CPD – What is Vascular Parkinson's?

Parkinsonism is a word used for different brain problems. Some people call it Parkinson's disease, or PD for short. However, others avoid using the word "disease" because it sounds too negative, like an infection. This condition happens when the brain can't make enough dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. Without enough dopamine, people might have trouble moving. One of these problems is called Vascular Parkinson's.

Vascular Parkinson's occurs when many small strokes happen in the brain. These strokes affect how the brain controls movement, making it hard to walk, write, or perform tasks that require motor skills. In fact, these symptoms are very similar to those of Parkinson's disease. It usually affects the lower body.

What is Vascular Parkinson’s?

Vascular Parkinson's (VP) is a condition in which blood can't flow properly to some parts of the brain. This way, it causes movement problems. It often happens because the blood vessels in the brain are damaged. For instance, high blood pressure or strokes can damage these blood vessels. When blood can't reach the brain, areas that control movement are affected. Consequently, people may experience tremors, stiffness, and other symptoms of Parkinsonism.

When the brain's blood vessels are damaged, they can't supply oxygen and nutrients to the brain cells, leading to death. This damage causes several problems related to the brain's function, including motor impairments. In vascular Parkinson's, mobility issues usually develop more slowly than in regular Parkinson's disease. However, these issues can still make daily life harder.

In addition to movement problems, Vascular Parkinson's can also cause memory loss, difficulty making decisions, and thinking problems. These symptoms can differ for each person but often worsen with time. Therefore, doctors usually try to improve blood flow and manage symptoms. Early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle changes can also help slow the disease down.

Differences between Vascular Parkinson’s and Parkinson’s disease

Vascular Parkinson's (VP) and Parkinson's disease (PD) seem alike, but they are not the same. In fact, they have different causes. VP mainly affects the lower body. It makes walking hard, causes shuffling steps, and creates balance issues. That's why it's called "lower body parkinsonism." Strokes cause VP by damaging brain areas that control lower body movement. Also, VP sometimes causes bladder problems and other neurological issues. These conditions depend on how bad the stroke is. At the same time, VP symptoms often appear suddenly. They can also come and go. Therefore, it's essential to find the cause.

In contrast, Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that affects the nervous system. It causes movement problems like shaking, stiffness, and balance issues. It happens because nerve cells in the brain break down. These cells are in the substantia nigra. They help make dopamine, which controls brain functions. As these nerve cells die, dopamine levels go down. It makes movement more challenging to maintain. Moreover, Parkinson's disease worsens slowly over many years. Its symptoms become more severe over time. As a result, these differences help doctors know which condition a person has to decide the best treatment.

Course Description

This course on Vascular Parkinson's helps you understand the condition and how it affects people. It explains the medical details, causes, and symptoms clearly. Additionally, you will learn how to identify and manage this illness. The training shows how lifestyle choices and treatments can impact the disease.

This programme is for healthcare workers, caregivers, and anyone curious about Vascular Parkinson's. After completing the course, you will earn a certificate. Furthermore, you will also have access to helpful learning materials. Most importantly, you'll learn to support people with this condition. Understanding the disease helps provide better care, improving the quality of life for those affected.

Learning Plan

This programme focuses on Vascular Parkinson's condition, including its causes, symptoms, and recovery methods. This information can prevent future risk factors due to this brain dysfunction. Participants will also learn how to diagnose the condition based on its type and the medications they consume. By completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Find the main symptoms of this brain disease.
• Learn the medical words connected to the condition.
• Tell the difference between Vascular Parkinson's and Parkinson's disease.
• Discover treatment options for managing this condition.
• Look at ways to prevent it and lower the risk.

Enrolment Criteria

If you want to deepen your knowledge about Vascular Parkinson's, you can join this course. It's open to everyone, no matter your education. Healthcare professionals, caregivers, and the public are all welcome. You don't need any past qualifications. It is designed to be easy for everyone to understand, making it perfect if you are aiming for development. 

Causes of Vascular Parkinson’s

Vascular Parkinson's can happen because of several causes that impair blood flow to the brain. High blood pressure, fatty buildup in arteries, blood clots, small strokes, and vascular lesions are all potential contributors to this condition. These problems hinder blood circulation, which in turn causes symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease. Here are the causes you will learn:

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is triggered by a condition when blood pushes too hard against artery walls. It puts pressure on the heart, blood vessels, and organs. It causes serious problems like heart disease and strokes. People with high blood pressure might feel tired or have headaches. They may also struggle to concentrate. 

Fatty buildup

Fatty buildup, or atherosclerosis, results from fat, cholesterol, and other substances clogging the arteries. This narrows the blood vessels, causing blood to flow more slowly and have trouble getting through. It can cause heart attacks or strokes. People who don't exercise much are more likely to get this condition. It can also make staying active harder, which lowers energy levels. 

Blood clots

A blood clot, or thrombosis, emerges when blood thickens and clumps together. This can block circulation in veins or arteries, resulting in swelling and pain. In severe cases, it may lead to conditions like deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. For employees, blood clots can limit movement and reduce work performance. This is especially true for people in active or physically demanding jobs. 

Small strokes

Small strokes, called transient ischaemic attacks (TIAs), arise when blood flow to the brain is blocked for a short time. TIAs cause temporary problems, but they increase the risk of a full stroke later. People with TIAs might struggle to speak, move, or remember things. Using blood thinners or changing habits can lower the chances of another stroke. It can also help prevent problems like Vascular Parkinson's disease.

Vascular lesions

Vascular lesions are problems with blood vessels. They often happen because of damage or blockages in the vessels. These issues hinder blood flow, affecting the brain. This can lead to headaches, trouble thinking, or even strokes. Also, early diagnosis is essential since treatment, such as medicine or lifestyle changes, can lessen the damage. In some cases, surgery can also be an effective method.

Treating Vascular Parkinson's with CCM

Vascular Parkinson's can be managed with early diagnosis and treatments made just for each person. In fact, it is the key to stopping the disease from getting worse. The College of Contract Management (CCM) also offers special courses to teach about the latest medical procedures for this brain dysfunction. These programmes clearly explain how immediate intervention can improve life by preventing serious health issues.

To further support people, CCM offers complete training programmes. These mainly focus on raising awareness and sharing the disease's best treatments. They also help learners understand how to work with doctors and the healthcare system. By joining these learning avenues, you can gain helpful resources and expert advice to manage this condition better.

The College of Contract Management (CCM) offers helpful courses for people with Vascular Parkinson's. These courses teach them about the condition. They also show ways to treat it better. The schedule will be shared soon. This will happen when the speakers and materials are ready. In the meantime, feel free to contact our team. They can keep you updated. You can also ask for more information about the upcoming training sessions.