The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 39 COVID patients today, 40 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 21 with the active virus today, 22 yesterday
- 3 in ICU, 3 yesterday
- 1 on a ventilator, 0 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dr. Rajesh Pahwa, director, Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center, The University of Kansas Health System
- Around one million Americans live with Parkinson's disease. There is no cure, but research is happening every single day as doctors search for better treatments.
- A recent study found Parkinson's was 50 percent more common than previously reported in the U.S. and in Canada. Previous estimates said there were about 60,000 new cases every year, but new data shows 90,000 yearly cases.
- About 15 percent of our Parkinson’s patient have a specific gene, so we do a lot of genetic research that helps with customized treatments.
- Planting an electrode as part of the deep brain stimulator can help with all symptoms of Parkinson’s.
- Focused ultrasound is another option that “burns” parts of the brain.
Dr. Andrea Lee, movement disorder specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
- There are several drugs that can be prescribed to help patients manage symptoms of Parkinson’s.
- The most important thing patients can do is regular exercise – studies have shown that being active helps manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
- Research is looking at environmental factors, such as certain chemicals used in various industries, that may be linked to Parkinson’s.
Dr. Kelvin Au, movement disorder specialist, The University of Kansas Health System
- Drinking water – up to 64 ounces a day – can also help Parkinson’s patients manage symptoms.
- After deep brain stimulation, the results are pretty dramatic – instantly stopping the tremors when the electrode is turned on.
- This can help reduce medications, which can be good for patients.
Pam Sullivan, living with Parkinson’s disease
- The first doctor she saw wasn’t sure if she had Parkinson’s and gave her some medicine and sent her home before Pam decided on getting a second opinion at The University of Kansas Health System.
- Her only limits she has now are hand tremors, but she has learned to evolve, especially for work.
- Pam is involved in Parkinson’s research that allows her to feel like she is giving back to help others.
- She encourages others to seek out research.
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection prevention and control, The University of Kansas Health System
- Two recent studies show that RSV vaccines are effective in older adults and pregnant women.
- This is a very good breakthrough to help both the very young and the very old stay out of hospitals.
- RSV has been troublesome for quite some time. RSV is a disease of young children – under six months of age – and the elderly.
Friday, April 14 is the next Morning Medical Update. Meet a woman who was fearless in the face of cancer and a heart attack. You’ll see how her bleak prognosis transformed into survival and inspired her husband to start writing.
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