Parkinsons Disease
Level:
CPD
Duration:
3 hrs
Course code:
TD/2025/09060
Max group:
12
Learn about Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, management, and support strategies for care
Course Summary
Parkinsons Disease
The Parkinson's Disease course provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive understanding of Parkinson’s disease (PD), from its early signs and symptoms to advanced disease management strategies. This course explores the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s, the role of medication, and non-pharmacological therapies that support both patients and caregivers. Through practical case studies, participants will learn how to enhance patient care by identifying key symptoms, managing complications, and improving quality of life. Designed for nurses, therapists, care providers, and healthcare assistants, this course aims to equip participants with the skills to provide personalized care plans, support treatment adherence, and address the physical, psychological, and social aspects of Parkinson's disease. Key Learning Objectives: Understand Parkinson’s Disease: Define Parkinson’s disease and its pathophysiology, including the role of dopamine deficiency. Recognize the stages of Parkinson’s disease, from early symptoms to advanced stages. Understand the neurological, motor, and non-motor symptoms of PD, including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and cognitive changes. Diagnosis and Early Signs: Learn the diagnostic process for Parkinson’s disease, including neurological examinations, imaging, and assessment tools. Identify early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s, including subtle motor changes, non-motor symptoms like depression and sleep disturbances, and cognitive decline. Pharmacological Management: Understand the role of medications in managing Parkinson’s disease, including dopamine replacement therapy (levodopa), dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors. Explore the benefits, side effects, and considerations for medication management in PD patients. Learn about advanced treatment options like deep brain stimulation (DBS) and their role in managing motor symptoms. Non-Pharmacological Interventions: Discuss the role of physical, occupational, and speech therapy in PD management. Explore the benefits of exercise, diet, and lifestyle modifications for improving movement, flexibility, and quality of life. Learn about cognitive and behavioral therapies for addressing non-motor symptoms like depression and anxiety. Managing Complications and Co-morbidities: Understand common complications of Parkinson’s disease, such as dysphagia, falls, autonomic dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. Learn how to manage and prevent complications in PD patients, including strategies for fall prevention, managing medications, and enhancing communication. Psychosocial Support and Caregiver Strategies: Recognize the emotional and psychological impact of Parkinson’s disease on patients and their families. Learn how to provide effective support for caregivers, including managing stress and enhancing coping mechanisms. Understand the importance of a multidisciplinary care approach and collaborating with social services, family members, and support groups. Palliative Care and End-of-Life Considerations: Discuss the role of palliative care in advanced Parkinson’s disease, focusing on symptom management and quality of life. Understand end-of-life issues for PD patients, including communication strategies for sensitive topics and making decisions around treatment goals. Patient Education and Support: Learn how to educate patients and their families about Parkinson’s disease, including treatment options, symptom management, and lifestyle adjustments. Understand the role of support groups and community resources in enhancing the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. Case Studies and Practical Application: Review real-life case studies to apply learning and develop personalized care plans for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Participate in group discussions on effective care strategies, addressing challenges, and collaborating with the healthcare team. Review and Final Assessment: Recap key topics covered during the course, including motor and non-motor symptoms, treatments, and care strategies. Complete a final assessment, including both a knowledge quiz and a practical scenario-based evaluation to ensure competency in PD management.
