Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that develops gradually. It can start out with subtle tremors and can lead to involuntary movements that make it difficult to complete everyday tasks. Parkinson’s affects up to 1 million people in the U.S. and about 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Parkinson’s disease generally begins in middle or late life. Most patients develop the condition after the age of 60. It is more common in men than women. Although the cause is not fully understood, heredity and exposure to toxins may increase the risk.
Parkinson’s Symptoms
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from one individual to another. Symptoms usually start out on one side of the body. They may eventually affect both sides, but they are usually worse on the side that was first affected.
Tremors often begin in a hand or fingers. A patient may also have hand tremors while at rest. Parkinson’s disease can gradually slow a person’s movement and make it difficult to complete simple tasks, such as standing up and walking. Muscles can become stiff and rigid, and posture and balance can suffer. A patient may be less able to perform unconscious movements, such as blinking, smiling, and moving the arms while walking. People with Parkinson’s disease often speak quickly or softly, slur their words, hesitate before speaking, or talk in a monotone. They may have difficulty writing or write smaller than usual.
Parkinson’s Treatments
Unfortunately there is no cure for Parkinson’s. However there are many possible treatments. Treatments are non-standard and are picked based on the symptoms that are present. There are many medications available that are designed to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Commonly many different medications can be prescribed to treat different symptoms. Often these medicines are prescribed in different amounts and are supposed to be taken at different times of the day. This is where an in-home caregiver can help your loved one who has Parkinson’s make sure they take there medications on time.
Parkinson’s Care In CT
If your parent is suffering from Parkinson’s disease, daily activities such as bathing, dressing, cooking, and eating can be difficult. Dependable Care in Connecticut can help with these and other activities of daily living.
At Dependable Care our team of Connecticut caregivers are trained to help patients with Parkinson’s disease with whatever activities are causing difficulty. They can provide assistance with personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, shopping and errands, medication reminders, and other needs for a few hours a week or on a full-time, live-in basis. If your parent is suffering from Parkinson’s disease and needs help to remain at home, contact Dependable Care today so we can help you find the right caregiver.
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