Parkinson's MOOC

This MOOC is important in that it demonstrates that Parkinson`s disease is not confined to grumpy old white men, but is a global problem that requires more research,education,understanding & awareness by the general public.
It's explainations,discussion & treatments were lucidly explained in an easily digestible format .It gave an opportunity to recapitulate & reinforce key points & demonstrate what could be achieved & how sufferers could still have an enjoyable productive life. Each module was reinforced by a quiz that was presented in a nonthreatening manner
There was extensive input by leading experts in their field & time for reflexion & interactive engagement as well as participating in further volunteering & research options.
the courses are suitable for a wide variety of people. Parkinsons Disease sufferers, their family, friends, support workers, as well as Allied Health & medical professionals.
As the MOOK is free & presented in a user-friendly manner, there are no barriers to participation.

The course is comprehensive and educative. It teaches what parkinson's entails, the different signs and symptoms. Parkinson's disease is a disease that can afflict anybody young or old but more common in old age. The disease has movement and non movement symptoms. There are risk factors of parkinson's disease which include ageing, genetics and environment. Environmental factors like industrial solvents, pesticides and herbicides. The management of parkinson's disease involves medical management and physical management. The medications to improve dopamine level in the brain are very important. The most important medication is levodopa that helps with dopamine boost in the brain. There are other supporting medications like argonist dopamine, inhibitors like MAO -B and COM-T also works with dopamine medications. The other allied health practitioners that are involved in parkinson's management are Physiotherapists, Occupational therapists, Speech and language therapists and other carers. All parkinson's patients must be involved in physical exercises by themselves and they must have right attitudes to their conditions. Right mental attitudes are very important.

This course is well designed and delivered in simple ways to convey various aspects of this condition for both people living with Parkinson’s as well as carers and others interested in this condition.
The course progressed in a logical way from introduction, symptoms, diagnosis , explanation changes in brain causing the condition, through to medications, importance of multidisciplinary team to manage this condition as well as ways to engage in activities to improve cognition, sleep pattern, reduce anxiety, fatigue and depression, thus giving a sense of overall well being.
It emphasises the fact that even though there is no cure, there are strategies to improve quality of life.
This course has helped me to understand more about the changes in various parts of brain and why sleep, cognition and other non motor symptoms occur. It also highlights the importance of diet, excercises and relaxation techniques which help to address non motor symptoms while medications help in controlling the motor symptoms.
Overall it was very educational and presented course and I thoroughly enjoyed. Thank you all.