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Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects the brain and the nervous system of its sufferers.
Over time, neurons in the regions of the
Parkinson’s is a chronic, degenerative disease that has symptoms of impaired mobility, body tremors, stiffness of the limbs and torso, difficulty balancing, and fatigue. These symptoms are most severe in the mid and late stages of the disease. Progressiveness of the disease varies tremendously from person to person and treatment should be tailored to meet an individual’s needs. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s, managing symptoms can help improve a patient’s quality of life.
Education is the first step in living well with disease. Organizations dedicated to Parkinson’s provide a variety of resources with tips on medication, non-motor symptoms, and coping techniques. Movement disorder specialists usually offer supplemental materials to keep on hand such as treatment pamphlets. Research to find out if there is a local Chronic Disease Self Management Program; an organization established by Stanford University that offers weekly educational sessions for Parkinson’s patients. Support groups can also be rich sources of knowledge; connecting with other patients can offer new insights on treating symptoms and can enhance the learning curve.
In addition to being an educational source, support groups provide patients with much needed encouragement. Although loved ones and caregivers play a vital role in a patient’s life, connecting with others who struggle with the challenges of living with Parkinson’s can alleviate feelings of isolation. Remaining active and social can help ward off depression and promote emotional health. Above all, finding meaning in activities outside the home can help Parkinson’s sufferers to achieve a sense of purpose and balance that will help them cope with the challenges of the disease.
Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Parkinson’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.
Parkinson’s disease creates many challenges for its sufferers. It is a progressive disease, meaning that symptoms worsen over time. Physical symptoms include tremors and shaking, difficulty walking and balancing, fatigue, compromised coordination and motor skills, and rigidity of the trunk and limbs. While these symptoms are very common, affecting a majority of people with the disease, the way they appear and progress can vary tremendously between individuals. For example, severe tremors may immediately affect one patient while another may not even experience tremors. Due to the unpredictable progression of the disease, it’s important for patients, caregivers, and loved ones to pay keen attention to individual symptoms.
Certain symptoms may be mild enough to allow patients to continue performing daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, unassisted in the early stages. Other tasks that once were managed easily may become extremely difficult or dangerous. High-risk activities include driving or performing strenuous chores. Once symptoms have set-in, it essential to understand the patient’s level of ability. Although it is difficult for many Parkinson’s sufferers to adjust to the loss of independence, safety should always be the primary concern.
For caregivers, it is challenging to assist someone who is facing a loss of physical ability and an increase in dependence. Ease the patient’s stress by allowing them to be actively involved in decisions about their care. Take the time to explain changes in roles in an empathetic manner. Also, allow patients to continue to participate in safe activities and household tasks as much as their condition will tolerate. Small efforts such as these will help patients maintain a sense of purpose, and will ease the transition from full independence to greater reliance on others.
Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Parkinson’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.
Parkinson’s disease has a variety of effects that can make life very challenging for its sufferers. Compromised mobility is the hallmark of the disease, which results from the death of nerve cells in the brain that are vital to the regulation of movement. Parkinson’s is a chronic, progressive disease, meaning that it worsens over time. There is currently no treatment or cure for Parkinson’s. There is, however, ways to manage the of symptoms and promote quality of life for patients.
Physical symptoms include: tremors (shaking of the limbs, extremities and face); stiffness and rigidity of the arms, legs, and torso; slowness of movement; and compromised balance and coordination. Symptoms such as these often appear early in the progression of the disease. Perform everyday tasks such as writing, driving, preparing meals, cleaning, and bathing become much more difficult with the symptoms. Certain symptoms may progress more quickly for some people than for others. For example, while one person may experience tremors early on, another person may find difficulty balancing and walking to be their primary symptom. Individual symptoms may progress relatively quickly or slowly; the debilitating aspects of the disease may appear all at once or gradually over time.
In addition to challenges with movement, Parkinson’s sufferers may experience other, non-motor symptoms. These include: loss of sense of smell, fatigue, depression, constipation, and sleep problems. Parkinson’s may also lead to difficulty processing information and communicating. Some patients may experience confusion and dementia could develop in later stages. Working closely with physicians, health care providers, and family members to determine a treatment plan that addresses each individual’s experience is imperative. A smart and well planned approach to symptom management can be extremely beneficial for patients and caregivers.
Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Parkinson’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.
Parkinson’s disease presents many challenges for patients and their families. The physical symptoms of Parkinson’s can have a drastic impact on a person’s mobility and their ability to care for themselves. Tremors (shaking excessively), difficulty walking, and poor coordination are all common effects of Parkinson’s disease. Common psychiatric symptoms include depression, sleep disturbance, and dementia. These challenges can be minimized by making changes in a patient’s life and physical environment.
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, the symptoms of which worsen over time. In the early stages, patients are often able to retain a degree of independence, cooking meals, bathing, dressing, and doing errands and chores on their own. As their symptoms worsen, however, people with Parkinson’s often require assistance performing tasks. It is important to take proactive steps in the early stages to ensure maximum safety and quality of life as the disease progresses.
One of the main risks for people with Parkinson’s is hazardous conditions inside their home. Since coordination and mobility is compromised, Parkinson’s patients are at a greater risk for tripping, falling, and running into objects. Patients and their caregivers must address potential hazards before injuries occur. Uneven surfaces – such as area rugs and thick carpets – present tripping hazards. Wood floors and thin carpeting are preferable, as many people with Parkinson’s develop a shuffling walk which makes trips more likely. Electrical cords, lamps, and other objects at floor level should be removed or secured to reduce the risk of falls. Sharp corners and protruding objects can also present a danger, and should be covered or removed. Fragile or delicate objects should be placed in a safe place where they can’t be easily knocked over. Grab bars to assist with mobility can be tremendously helpful, especially in bathrooms next to the toilet and bath tub. Taking these preventative steps will better ensure a safe home environment and allow people with Parkinson’s to enjoy greater a quality of life.
Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care of Parkinson’s disease. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.