Parkinson's Disease
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. While tremors are common, the disorder also causes stiffness and slowing of movement. The condition occurs when nerve cells in the brain don't produce enough dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps control movement.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
- Tremor, often beginning in a hand or fingers
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigid muscles and stiffness
- Impaired posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements (blinking, smiling)
- Speech changes (soft, quick, slurred speech)
- Writing changes (small, cramped handwriting)
- Difficulty walking and shuffling gait
- Facial masking (reduced facial expressions)
- Sleep disturbances
- Depression and anxiety
- Cognitive changes in later stages
Impact on Caregivers
Caring for someone with Parkinson's requires patience and adaptability as symptoms change over time. The physical demands of caregiving increase as the disease progresses, and you may need to help with daily activities, manage medications, and provide emotional support.
Steps to Take
- 1Learn about Parkinson's disease and its progression
- 2Work closely with the healthcare team to manage symptoms
- 3Encourage physical activity and exercise programs
- 4Adapt the home environment for safety
- 5Help manage medications and track their effectiveness
- 6Support communication as speech changes occur
- 7Address non-motor symptoms like depression and sleep issues
- 8Plan for changing care needs over time
- 9Connect with Parkinson's support organizations
- 10Take care of your own physical health to handle caregiving demands