One of our senior male clients at Home Helpers was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in his early 60s, and it has progressed over the last 15 years. He experiences tremors in his hands, he struggles to find the right words during conversations, and many nights, he does not sleep well.
The man is on a specific schedule for his medications that can help with some of these issues, but they may not slow the progression of the disease and they do not fully ease his symptoms. The caregiver who assists him adores the man, and she does everything she can to keep him socially engaged, well-fed, and on track with his meds so he can maintain his independence for as long as possible.
In our efforts to raise awareness and get a grip on Parkinson’s disease in Ohio this month, Damey and I sought more information about this progressive neurodegenerative disorder to keep ourselves and our caregivers at Home Helpers accurately informed, and hopefully, you, too.
“Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the 2nd most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States after Alzheimer’s disease,” according to the Ohio Department of Health. “A neurodegenerative disorder is a type of disease in which cells of the central nervous system stop working or die. PD is a type of movement disorder that happens when nerve cells in the brain do not produce enough dopamine. The precise cause of PD is unknown, but some cases are hereditary while others are thought to occur from a combination of genetics and environmental factors.”
In Ohio, there are an estimated 30,000 aging adults living with PD, and that exceeds the number of cases of multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. Based on a national study by the Parkinson’s Foundation, nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with PD each year.
Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center identifies the most common symptoms of PD as:
- Tremors
- Involuntary twisting in the torso, arms, legs, or face, also known as dyskinesia
- Rigidity or stiffness in the neck, arms, or legs
- Slowness of movement, also known as bradykinesia
- Poor balance and coordination
Every case of PD is different and presents differently. Other symptoms of PD may include:
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- Weakening of the voice with an inability to increase volume or reflect emotion
- Cognitive changes like difficulty thinking, finding words, and decision-making
- Depression and anxiety
- A loss of smell or reduced sensitivity to odors
- Vision problems
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Hallucinations and/or delusions
- Changes in sex drive or impotency
- Sleep problems – difficulty falling or staying asleep, and having vivid dreams
- Excessive sweating, drooling
- Urinary issues with frequency, urgency, or problems emptying the bladder
- Constipation
Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for PD. However, there are treatment protocols available that may slow the progression of the disease and help some of the symptoms related to each individual’s case. Medications are typically the first line of treatment,
“Ohio State’s Center for Parkinson’s Disease and Related Movement Disorders gives you access to the latest treatments and resources to help you achieve your best possible quality of life. This includes medical care, advanced surgery, education, rehabilitation, and social services.”
Our compassionate and highly trained Home Helpers® caregivers can provide various in-home care services for clients with Parkinson’s, like safe transportation assistance to and from doctor appointments, healthy meal planning and preparation, personal care services, assistance with exercise and mobility, and respite care for family caregivers. Damey and I are happy to schedule a FREE consultation at your convenience to assess how we can help make life easier for you or a loved one with PD.
Home Helpers® Canton, OH, is Veteran-owned and operated. We are honored to have received the Home Care Pulse – Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice Award, the Shooting Star Award (2011), and multiple Platinum awards for the superior level of care we provide. We are Certified Senior Advisors and members of the Home Care Association of America, Alzheimer’s Association, and the International Franchise Association. In addition, we were ranked in the Top 500 Franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine in 2019.
Home Helpers® Canton proudly serves male and female seniors in Stark County, Portage County, and portions of Summit County including the communities of Akron, Alliance, Canton, East Sparta, Hartville, Jackson, Massillon, Navarre, North Canton, Randolph, and surrounding areas. 330.892.9329
Sources:
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio State University Wexler Medical Center
