Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition that steadily affects millions of people worldwide. According to the Parkinson's Foundation, it's one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions in the United States, with nearly 90,000 Americans receiving a Parkinson's diagnosis each year. This brings the estimated total number of Americans currently living with PD closer to 1 million.
The condition primarily affects individuals over the age of 65. A 2013 study published in Missouri Medicine found that roughly 1.6% of seniors have some form of Parkinson's disease. Despite its prevalence, there's a wealth of knowledge available about the disease, empowering caregivers to ensure their loved ones receive the best possible support.
Understanding Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease disrupts the central nervous system, specifically targeting a region of the brain responsible for dopamine production. Dopamine is a vital neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in movement control. When dopamine production declines, individuals with Parkinson's experience a constellation of symptoms, including:
- Tremors: Involuntary shaking, often starting in the hands and progressing to other parts of the body.
- Stiffness (rigidity): Muscles become rigid and inflexible, making movement difficult.
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia): Movements become slow and labored, with difficulty initiating and completing actions.
- Balance problems: Impaired coordination and balance can lead to increased falls and injuries.
- Speech difficulties: Speech may become slurred, soft, or monotone.
As Parkinson's disease progresses, other non-motor symptoms may also develop, including:
- Cognitive decline: Difficulty with thinking, memory, and problem-solving.
- Depression and anxiety: These mental health conditions are common in individuals with Parkinson's.
- Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restless sleep.
- Bladder problems: Difficulty controlling urination or experiencing frequent urination.
While there is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, there are various treatment options available to manage symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected. By understanding the disease and its progression, caregivers can play a vital role in supporting their loved ones and ensuring they receive the appropriate care and resources they need.
Parkinson's is progressive-- indicating it gets worse with time-- and is not curable. Beyond its results on motion, the illness might change an individual's sleep, memory, and behavior.
Parkinson's illness causes
Parkinson's disease takes place when certain nerve cells in the brain die or end up being impaired. These afferent neuron lie in a midbrain structure called the basal ganglia, a structure that controls muscle movement and produces dopamine-- a chemical responsible for coordinated muscle function. While scientists don't understand how many nerve cells need to die for Parkinson's- related motor signs to appear, estimates variety from 50% to 70%.
As to what causes the start of Parkinson's, there's still no single, plainly recognized cause. Presently, evidence supports both hereditary and ecological factors in the cause of Parkinson's, with environmental toxins playing a considerable function in the disease's progression, according to a research study published in the journal Annals of Neurology.
The occurrence of Parkinson's varies by area, and it impacts guys more than females-- both realities that add to the intricacy of the disease. Research is underway to figure out the reasons for these brand-new discoveries.
Signs of Parkinson's disease in older grownups
Relentless body trembling is one of the most readily observed symptoms of Parkinson's disease in senior adults. Nevertheless, Parkinson's clients early in their medical diagnosis also suggest the following as the most troubling signs, in order:
- Slow movement
- General or particular tightness
- General or particular discomfort
- Loss of odor and/or taste
Other common symptoms might include:
- Obstacles with balance
- Depression
- Interrupted sleep
- Frozen facial expressions or decreased facial motion
- Hand cramps
- Muffled speech
- Shuffling
How is Parkinson's disease identified?
Identifying Parkinson's disease in seniors poses a unique challenge, as there are no definitive screening tests to detect the condition. However, certain screenings and tests may help rule out other conditions and guide the diagnostic process.
Due to the variability in how Parkinson's disease progresses among patients, predicting the course of symptoms and which specific ones will manifest is challenging. This variability underscores the importance of early intervention and treatment planning. Ruth Hagestuen, former director of field studies at the National Parkinson Foundation, emphasizes the significance of early consultation with a neurologist to initiate a treatment regimen tailored to each patient's needs.
Diagnosing Parkinson's disease is further complicated by the fact that the onset of symptoms does not always indicate the presence of the disease itself. Parkinsonism, characterized by symptoms resembling Parkinson's but caused by other factors such as medication issues or vascular problems in the brain, can mimic the disease in some cases.
To accurately diagnose Parkinson's disease in older adults, a thorough neurological examination and comprehensive review of the patient's medical history are essential. Additionally, observing the patient's physical symptoms over time is crucial for a conclusive diagnosis. Consulting with a neurologist or similarly qualified healthcare professional is paramount in navigating the complexities of Parkinson's disease diagnosis and management.
Conditions that mimic Parkinson's
Early detection is vital in handling PD efficiently. Early-stage symptoms of Parkinson's consist of small tremors, modifications in handwriting (micrographia), and reduced facial expressions. However, other diseases can obscure early medical diagnosis of PD, which is another substantial reason why a neurology visit need to be scheduled as soon as possible in the diagnosis procedure.
According to the Parkinson's Foundation, conditions that are most similar to Parkinson's display a wide range of familiar symptoms.
