Promoting Well-Being for Those Living with Parkinson’s: A Holistic Approach at Gemelli Hospital
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder affecting millions worldwide. This complex condition presents unique challenges, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to address not only motor symptoms but also the various ways it impacts quality of life. Gemelli Hospital in Rome, Italy, stands at the forefront of Parkinson’s care, spearheading innovative therapies and research while providing patient-centered support at every stage of the disease.
### Understanding the Spectrum
Parkinson’s typically arises in adults and involves three hallmark symptoms: bradykinesia (slowness and difficulty initiating movement), tremor (often present at rest), and muscle rigidity. Because Parkinson’s disease encompasses a variety of forms and presentations, taking the time to clearly communicate with each patient is fundamental. Specialist doctors caution against relying solely on online sources for information as the wide range of experiences can be overwhelming.
Neurologists at Gemelli emphasize that treating Parkinson’s goes beyond pharmaceuticals. While medications like levodopa help manage nerve signal transmission, restoring movement requires active participation through tailored exercise programs.
### A Multifaced Approach to Rehabilitative Care
The Parkinson’s team at Gemelli champions a comprehensive, individualized rehabilitation program, recognizing that movement intricacies are interconnected. Physiotherapists play a critical role, guiding patients through exercises tailored to their age, functional abilities, and stage of the disease.
These programs often take a group approach, creating a sense of community and support.
“Social interaction is vital for people with Parkinson’s,” explains Dr. Diego Ricciardi, a physiotherapist dedicated to Parkinson’s patients at Gemelli. “It not only combats feelings of isolation, but physical activity in a group setting keeps patients motivated and engaged.”
Occupational therapy and speech therapy are equally essential. Occupational therapists empower individuals to regain independence by finding strategies to overcome daily challenges, be it dressing or engaging in hobbies.
Speech therapists address the communication struggles that often accompany Parkinson’s, addressing issues like dysphonia (difficulty with voice quality) and dysarthria (speech clarity).
### Bridging the Gap with Specialized Care
Despite best efforts, a shortage of healthcare professionals trained specifically for Parkinson’s continues to pose challenges within the wider medical community. Recognizing this pressing need, Gemelli is participating in the innovative “Action PD” project, a collaborative effort across Europe to address this gap.
This initiative aims to train 50 physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists in specialized Parkinson’s care by 2025. The project’s partners, including Parkinson Net in the Netherlands, aim to disseminate their expertise, promoting best practices and ensuring high standards of care for all those affected by Parkinson’s.
### The Role of Physical Activity
Beyond traditional therapy, research consistently points to the benefits of high-intensity exercise for individuals with Parkinson’s. Gemelli is at the forefront of this understanding, pioneering a new project in collaboration with its Sports Medicine department.
Under the careful guidance of a dedicated team, patients will undergo structured high-intensity workouts tailored to their unique condition. Dr. Gloria Modica, a sports medicine doctor leading the project, sees immense potential for positive outcomes.
“Not only can high-intensity exercise significantly improve motor function, but it also promotes the release of neuroprotective factors in the brain, potentially slowing disease progression and enhancing overall well-being,” explains Dr. Modica.
Through ongoing research and a dedication to personalized care, Gemelli Hospital is a leader in Parkinson’s treatment and provides hope for individuals seeking support and
What are the key components of the multidisciplinary care team at Gemelli Hospital and how do they collaborate to provide a holistic approach to Parkinson’s patients?
## A Holistic Approach to Parkinson’s Care at Gemelli Hospital
**Interviewer:** Welcome to our program today. We’re discussing cutting-edge Parkinson’s disease care, and I’m joined by Dr. Diego Ricciardi, a physiotherapist specializing in Parkinson’s patients at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. Dr. Ricciardi, thank you for joining us.
**Dr. Ricciardi:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** Gemelli Hospital is renowned for its innovative approach to Parkinson’s care. Can you tell us about this holistic approach and its benefits for patients?
**Dr. Ricciardi:** At Gemelli, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the disease. Parkinson’s impacts not only movement but also speech, daily activities, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Our multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists, all working together to tailor a personalized care plan for each patient.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a personalized approach – can you elaborate on what that entails?
**Dr. Ricciardi:** Absolutely. Every individual’s experience with Parkinson’s is unique. We consider factors like age, stage of the disease, functional abilities, and personal goals when designing their rehabilitation program. For example, a younger patient might be focused on maintaining their independence and staying active, while an older patient might prioritize fall prevention and managing daily tasks.
**Interviewer:** Physiotherapy plays a vital role in Parkinson’s care. What are some of the key benefits you see in your patients?
**Dr. Ricciardi:**
Physiotherapy is crucial for maintaining mobility, strength, balance, and flexibility. We guide patients through exercises specifically designed to address their individual needs.
Our group therapy sessions offer not only physical benefits but also significant social and emotional support. Interacting with others who understand their challenges fosters a sense of community and motivates them to stay active. [[1](https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1915872)]
**Interviewer:** It sounds like the team at Gemelli is truly dedicated to empowering patients to live fulfilling lives despite the challenges of Parkinson’s.
**Dr. Ricciardi:** That’s our goal. We want to empower our patients to manage their condition, maintain their independence, and improve their overall quality of life.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much, Dr. Ricciardi, for shedding light on the remarkable work being done at Gemelli Hospital.