Parkinson’s disease: it’s a medical condition you’ve probably heard of. You may not have expected to be personally affected by it, though. If you’ve had a recent diagnosis, or are supporting a loved one who has, you may have many questions and concerns. What can you expect with Parkinson’s disease? How can you manage it better? Can you still have a good quality of life?
Let’s begin with the basics. What exactly is Parkinson’s disease and what symptoms might you experience?
Parkinson’s Disease 101
Parkinson’s disease has its origins in the brain. Scientists don’t know exactly why, but nerve cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine are affected in Parkinson’s. Dopamine is a chemical your body needs to help control movement, among other things. So when these nerve cells die, and less dopamine is produced, people experience symptoms such as:
- Poor balance
- Tremors (shaking)
- Stiffness
- Difficulty walking
- Trouble with coordination
- Mental changes, such as memory difficulties
- Difficulty with speech
- Depression
- Sleep problems
Parkinson’s disease affects 50% more men than women, and most often begins after age 60, though it can have early onset before the age of 50. 1
The 5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Although not everyone with Parkinson’s will experience all the symptoms listed above, there are some patterns that the disease tends to follow. Different people will progress through these stages at different rates, and usually, this happens slowly over a period of time.
Stage One
During this stage, symptoms are mild. Everyday activities are not interrupted by these symptoms, which can include tremors, stiffness, and movement problems. These issues happen only on one side of the body.
Stage Two
Symptoms now affect both sides of the body. The problems with tremors, stiffness (rigidity), and movement may cause trouble with walking and posture. Speech might also be affected. Daily activities are harder to do but can be done independently.
Stage Three
Moving around is slower, and losing balance and falling is much more common. Daily activities are now more challenging, as coordination worsens.
Stage Four
At this stage, daily activities require help from another person. Walking is impossible without support, such as a walker. Symptoms such as slowed movements, tremors, speech difficulty, and others are severe.
Stage Five
Because symptoms are so limiting in this stage, total care is needed for all daily activities. The person is unable to stand by themselves and may not walk. They may be bed-bound or in a wheelchair. Other neurological problems like delusions and hallucinations can also happen.
How to Treat and Manage Parkinson’s
Fortunately, newer treatments in the past few years have improved quality of life for those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The current life expectancy with a diagnosis at age 60 (the average age of diagnosis) is 23.3 years, which is the same as someone who does not have a Parkinson’s diagnosis.2
To maintain quality of life, there are several things you can do:
Medication
There are many medications available to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. The most common types are designed to increase dopamine and improve neurologic symptoms like tremors and movement problems. Other medications can help these drugs work longer, or treat other Parkinson’s symptoms. The dosages and medications chosen will need to be adjusted as symptoms change. As Parkinson’s advances, changes may also be made to reduce “off” times where the medication stops working in between doses and symptoms return.
Healthy Lifestyle
A good diet is important to staying healthy and strong. Parkinson’s can affect the digestive system and lead to constipation, so a diet high in fiber can combat this. Also, with some Parkinson’s medications, it’s important to avoid high protein meals at the same time that you take your medicine. Along with diet, a regular exercise program can help with strength and balance. Some people find that yoga is helpful, for example.
Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
These types of therapy focus on helping with movement and speech difficulties that can arise with Parkinson’s. A physical therapist can help with balance and walking, an occupational therapist can teach strategies for improving fine motor problems like small tasks done with your hands, and a speech therapist can help you work around any speech problems.
Deep Brain Stimulation
This is a surgical procedure where a device is implanted that stimulates certain areas of the brain to help control tremors and motor (movement) symptoms. Deep brain stimulation can be very helpful in controlling “off” symptoms that happen when your medication wears off. It can also mean less medication is needed. In studies, 6 months after the procedure motor symptoms improved 41%, and overall quality of life improved by 25%.3
Recruit a Team
Never underestimate how much a good support team can help with your quality of life! That team starts with you and can include your family members, your primary doctor, a nurse case manager and/or social worker, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, and a nutritionist. It can also include specialists, like a movement disorder physician, neuropsychologist, and psychologist. As Parkinson’s symptoms progress, having a home care service for help with activities of daily living and walking safely without falls, can allow you to stay at home despite any limitations you may have.
Parkinson’s Doesn’t Have to Define Who You Are
The advances in Parkinson’s treatment and care since the disease was first identified means that people can continue to be independent for longer and do the things they enjoy with fewer symptoms. Continued research is underway to further treat and even cure Parkinson’s disease. Many patients have enrolled in clinical trials and find that new treatments being studied right now continue to improve their quality of life. And the above strategies will help you manage Parkinson’s symptoms so they are less disruptive.
If you have more advanced Parkinson’s and would benefit from caregiver visits to help you live your best life at home, Caresify’s professional and experienced home care services are available. We’ll work with you to develop a plan of care that defies the ordinary and meets your care needs in the most effective way. You can read more on our home page, or call 888-799-5007.
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