Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that hinders movement. This disorder affects the neurons in part of the brain called substantia nigra. The symptoms of this progressive nervous system disorder develop over the years and vary from person to person.
The initial symptoms of Parkinson’s include a slight tremor in one hand. Over time, the symptoms progress and cause muscle stiffness and slowness of movement.
During the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease, the face begins to lack expression and movement, the arms stay stiff and unmoving while walking, and the speech gets slurred. The symptoms only increase in intensity and number as the condition progresses.
One of the greatest risk factors of this neurodegenerative disease is age. Most people develop Parkinson’s after the age of 60. A small percentage, however, can develop an early-onset form of Parkinson’s before the age of 50.
Parkinson’s disease is incurable, but can be successfully managed with medication and professional care. In some cases, surgeries help relieve the symptoms, and the doctor might suggest it. If you or a loved one suffers from Parkinson’s disease, they can adjust to their new life with Parkinson’s, with lots of love and support.
The key to living with Parkinson’s is learning all about the disease, seeking medical care, changing the lifestyle, and reaching out to home care services with professional knowledge and experience.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease?
Symptoms of Parkinson’s differ from person to person. Signs shown in earlier stages are so subtle that they can often go unnoticed. Some of the initial symptoms appear several years before problems with motor skills and movement begin to show.
In most cases, symptoms affect one side of the body alone, and then worsen on that side, even when the disease starts affecting the other side too.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
- Tremors: The earliest signs of Parkinson’s begin with a slight tremor in the hand or fingers. These tremors often appear as if you’re rubbing your forefinger and thumb. Tremors can also appear while the hand is at rest.
- Slowness in Movement: Also known as bradykinesia, slowed movements are one of the symptoms that show in later stages of the disease. Due to slowed movements, simple tasks become difficult, such as walking, getting in and out of the car, and sitting or standing up. Due to the slowness of movements, the balance issues begin and the risk of falling is higher.
- Stiff Limbs and Rigid Muscles: Due to Parkinson’s disease, muscles fail to relax. This leads to rigidity in one or many parts of the body. Muscle stiffness not only limits motion, but also is painful. The constantly tensed muscles prevent the patients from moving freely.
- Stooped Posture: People with Parkinson’s develop hunched over posture.
- Lack of unconscious movements: Smiling, blinking, and swinging arms are some of the unconscious movements the body makes. Parkinson’s limits such movements, including various facial expressions.
- Changes in Speech and Writing: Parkinson’s patients experience a change in their speech pattern and begin to speak softly and quickly with slurred and hesitant words. Writing also becomes a difficult task and appears smaller.
Some other non-motor clinical symptoms of Parkinson’s include sleep disturbances, cognitive abnormalities, anosmia, pain, and paresthesia.
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
While the diagnosis process of Parkinson’s involves multiple tests, none of them are quite specific to Parkinson’s. Plus, many of the early signs of Parkinson’s mimic other conditions and can be tricky to track down.
Healthcare professionals diagnose Parkinson’s, first, by ruling out all the conditions with similar symptoms. Next, they take in the family medical history of neurological disorders, personal medical history, and inquire about the possible exposure to toxins. After a detailed mental and physical examination, the doctor will declare the diagnosis.
There might be no accurate diagnosis if the patient shows mild symptoms of early stages.
Parkinson’s specialist and treatment options
If at any point, the doctor suspects Parkinson’s disease, your loved one will be directed to a specialist for a more accurate diagnosis.
Referred specialists might include a neurologist or a geriatrician. A neurologist specialises in conditions of the brain and nervous system. A geriatrician is an expert on health conditions that specifically affect elderly people.
These specialists would also conduct a series of physical tests to diagnose motor issues. Three symptoms that are very specific to Parkinson’s and often lead to a diagnosis include tremors at rest, slowed movements, and muscle stiffness. The diagnosis is further helped with the medication called Levodopa which helps to manage Parkinson’s. If this medication shows improvement in symptoms, the specialist might medically diagnose you with Parkinson’s.
Dealing with the diagnosis
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that can change a person’s lifestyle to a great extent and this can be quite difficult to come to terms with. Emotional distress becomes easier when they have a loving support system. Parkinson’s also leads to physical dependability, and the patients find great relief when they can trust and rely on someone to help with their day-to-day tasks.
If you or a loved one is struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to Parkinson’s UK.This Parkinson’s research and charity organisation has a vast network of patients, local groups, families, and caretakers to make sure you and your family never feel alone.
Causes of Parkinson’s disease
The disintegration of certain nerve cells is the main cause of Parkinson’s disease. The loss of these neurons leads to decreased levels of dopamine, resulting in abnormal brain functions, impaired movements, and cognitive abnormalities.
Factors that play a role in Parkinson’s include genes, medical history, toxin exposure, changes in brain functions, and the increased risk of Lewy bodies (a type of dementia).
Living with Parkinson’s becomes easier with home care and support
Parkinson’s disease already affects the patients physically and mentally, the last thing they want is yet another change – a new place to live. In addition to supportive friends and family, living with Parkinson’s becomes easier when you receive home care services in a surrounding they love and know – their own home. Having the love, care and right support will give your loved one the best quality of life they deserve.
Abney & Baker in Melksham, provides first-class professional care to elderly patients. You can also reach out to us for home care services in Frome and home care services in Midsomer Norton or across West Wiltshire.
Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.
By providing a range of support at home, we’re helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.
Remember we’re always here if you want to chat about your care options. Just get in touch:
Call 0333 043 4880 – Email enquiries@abneyandbaker.com – Book a call here
