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For many people, the ability to move is so basic and intuitive that it’s taken for granted.
While some people face mobility challenges early
Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that causes problems with movement. The majority of people who suffer from Parkinson’s are over the age of 50 when symptoms first appear. Because it is a progressive disease, Parkinson’s gets worse over time.
Parkinson’s progresses in five commonly recognized stages, each with its own characteristic symptoms. In the first stage of the disease, symptoms such as tremor (shaking), changes in posture or movement, and altered facial expressions are typical. These early symptoms are usually mild, and may appear on only one side of the body. Although they may be annoying or embarrassing, early Parkinson’s symptoms are usually not disabling.
In the second stage of the disease, symptoms may appear on both sides of the body, and be more serious, causing minor difficulties with everyday activities. Posture may become more stooped and a shuffling gait may develop. Although symptoms at this point often slow someone down, they don’t usually pose an impediment to independent living.
Third-stage Parkinson’s is characterized by greater difficulty walking or standing, as posture and balance are further compromised. Noticeably slow movement (also called bradykinesia) may also develop during this stage of the disease. At this point, everyday tasks become more challenging, and the person may need moderate assistance with activities of daily living such as meal preparation and bathing.
For Parkinson’s sufferers experiencing the fourth stage of the disease, symptoms such as slowness of movement, postural instability, and stiffness of the limbs are severe, although tremor may become slightly less pronounced. Chewing, swallowing, and speaking may be difficult. Walking may still be possible, but may be much more challenging, and require assistance. People in this stage of Parkinson’s can no longer live independently, requiring in-home care or transition to an assisted living facility.
In the fifth and final stage of Parkinson’s, patients are unable to stand or walk, and often display weight loss and deterioration of muscle mass. People in this stage of Parkinson’s require round-the clock-care.
Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one who seek appropriate care for Parkinson problems. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system, caused by gradual loss of function in the parts of the brain that control movement. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremor of the hands, face, or limbs, stiffness in the arms, legs, and torso, and difficulty initiating voluntary movement. Other early symptoms may include smaller handwriting, stooping or poor posture, and a shuffling walk, and a consistently “serious,” “sad, or angry” facial expression, regardless of the person’s actual mood.
Parkinson’s usually affects people over the age of 50. For most people who develop Parkinson’s, early symptoms are subtle, appear gradually over time, and progress in stages. In some people, however, symptoms progress much more quickly, leading to a more sudden loss of ability.
As the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s become more pronounced, affected individuals often have more difficulty walking, talking, and completing everyday tasks. Walking often becomes problematic as balance, posture, and coordination are compromised, and a characteristic shuffling gait develops, making falls more likely. Talking sometimes becomes difficult for people with Parkinson’s as the disease progresses; many Parkinson’s sufferers speak in a very soft voice, have trouble modulating their tone, and may struggle to find the right words to express themselves. Bathing, dressing, and other activities of daily living become more difficult as coordination deteriorates and voluntary movement gets harder. People with Parkinson’s may experience trouble eating, as a lack of control over the muscles that govern chewing and swallowing make mealtimes more of a challenge.
Because of the progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease, it’s important to stay vigilant at the first onset of symptoms. Although it’s impossible to predict how quickly symptoms will get worse, since disease progress varies from person to person, it’s vital to pursue treatment and coordinate assistance for affected individuals as soon as possible.
Edison Home Health Care is happy to advise and assist you or any loved one seeking care from a home care agency for Parkinson’s related challenges. Give us a call at 888-311-1142, or fill out a contact form and we will respond shortly.