Health / Wellness
Aging and CP
Question: I am an adult with cerebral palsy. Are there doctors who specialize in treating adults with CP? I’ve noticed a worsening of my symptoms as I’ve aged. I thought CP was supposed to be “non-progressive”.
Answer: While CP itself does not “get worse,” difficulty with activities that maintain health is one reason CP and the “normal” aging process seem to magnify each other. For example, if a person has difficulty opening his or her mouth due to spasticity, dental care is difficult and resulting decay can cause infection and bone loss.
As people with CP age, there is often increasing joint and muscle pain from the prolonged stress that spasticity places on bones, joints, and muscles. This stress can also lead to changes in the spine and joints’ ability to bear weight and can increase fatigue. Respiratory problems can increase.
People who have mobility limitations may develop heart disease or diabetes at an earlier age than others because of difficulty doing aerobic activity needed for cardiovascular health. If a person with mobility limitations has surgery or experiences an injury, recovery may take longer due to difficulty participating in therapies.
People with athetoid CP (uncontrolled slow writhing movement) have higher caloric requirements. CP can cause difficulty swallowing and a delay in emptying of the stomach into the small intestine, leading to vomiting and esophageal irritation. If a person has difficulty feeding, malnutrition (and its related health problems) can result; it has been found that women with CP frequently have iron deficiency anemia.
Osteoporosis is a particular risk for people with mobility impairments. Decreased exposure to sunshine (a precursor to vitamin D), low dietary intake of calcium, lack of exercise, and anti-seizure medicines all can contribute to osteoporosis.
Very little research has been done on adults with CP. The University of Michigan Department of Kinesiology is studying adults with hemiplegic CP, in which only one side of the body is affected. (Contact Colleen Lewis at 734-763-5829 for more information.)
Most physicians who specialize in CP seem to specialize in children. Three Michigan members of the American Academy of Cerebral Palsy and Developmental Medicine who treat adults are Dr. Edward Dabrowski in Madison Heights (248-541-2551), Dr. Richard Ball in Traverse City (231-935-0860), and Dr. Joseph Hornyak in Ann Arbor (734-647-6954).