New research from the University of Kent indicates that Parkinson’s symptoms can be alleviated through gentle stimulation of the ear canal.
This statement comes after a controlled study where those with Parkinson’s received gentle ear canal stimulation twice daily for two months. At the end of that time, it was observed that those who suffered from the disease had fewer symptoms, marked by an improvement in both motor and non-motor functioning. Those who took part in the study indicated that they felt like they had better movement, better ability to pay attention, received better sleep, and found it easier to perform everyday tasks.
Further, participants were still reporting improved functioning as late as five weeks after the therapy had ended, indicating that this new type of therapy might have long lasting positive results.
Although it seems to be effective, this therapy is still in the early stages and is not widely available. The stimulation can be administered at home through the use of a specially designed headset. It is regarded as easy to use, but is quite expensive because of its uniqueness.
The researchers were quick to point out that medication alone is not the best way to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s. There are other types of therapy (in addition to this one) that have a positive impact when it comes to controlling symptoms. Taking a more holistic approach to treatment seems to have better results.
Please know that this is not a cure for Parkinson’s disease. It is merely a way to help manage symptoms, and an experimental one at that. There is still a lot of work that needs to be done in the field of Parkinson’s research, although this new advancement is definitely a step forward. Scientists are constantly learning more and more about Parkinson’s and other diseases with the hopes that it will help make life better for those that suffer from these diseases.
On our front, we are hoping to help make life better for seniors in our own way. In-home care is a valuable service designed to help keep seniors comfortable in their own home for as long as possible. While other types of care relocate the elderly person in need, in-home care is focused on helping your loved one to stay where they want. Much of the time, this is the best choice because it is a familiar, safe, and loving setting. But in-home care isn’t right for everyone. Like there are different diseases and disabilities out there, there are different needs that each senior faces. In-home care cannot adequately account for all of those.
We’re here to help. If you’re in the Bay Area and want to know more about in-home care and how it might help your family, reach out to us. Our trained caregivers would love to walk you through what we do. Each of our caregivers is professionally trained and has experience working with those with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and other diseases that impact the senior population. For more information, please give us a call today to schedule a free consultation and get started in helping your elderly loved one live a better life.
Leave a Reply