Joe was adamant that his illness was actually a gift.
Parkinson’s disease (also known as Parkinson’s syndrome) is a degeneration of the anatomical structures of the brain, consisting in the gradual disappearance of the so-called dopaminergic cells in it.
Its typical syndromes include slow movement, resting tremor, muscle stiffness and disorders of posture and walking difficulties. Parkinson’s disease does not appear overnight – its occurrence is usually preceded by various types of symptoms that may be present in a person even for several or more years.
What causes Parkinson’s?
So far, the causes of Parkinson’s disease have not been clearly identified. Some researchers claim that it may be associated with the body’s natural aging processes – nerve cells in the brain die with age, and as a result the dopamine levels in the body drop. Parkinson’s disease is suspected to be hereditary to a certain extent – according to some studies, there are between 5 and 35% of hereditary cases among patients with particular characteristic gene mutations.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s?
The most common symptoms include:
Stiffness
Increased muscle tension (characteristic hunched posture). It primarily affects the limbs, but it can also manifest itself in the area of the torso and neck. Stiffness causes discomfort and pain during movement. At a more advanced stage, it may also affect facial expression.
Slowness of movement
(so-called bradykinesia) – manifests itself in all of everyday activities – when using the toilet, dressing, eating or walking (making small steps).
Tremor
The so-called resting tremor – occurs when a person does not perform any activity. The moment the person reaches out for an object, the tremor disappears. In Parkinson’s disease, tremor is present in almost all parts of the body, except the head. At the most advanced stage of the disease, tremor can appear not only at rest, but also when performing physical activities.
Impaired balance
Motor deficit, shuffling steps, occasional falling down.
Speech disorders
Speech is monotonous, poorly articulated, quiet.
Cognitive impairment
Memory deterioration, slow thinking, poor concentration.
Vegetative symptoms
Facial seborrhoea, drooling, rare blinking, paroxysmal sweating, constipation, sphincter disorders – urinary incontinence.
Mental symptoms
Apathy, depression, anxiety, hypersensitivity.
Symptoms of the disease do not appear in a severe form immediately, but they can develop over the years.
The first symptoms of Parkinson’s may appear a few or more years before the diagnosis of the disease. They are not particularly specific and may include:
weakened sense of smell
depression
constipation
sleep disorders
At a developed stage of Parkinson’s disease, the most characteristic symptom is a motor slowdown occurring in all activities of everyday life. A person with these ailments speaks more slowly, walks more slowly, dresses more slowly and eats more slowly. It is also difficult for them to begin moving and accelerate the movements.
The next stage of the disease involves difficulties in maintaining balance, increasingly stronger tremor and muscle stiffness, walking disorders including falling down. At the last phase of Parkinson’s disease, the patient spends most of their time in bed or in a wheelchair.
Treatment and prevention
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease is incurable. Therapy can only inhibit its development and improve the quality of life of a suffering person.
The treatment may include medication and improvement therapy (rehabilitation).
Helping a person with Parkinson’s disease aims to maintain their independence as long as possible, as well as to meet their hygiene needs, assist them in their everyday activities and engage them both physically and intellectually.
The task of the caregiver is to prevent complications, especially falling down. Due to the progressive nature of the disease, the caregiver must be prepared for the increasing disability of the person under care.
When someone you take care of has Parkinson’s disease, you see firsthand the effects the condition have on. Symptoms like rigid movements, poor balance, and tremors become part of their day-to-day life, and these symptoms can worsen as the disease progresses.
You can help out in a number of ways — from offering a friendly ear when they need to talk, to driving them to medical appointments.
Tips
The best ways to help someone you’re taking care of manage Parkinson’s disease are the following:
Learn as much as you can
Learn as much as you can about Parkinson’s disease. Do research on reputable websites or read books about the condition. Tag along for medical appointments and ask the doctor questions. If you’re well informed, you’ll have a better idea of what to expect and how to be the most help.
Help with everyday responsibilities like shopping, cooking, cleaning, etc.
Sometimes people with Parkinson’s need help with these and other tasks, but they may be too proud or embarrassed to ask for it. Offer to run errands, prepare meals, drive to medical appointments, pick up medications at the drug store, and help with any other day-to-day tasks they have difficulty with on their own.
Encourage activity
Exercise is important for everyone, but it’s especially helpful for people with Parkinson’s disease. Research finds that exercise helps the brain use dopamine — a chemical involved in movement — more efficiently. Fitness improves strength, balance, memory, and quality of life in people with this condition. If person you take care of one isn’t staying active, encourage them to get moving by taking a walk together every day.
Help to feel normal
A disease like Parkinson’s can interfere with the normalcy of someone’s life. Because people may focus so much on the disease and its symptoms, the person you take care of may start to lose their sense of self. When you talk to, don’t constantly remind her that she have a chronic disease. Talk about other things — like their favorite movie or book.
Get out of the house
A chronic disease like Parkinson’s can be very isolating and lonely. If the person doesn’t leave the house, try to leave the house with her as often as it possible. Go to dinner or a movie. Be ready to adjust your plans if the person doesn’t feel well enough to go out.
Listen
Anxiety and depression are common in people with Parkinson’s disease. Encourage her to talk about their emotions, and let them know you’re listening.
Watch for any worsening symptoms
Parkinson’s symptoms progress over time. Be aware of any changes in your loved one’s walking ability, coordination, balance, fatigue, and speech. Also, watch for changes in their mood. Most people with Parkinson’s experience depression at some point in the course of their disease. Without treatment, depression can lead to faster physical declines. Encourage to get help from a professional if they are depression.
Be patient
Parkinson’s can affect the person ability to walk quickly, and to speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard. A speech therapist can teach exercises to improve the volume and strength of their voice, and a physical therapist can help with movement skills.
When having a conversation or going somewhere with the Parkinson’s person, be patient. It may take them longer than usual to respond to you. Smile and listen. Match your pace to her. Don’t rush her. If walking becomes too difficult, encourage them to use a walker or wheelchair. If speaking is a challenge, use other forms of communication.
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