Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects about 500,000 people in the United States.
There are around 50,000 people diagnosed each year. The prevalence of PD makes it a disease that many family caregivers to older adults are helping to manage. One important aspect of managing such a complicated disease is gathering as much information as you can. Since April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, it’s a good time to begin.
What is PD?
PD is a disorder of the nervous system that impacts the way the older adult moves. It is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. At first, the symptoms may be so mild that they go unnoticed. One of the most common, and perhaps well known, early symptoms is tremor. It is a shaking movement that usually occurs in one hand to start with.
In addition to tremor, other signs and symptoms of PD include:
-Movement becoming slow. The older adult may walk more slowly, taking shorter steps. It also takes longer to do regular tasks.
-Muscles become stiff and painful, sometimes making full range of motion difficult or impossible.
-The senior’s posture becomes stooped and they might have trouble with balance.
-Automatic movements, like blinking and swinging arms while walking, are decreased. This can make the person appear stiff when walking and give their face a masklike appearance.
-Speech may become quieter and lack emphasis, sounding monotone.
-The older adult’s writing might change. The letters may become smaller and crowded together.
What Causes PD?
-No one knows what causes PD to occur in some people. Experts believe that there are multiple contributing factors, including the environment and a person’s genetics. Some people are genetically predisposed to PD because of gene mutations, though these are rare. There are cases in which PD runs in families. Another possibility is that having been exposed to toxins or other things in the environment that makes the likelihood of developing PD higher later on.
-PD is incurable, but there are treatments that can help to manage and reduce symptoms. However, eventually, people with PD need assistance to perform most activities of daily living. It is helpful to begin planning for future care during the early stages when the older adult can still participate in the conversation and communicate their wishes.
Senior care is one option that families have to ensure their family member with PD receives the care they need while also allowing them to continue living at home. Senior care providers can be scheduled for as many hours as needed through the week and on weekends. Senior care can also offer overnight care.
For more information about hiring Homecare in Coronado, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Mayoclinic.org
Parkinson.org
Nia.nih.gov
Nih.gov
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