A neurodegenerative disorder that is chronic and progressive is what Parkinson’s disease is. It affects movement by attacking the meat of it. For some, the early signs will be a tremor, which they won’t even notice from their hand on one side of their body.
This will gradually develop into something much bigger. While most people know about the tremors that come with Parkinson’s disease, they commonly cause stiffness or slow down movement. All symptoms take a huge toll on a diagnosed patient’s daily life.
Parkinson’s disease occurs when neurons deteriorate or die in a part of the brain that controls movement, which then loses its ability to function normally. These neurons usually produce dopamine – an important brain chemical; however, less dopamine is produced when they die or deteriorate, causing patients’ movements to fail them.
Though this can happen at any age, most people who get this disease are over 60 years old, but it’s still one of the most common nervous system disorders that affect older adults.
1. Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
The symptoms for this illness can manifest themselves in many ways such as tremors, stiffness and balance problems,, slowing down movements and difficulty walking. More symptoms become apparent with time, and as the disease worsens, so do these symptoms: Mental issues, including dementia1, affect memory and complex task abilities.
Mood-related issues like depression and anxiety2 make their debut on patients’ mental health radar, too, showing how much they impact individuals’ well-being. Problems with sleep, such as insomnia and REM sleep behavior disorder, occur, disrupting normal sleep patterns and leading to fatigue.
Those mentioned above put up huge barriers for individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, making completing mundane tasks difficult. Each person’s morning activities may look different than yours because sometimes even getting out of bed poses a challenge due to stiffness already present from resting overnight.
Dressing up takes more effort because movements are slowed down. Eating nutrition concerns arise, too, such as swallowing difficulties. These difficulties could lead to choking and make meal times longer and more stressful. Plus, Parkinson’s patients’ sense of smell is reduced, which could reduce appetite, causing unintentional weight loss and malnutrition.
Physical, cognitive, and mood-related symptoms can also affect social interactions with other people, worsening as time goes on.
Additionally, people who have Parkinson’s often experience depression and other emotional changes, difficulty swallowing or chewing food, speech problems, urinary problems or constipation, skin problems, and sleep disruptions.
2. Navigating Daily Living with Parkinson’s
2.1. Morning Routine: Challenges
After a night’s rest stiffness and slowness3 become extra pronounced,. This is why, for someone with Parkinson’s, getting up from bed becomes difficult. Dressing up also takes more effort since there needs to be more time dedicated to it as they move slower.
2.2. Getting Ready for the Day
For them to be ready for the day, strategic planning is involved. Assistive devices help those affected pull up pants or button shirts. They also make sure not to rush themselves so they can fully complete their routine without feeling like they need to speed through it.
Prescriptions are a typical way to manage Parkinson’s. Many patients must follow complex and specific routines to control their symptoms and maintain the drug’s effectiveness.
2.3. Doing Everyday Tasks
Tasks like cooking breakfast or holding a cup of coffee may take extra time for someone living with Parkinson’s. Tremors or rigidity can cause spills or accidents, so it’s important to take it slow and be careful.
3. Keeping the Home Safe for Someone With Parkinson’s
3.1. Bathroom Safety Tips
Slipping or falling4 is a big concern for people with Parkinson’s in the bathroom. Installing grab bars and non-slip mats will help prevent them from happening.
3.2. Mobility Aids and Modifications For Safety in The House
Equipment like walkers and canes could be life-saving for those with Parkinson’s. The home could also be modified with ramps, stairlifts, and widened doorways to make room for these aids.
4. Managing Symptoms Throughout The Day
4.1. Coping With Tremors And Rigidity
Symptoms like tremors and rigidity5 make moving normally throughout the day difficult. Patients should find patience through relaxation techniques as they’re more prone to happen at any moment.
4.2. Tips on Easing Fatigue And Sleep Problems
Sleeping problems6 often go hand-in-hand with fatigue when you have Parkinson’s. Setting consistent sleep schedules will help your body adjust quickly.
5. Support Systems For Those With Parkinson’s
5.1. Family Support for People With Parkinson’s Disease
Loved ones should always offer support emotionally and physically by helping out with daily tasks that may become hard over time.
5.2. Community Resources Available to Patients With PD
Plenty of community resources are available specifically because information about what happens next after being diagnosed and connecting them to people who share similar experiences is vital!
6. Taking Care Of Mental And Emotional Health
6.1. Addressing Anxiety And Depression
It is nearly impossible not to feel anxious or depressed as this disease progresses later on in life; however, practicing relaxation techniques and getting professional help will allow you to cope with it more easily.
6.2. Cognitive Challenges And Coping Mechanisms
Keeping a detailed schedule and setting reminders will help with everyday tasks when you start forgetting due to cognitive challenges.
7. Treatments And Therapies For PD
7.1. Managing Medication Side Effects
Just as Parkinson’s needs to be managed, so do the side effects that come from medications. Schedules of when to take them and how much should be taken daily may need to be changed under strict doctor supervision.
7.2. Physical Therapy and Exercise
Continuing physical therapy7 is important for someone with this disease because, eventually, it will get harder to move as symptoms worsen. Plus, doing exercises tailored to Parkinson’s patients will improve coordination and balance.
8. Looking Forward To The Future With Parkinson’s Disease
Planning long-term is essential in people diagnosed with this disease because it can be very costly. Finding homes that will accommodate changing abilities in case the situation gets worse over time, along with thinking about potential future healthcare needs, is always smart.
There are always new treatments being discovered for this disease, given how intense Parkinson’s can be on one’s body. Research gives hope to those with the illness and their supportive family members.
Parkinson’s disease is a complex thing to deal with. It requires you to make adjustments in every single part of your day. But if you have the right treatment and support system, you can keep your independence for as long as possible. The more people know about this disease, the more they will work to find a cure.
Sources
- Emre, Murat. “Dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.” The Lancet Neurology 2.4 (2003): 229-237. ↩︎
- Schrag, Anette, and Raquel N. Taddei. “Depression and anxiety in Parkinson’s disease.” International review of neurobiology 133 (2017): 623-655. ↩︎
- Marsden, C. D. “Slowness of movement in Parkinson’s disease.” Movement disorders: official journal of the Movement Disorder Society 4.S1 (1989): S26-S37. ↩︎
- Roller, William C., et al. “Falls and Parkinson’s disease.” Clinical neuropharmacology 12.2 (1989): 98-105. ↩︎
- Löhle, Matthias, Alexander Storch, and Heinz Reichmann. “Beyond tremor and rigidity: non-motor features of Parkinson’s disease.” Journal of neural transmission 116 (2009): 1483-1492. ↩︎
- Menza, Matthew, et al. “Sleep disturbances in Parkinson’s disease.” Movement Disorders 25.S1 (2010): S117-S122. ↩︎
- Keus, Samyra HJ, et al. “Evidence‐based analysis of physical therapy in Parkinson’s disease with recommendations for practice and research.” Movement disorders 22.4 (2007): 451-460. ↩︎
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