PREVENTIVE CARE FOR ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA: A CASE STUDY OF AN ELDERLY WITH PARKINSON’S DISEASE

Abstract

SUMMARY

Parkinson's disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders and is a progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls body movement. Difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking are among the common complications associated with PD. Dysphagia has been reported as the main cause of aspiration pneumonia and death in PD patients. This case study is about a 78 years male patient, with a problem of dysphagia secondary to PD (stage V). He was admitted due to aspiration pneumonia and poor nutritional status. Various preventive measures can be taken which involve a multidisciplinary approach focussing on the three levels of prevention. Properly trained professionals and adequate allocation of resources may be necessary to establish comprehensive management programs for elderly with PD. The caregiver of such patient should be made aware of the available services and support group to deal with this problem. They should also be made aware on the various preventive actions that can be taken to prevent the incidence of aspiration pneumonia and or to stop the progression of the problem.

Key words: Preventive, Care, Elderly, Aspiration Pneumonia, Parkinson’s Disease