Course Contents
Introduction to Parkinson’s Disease
Overview of Parkinson’s Disease (PD)
Definition and prevalence of Parkinson’s disease
Pathophysiology of PD: dopamine deficiency and its impact on the brain
Historical background and development of understanding PD
Key Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Motor symptoms: tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability
Non-motor symptoms: cognitive decline, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, autonomic dysfunction
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease Early, middle, and advanced stages of PD
The progression of motor and non-motor symptoms over time
Diagnosis and Early Recognition
Diagnostic Process and Tools
Neurological assessment and clinical signs Imaging techniques: MRI, PET scans, and SPECT scans
Differential diagnosis: distinguishing PD from other neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., essential tremor, multiple system atrophy)
Early Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing early motor symptoms (e.g., resting tremor, slight changes in gait)
Identifying non-motor symptoms early (e.g., anosmia, sleep disturbances, depression)
Diagnostic Criteria for Parkinson’s Disease
The UK Parkinson's Disease Society
Brain Bank Criteria
Use of scales such as the Hoehn and Yahr Scale and the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)
Pharmacological Management of Parkinson’s Disease
Medications for PD Levodopa and Carbidopa: Mechanism, dosages, and side effects Dopamine Agonists: Types, uses, and adverse effects MAO-B Inhibitors: Role in symptom control and side effects COMT Inhibitors: Benefits in enhancing levodopa action
Anticholinergics and Amantadine: Uses and limitations
Managing Medication Side Effects Dyskinesia, motor fluctuations (on/off phenomena), and impulse control disorders Strategies to minimize and manage side effects of long-term medication use
Advanced Pharmacological Treatments
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Indications, benefits, and considerations
Apomorphine and other infusion therapies
Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Physical Therapy and Exercise
The role of physical therapy in improving mobility, balance, and flexibility
Exercise recommendations: types, intensity, and frequency of exercise to slow disease progression
Strengthening, posture correction, and fall prevention strategies
Speech and Swallowing Therapy Managing speech difficulties: voice therapy and communication strategies
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia): techniques for safe swallowing and reducing aspiration risk
Occupational Therapy Strategies for maintaining daily activities and independence
Adaptive tools and modifications for home and work environments
Cognitive and motor skill enhancement techniques
Managing Complications and Co-morbidities
Common Complications of Parkinson’s Disease Freezing of gait, falls, and posture instability
Cognitive decline: dementia, Parkinson's disease psychosis, hallucinations
Autonomic dysfunction: orthostatic hypotension, urinary issues, sweating abnormalities
Psychiatric and Psychological Symptoms
Managing depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in PD Treatment options: pharmacological and non-pharmacological
Nutritional Support and Weight Management Addressing swallowing difficulties, nutrition intake, and maintaining weight
Dietary adjustments for managing constipation and ensuring adequate nutrition
Pain and Sleep Issues
Managing musculoskeletal pain and discomfort Strategies for improving sleep hygiene and managing PD-related sleep disorders
Psychosocial Aspects of Parkinson’s Disease
Psychological Impact on Patients and Caregivers
Mental health concerns for patients: coping with a chronic illness, depression, and anxiety
The role of caregivers and their mental health: stress, burnout, and support needs
Building Support Networks
The importance of support groups for patients and caregivers
Connecting patients with community resources and services
Educating families on disease progression, coping strategies, and emotional support
Caregiver Education and Self-care Providing caregivers with skills to handle day-to-day challenges Encouraging self-care for caregivers and preventing burnout
Advanced Disease Management and Palliative Care Palliative Care in Parkinson’s Disease
The role of palliative care: managing symptoms, pain relief, and improving quality of life
End-of-life issues: communication, decision-making, and ethical considerations
End-of-Life Care and Ethical Issues
Advance care planning and discussing treatment goals with patients and families
Addressing issues related to feeding tubes, ventilation, and other interventions Legal and ethical considerations around autonomy, decision-making, and the right to refuse treatment
Patient Education and Empowerment Education Strategies for Parkinson’s Disease Patients
Delivering clear and accurate information to patients about the disease and treatment options
Discussing potential lifestyle modifications and self-management techniques
Self-Management and Empowerment Encouraging self-monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence
Tools for tracking progression: symptom diaries, wearable devices, and apps
Building Resilience in Patients and Caregivers
Strategies for enhancing emotional resilience and coping skills
Engaging patients in their own care plan and empowering them to take an active role
Case Studies and Practical Application Case Study Reviews
Real-world scenarios: applying knowledge to clinical cases of Parkinson’s disease
Assessment
The instructor conducts a single written assessments at the end of the course. Upon successful completion, learners will receive a three-year Level 3 Award in Principles of Safeguarding and Protecting Children, Young People or Vulnerable Adults (Level 6 in Scotland). No external assessors are required for this qualification.
Duration
The course requires a minimum of 7 hours, distributed over the day. While it is ideal to complete the course in one day, we can adjust the schedule to suit your specific needs, as long as the course is completed within 3 weeks of starting and each training session lasts at least two hours.
Certification Validity
This qualification has no formal expiry, however regular CPD and updates are recommended.
Further Information - Course Numbers
A maximum of 12 students can be accommodated on this course and all candidates must be a minimum of 18 years of age to qualify.
Assessment method: Activities, test paper.
Pre-requisite: None
Suggested progression:
recommended refresher training and CPD;