Helping a loved one deal with Parkinson’s disease
Around 145,000 people in the UK have Parkinson’s and it is estimated to grow to around 172,000 by 2030. It can affect both men and women, however, it is 1.5 times more likely to affect men.
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease of the nervous system. It can be detected by tremor, muscle rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement. It chiefly affects middle aged and elderly people and is associated with the degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine.
This blog will outline what Parkinson’s disease is, as well as some tips to help you or a loved one deal with a diagnosis and ongoing care.
What does Parkinson’s do to a person?
Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. The symptoms of Parkinson’s begin very small and gradually get worse over time. In the later stages, individuals can have great difficulty walking and talking.
Can Parkinson’s be cured?
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s but there are treatments available to help relieve the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Why do people get Parkinson’s?
The symptoms of Parkinson’s occur due to low dopamine levels in the brain. Experts are unsure why the disease develops but they currently believe that genetic changes and exposure to environmental factors, such as toxins, play a role in its development.
The Five stages
1
Stage
The mildest stage. Symptoms can often go unnoticed at this stage. Family and friends may notice changes in your walk, posture, or facial expressions. A distinct symptom of stage one is tremors and other difficulties with movement are generally presented on one side of the body. Medications at this stage can minimise and reduce symptoms.
2
Stage
In this stage, stiffness, tremors, and trembling may be more noticeable, as well as changes in facial expressions and speech. At this stage symptoms can be felt on both sides of the body and though balance is not typically impaired at this stage, muscle stiffness can prolong task completion and movements. The majority of people with stage two can live alone, but it may be difficult for them to complete tasks, etc.
3
Stage
Stage three is the middle stage. Many symptoms mirror stage two, with the addition of loss of balance and decreased reflexes. Overall movements will become slower and the risk of falling becomes higher. At this stage living alone can become a lot harder. It can affect daily tasks and make daily living a lot harder. Medication combined with occupational therapy may help decrease symptoms.
4
Stage
During stage four, movement becomes a lot harder and some may require assistance such as a cane or a walker to complete movements. Many people are unable to live alone at this stage because of a significant decrease in movement and reaction times. Daily tasks at this stage may become impossible.
5
Stage
The most advanced stage. At this stage stiffness can become severe and result in freezing when standing, making it impossible to walk or stand. People at this stage will require wheelchairs and assistance with standing due to their lack of balance. It is advised for people with stage 5 of Parkinson’s to have round-the-clock care due to the risk of falls.
Up to 50% of those with stages four and five experience confusion, hallucinations, and delusions.
Between 50-80% of people with Parkinson’s can also be affected by Dementia.
Learn
PD is a movement disorder, which means you will have to begin assisting your loved one with daily tasks and other movement-related activities. Parkinson’s doesn’t manifest the same in everyone, and the condition can progress at different rates. To be the best support system for your loved one, it is advised that you learn all you can about the disease: do your own research, consult professionals, join support groups, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more you know, the more you can understand, and the better carer you can be.
Volunteer to help
Everyday responsibilities such as shopping, cooking, and cleaning can become a lot more difficult as the movement disorder progresses. As such, help with daily tasks will be greatly appreciated. Your loved one may feel too embarrassed or proud to ask for help. You should use your initiative and offer your help with tasks you feel they are beginning to find trickier. You can step in and run their errands, cook meals for them, drive to medical appointments and pick up their medications.
Get active
Exercise is important for everyone, but it can be especially beneficial for those with PD. Researchers have found that exercise helps the brain use dopamine (a chemical used in movement). Fitness can improve balance, strength, memory, and general quality of life for people with PD. If you stay active, it is more of an incentive for your loved one to join you. Try doing a daily walk together or gentle swimming or yoga.
Normality
A disease such as PD can interfere with the normalcy of one’s life. They may feel a loss of independence or a focus on their disease rather than themselves. In these instances, they may feel a loss of self. To combat this, make sure you speak to them as you would have before. Try to keep discussion around their interests or things that define their person, aside from the disability. Additionally, try to continue to engage in activities they liked before their diagnosis. As well as this, try not to personify them by their disability, they are still a person, and no one would like to be symbolised by their illness.
Adapt
Things are going to change for both your loved one and yourself. Symptoms may pose some issues and symptoms can fluctuate day to day. You may have to cancel some plans due to your loved one not feeling up to it, you may have to be spontaneous and respond to their needs quickly to stay on top of the disease as best you can. You may benefit from creating a routine, including treatments and therapies to monitor how your loved one is getting on. This will also make it easier to spot worsening symptoms and patterns in behaviours, etc. Remain flexible with some things, such as being late to gatherings or how long it may take to leave the house.
Listen
Possibly the most important piece of advice. Listening to their needs and letting them vent about their problems or have a cry. Anything. It can be incredibly frustrating dealing with an illness and sometimes they may just need a supportive ear. Listen to their frustrations and be keen to help in any way they express they may need.
Get out of the house
The mildest stage. Symptoms can often go unnoticed at this stage. Family and friends may notice changes in your walk, posture, or facial expressions. A distinct symptom of stage one is tremors and other difficulties with movement are generally presented on one side of the body. Medications at this stage can minimise and reduce symptoms.
Look for worsening symptoms
In this stage, stiffness, tremors, and trembling may be more noticeable, as well as changes in facial expressions and speech. At this stage symptoms can be felt on both sides of the body and though balance is not typically impaired at this stage, muscle stiffness can prolong task completion and movements. The majority of people with stage two can live alone, but it may be difficult for them to complete tasks, etc.
Support yourself
Stage three is the middle stage. Many symptoms mirror stage two, with the addition of loss of balance and decreased reflexes. Overall movements will become slower and the risk of falling becomes higher. At this stage living alone can become a lot harder. It can affect daily tasks and make daily living a lot harder. Medication combined with occupational therapy may help decrease symptoms.
Plan ahead
During stage four, movement becomes a lot harder and some may require assistance such as a cane or a walker to complete movements. Many people are unable to live alone at this stage because of a significant decrease in movement and reaction times. Daily tasks at this stage may become impossible.
Patience
The most advanced stage. At this stage stiffness can become severe and result in freezing when standing, making it impossible to walk or stand. People at this stage will require wheelchairs and assistance with standing due to their lack of balance. It is advised for people with stage 5 of Parkinson’s to have round-the-clock care due to the risk of falls.