Elder Care in Palm Beach Gardens FL

Parkinson’s disease is defined by the Mayo Clinic as a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. This disorder begins extremely gradually, but then gets progressively worse until the elder is no longer able to control his or her movements. Older adults with this condition often require an elder care provider to care for them as they are unable to control their tremors and other bodily actions.

Parkinson’s disease will most likely begin with little to no symptoms in the early stages, but the more you understand about this disease, the earlier older adults will be able to get diagnosed. Below are some of the most common symptoms and risk factors to be aware of.

Symptoms

Each person with Parkinson’s disease will experience different symptoms, but here are some of the most common ones.

• Slow movement. As the disease progresses, it will also get progressively more difficult to move. This causes the elder to have difficulty completing simple tasks. The elder may also start taking smaller steps or have more trouble getting in and out of a chair.
• Tremor. Another common symptom of this disease is the uncontrollable tremors or shakes. The senior may begin by rubbing the thumb and forefinger back and forth. The tremor may also occur when the hand is relaxed.
• Issues with balance and posture. The senior may have an impaired balance problem, as well as a stooped posture.
• Lack of automatic movements. The ability to do things like blinking, swinging the arms when walking, and smiling will no longer be easy for the elder to do.
• Changes in speech. Slurred speech, quick or soft speaking, or becoming hesitant before talking are all symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Their speech may also become more monotone than it usually is.
• Difficulty writing. Writing may become much more challenging and they might start writing much smaller than usual.
• Muscle stiffness. The muscles can become stiff in any part of the body, decreasing their range of motion.

Risk Factors

The following factors will increase the senior’s chances of developing Parkinson’s disease.

• Gender. Men are more prone to developing this disease than women.
• Exposure to toxins. If the elder has been exposed to pesticides or herbicides for long periods of time, they could be at risk for this disease.
• Age. Adults who are 60-years-old or older are at a higher risk of getting Parkinson’s than any other age group.
• Family history. If there is a history of it in the elder’s family, they are at a higher risk also.

Source:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/con-20028488

If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Professional Elder Care in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff at Assisting Hands Home Care at 561­-829­-3080 Today.