Toward the end of each blog I write for Home Helpers MetroWest, I offer a FREE Consultation so I can assess a senior’s needs and match the perfect caregiver to provide the in-home care services that are required to make life easier for everyone involved.
When a senior has a progressive condition like Parkinson’s disease, it takes a compassionate caregiver who is highly trained in specialized care to properly manage the client’s needs.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative motor system disorder that causes tremors, stiffness, and problems with movement, according to Massachusetts General Hospital.
“PD is caused by the loss of brain cells that make dopamine. Dopamine is a substance that helps with smooth and coordinated muscle movement,” explains Mass General.
The most prominent symptoms that occur as a result of PD include:
- Tremors or trembling of the arms, jaw, legs, and face
- Stiffness or rigidity of the limbs and trunk
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Problems with balance and coordination
These and other symptoms are divided into motor (movement-related) and non-motor symptoms:
Motor symptoms:
- Tremor
- Slow movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigidity and freezing in place
- Stooped posture
- Shuffling gait
- Decreased arm swing when walking
- Trouble getting up from a chair
- Small, cramped handwriting (micrographia)
- Lack of facial expressions
- Slowed activities of daily living (i.e., eating, dressing, and bathing)
- Trouble turning in bed
- Staying in a certain position for a long period of time
- Diminished sense of smell
- Low voice volume (hypophonia)
- Trouble speaking (dysarthria)
- Painful foot cramps
- Sleep problems
- Depression
- Emotional changes (fearful and insecure)
- Skin problems
- Constipation
- Drooling
- Increased sweating
- Urinary frequency or urgency
- Male erectile dysfunction
The exact cause of PD is unknown, however, researchers suggest that genetics and environmental factors may play a primary role.
Mass General said, “Experts think that, in most people, the cause of (PD) is a mix of genes and the environment. Studies have shown that rural living, exposure to well water, and exposure to agricultural pesticides and herbicides are linked to Parkinson’s. But these factors don’t guarantee you will get the disease. Nor does their absence prevent it.”
The risk factors for PD include:
- Advancing age
- Family history
- Exposure to environmental toxins
There are no lab or blood tests to diagnose PD, and in the early stages, physicians may see symptoms and health issues as effects of normal aging. Therefore, doctors may monitor the symptoms for a while until they become more consistent with those of PD.
“Diagnosis of (PD) is based mainly on a health history and nervous system exam. Brain scans or lab tests may be done to rule out other diseases or conditions. But brain scans will generally turn out normal with (PD),” Mass General explained.
Other tests that may be ordered include:
- Neurological exams – Testing different functions of the nervous system
- Trial tests of medicines – With severe symptoms, a medication called Levodopa may be prescribed. If symptoms ease with the use of this drug, PD is likely
- CT scan – This type of imaging is more detailed than X-rays and captures more details about bones, muscles, fat, and organs
- MRI – Uses large magnets, radio waves, and a computer to make detailed images of organs and structures in the body
As of now, there is no cure for PD. However, a healthcare provider may choose certain treatment plans depending on the severity of the symptoms and progression of the disease. These treatment options include:
- Medicine
- Surgery (Lesion surgery (scar tissue) and deep brain stimulation)
- Supportive therapies such as diet, exercise, counseling, stress management, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy
PD is a chronic, incurable disease, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve a senior’s quality of life.
There are things seniors with PD can do to stay independent for as long as possible. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Staying mobile with the use of assistive devices, if necessary
- Exercising regularly
- Doing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, if needed
Mass General also suggests seniors with PD talk to their healthcare provider about depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues that may arise.
In addition, community agencies can help seniors with PD and their families adjust to a PD diagnosis.
“The Parkinson’s Foundation provides a variety of educational resources for patients and family members. It also has a helpline staffed with Parkinson’s specialists who can offer support to people with PD, caregivers, and healthcare providers. The helpline provides information about emotional support, current PD-related medical information, and local resources. The helpline is available at 800-4PD-INFO (800-473-4636), or helpline@parkinson.org.”
My team of compassionate, professional caregivers at Home Helpers MetroWest and I strive to keep seniors with PD and other chronic health conditions safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes for as long as possible
Please take advantage of my no-obligation, FREE Consultation so I can assess specific ways our highly trained caregivers can provide specialized Parkinson’s care services to make life easier for you or a senior loved one with PD.
Home Helpers® MetroWest proudly serves male and female seniors in Concord, Framingham, Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and surrounding areas. We are Making Life Easier℠ in our Massachusetts communities every day!! (508) 952-6219
Source:
Massachusetts General Hospital
