consultation, battery or hardware replacements in December. Learn more about Sierra's extensive experience with DBS by visiting our website.  

We look forward to serving our community.