Necessary tremor condition
Many senior people experience essential trembling disorder. These tremblings are various from Parkinson's tremors in that they affect both hands and result in shaking of the head and voice.
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Progressive supranuclear palsy normally affects individuals after the age of 50, usually aggravates more quickly than Parkinson's, and results in imbalance, falling, stiffening of the midsection, and difficulty with eye motion.
Corticobasal degeneration
Corticobasal degeneration is an unusual condition that impacts speech, balance, and posture and also leads to sluggishness of movement. Affected limbs often become severely or entirely disabled as this condition advances.
Multiple system atrophy
Potentially the most hard disease to distinguish from Parkinson's, several system atrophy has an earlier beginning (mid 50s) and quick development, which are 2 key qualities of this neurodegenerative disease. As this condition magnifies, more signs occur and might indicate that other systems of the body are jeopardized.
Vascular Parkinsonism
Brought on by a series of small strokes, vascular parkinsonism typically leads to movement challenges and is located regularly in the legs than the arms. Though treatment is the same for PD, it's much less effective for vascular Parkinsonism.
Lewy body dementia (LBD)
Lewy bodies are round protein structures that develop among brain cells and displace them, interrupting their performance. Clients with LBD will generally show Parkinsonism in addition to cognitive problems comparable to Alzheimer's illness. Brilliant hallucinations are also possible.
How is Parkinson's disease dealt with?
While Parkinson's illness stays irreparable and progressive, a series of treatment choices can assist handle signs. Physical treatment, occupational therapy, and speech treatment can all be advantageous. Some medications are extremely reliable at assisting individuals cope with Parkinson's, and your doctor might even suggest surgical alternatives.
Parkinson's medications
Since symptoms differ with each patient, the choice and dose regimens of medications need to be customized and adjusted as the disease advances. The past decade has actually seen the development of brand-new medications that have "substantially improved the quality of life for individuals with the disease," according to Cleveland Clinic.
If medications seem like the ideal course for your enjoyed one, evaluate those noted on Cleveland Clinic's site (linked above), and discuss your enjoyed one's choices with their medical professional.
Surgeries utilized in dealing with Parkinson's
Numerous surgical techniques have actually been developed for Parkinson's, although it's important to stress that none uses a real cure-- and there are risks. While treatments can in some cases slow the development of some signs, no treatment can reverse the course of the illness. Here are two of the more common and thoroughly researched methods:.
Brain lesioning procedures, including thalamotomy and pallidotomy, damage various areas of brain tissue associated with Parkinson's disease. This permanent result on the brain is not advised for both sides of the brain, and the improvements don't constantly last. Thalamotomy is just effective at reducing severe tremors, while pallidotomy might also help to minimize the dyskinesia negative effects that can arise from long-lasting drug treatment.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an alternative treatment to brain-lesioning surgical treatment. A metal electrode is positioned in the targeted location of the brain, and a pulse is generated to alter the abnormal function of that region. No brain tissue is ruined in this procedure. The client's general health typically figures out the success of surgical treatment. DBS may be performed on both sides of the brain if signs require it, however only if the patient is in good health.
Navigating life with Parkinson's disease requires a comprehensive approach to care, encompassing physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as psychological support. In addition to traditional treatments, lifestyle modifications such as exercise routines, dietary improvements, and daily routine adjustments can significantly enhance the well-being of individuals with Parkinson's. Evidence suggests that alternative therapies like acupuncture may offer relief for certain Parkinson's symptoms and aid in improving sleep quality. Given the progressive nature of the disease, many seniors with Parkinson's require long-term care to manage their condition effectively.
Our trained caregivers at Home Helpers Home Care of Austin are equipped to provide personalized support to individuals living with Parkinson's disease. From medication reminders to assistance with daily exercises and activities, our caregivers offer compassionate care tailored to each client's unique needs. We understand the importance of maintaining an active lifestyle, and we encourage participation in activities such as water exercise, Pilates, tai chi, and dance therapy to promote mobility and muscle function. Moreover, our caregivers serve as companions, providing emotional support and encouragement to help seniors cope with the challenges of Parkinson's disease.
Despite the physical and emotional toll of Parkinson's, many individuals find ways to live fulfilling lives with proper care and support. However, it's common for patients to experience anxiety about the progression of the disease and its impact on their future. This can lead to social withdrawal and reluctance to engage with others who share similar experiences. Our caregivers strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel understood and empowered to seek out community resources and support groups. By connecting with others who understand their journey, individuals with Parkinson's can find comfort and valuable insights to navigate life with greater resilience and optimism.
Give us a call now at (512) 883-2365 to book a complimentary consultation and discover how Home Helpers Home Care of Austin can support your loved one on their path to a successful and gratifying recovery in the comfort of their own home. Serving Austin, Lakeway, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, and surrounding areas, we're here to help your family every step of the way.
