Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological condition that affects many people living in the United States. Although Parkinson’s disease has no known cure, many treatment options have proven to reduce symptoms and slow its progression. A Senior home care agency can provide care and support for your loved one to reduce the difficulties of living with Parkinson’s disease.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

While Parkinson’s disease affects every person differently, there are some common symptoms to watch for. The most common symptoms affect muscle and movement function, but this disease can also cause a lack of energy, pain, and changes to mood or memory. While the symptoms will begin gradually, and may be difficult to detect, watch for the following major indicators:

1. Tremors are the most well-known symptom of Parkinson’s disease and can generally be seen in the hands, fingers, arms, feet, mouth or chin. These will be easiest to see when the body is resting as opposed to moving.
2. Slow movement, more severe than natural aging becomes noticeable when walking, standing and sitting. This is a result of delayed signals from the brain to the muscles and becomes more apparent as Parkinson’s progresses.
3. Muscle stiffness, or rigidity, impacts the limbs and trunk and causes muscle pain intensified during movement.
4. Poor balance because of the loss of reflexes that help posture can lead to poor coordination and falling.

How is Parkinson’s Treated?

If you detect any of these symptoms, immediately schedule an appointment with your loved one’s doctor.. An evaluation of symptoms and a neurological exam will follow. There are no lab tests to diagnose Parkinson’s. The doctor will test reflexes, muscle strength, and coordination. They will also check balance and movement difficulties. Senior home care agencies recommend listing observed symptoms from friends and family. Even unrelated symptoms can provide your doctor with additional information.

When a doctor confirms a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, he may prescribe a combination of medications to help treat symptoms and to slow the progression of this disease. In addition to medication, senior home care agencies can help improve ease the difficulties of living with Parkinson’s disease. Caregivers can help seniors to cope with their illness, reduce stress, stay active, exercise and avoid isolation. This approach to dealing with Parkinson’s disease can help provide support to your loved one to live a longer and happier life.

Assisting Hands in Fort Myers has helped many people with Parkinson’s.  To learn more about our senior home care services, call us at (239) 337-4263.