Impact

Parkinson’s causes significant changes in regions of the brain that play vital roles in how seniors move and feel. The disease damages nerve cells deep in the brain, and when dopamine production slows down or stops, the symptoms of Parkinson’s become worse. Your loved one will then have difficulty moving around, and he or she may experience tremors and muscle stiffness. 

As the disease continues to affect the neurons, the nerve cells will have difficulty sending messages between the brain and the body. Over time, your loved one will find it challenging to remember familiar people, places, and objects. Your parent may also have difficulty communicating with others and exhibit a lack of emotion. 

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. San Diego families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

Early Symptoms

Seniors whose Parkinson’s is diagnosed early have a better chance of controlling the disease, and they can often prevent severe symptoms such as dementia. Most aging adults and their caregivers confuse the warning signs with normal aging and don’t seek help. However, when treatment is administered early, it has a better chance of being effective. Some of the early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease are: 

• Gait changes 
• Sleeping problems 
• Unusual facial expressions 
• Slower movement 
• Lack of coordination 
• Trembling voice 
• Poor handwriting

If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care service families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.

Prevention

Keep in mind that one of the most severe symptoms of Parkinson’s is dementia. Lowering the risk of Parkinson’s can enhance brain function and fine motor skills and prevent neurocognitive conditions such as dementia. One of the best ways to lower the odds of Parkinson’s disease is to follow a healthy diet full of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Seniors should also work out at least three times per week and find ways to stay mentally engaged. 

Treatment

There are no cures for dementia or Parkinson’s disease, and currently, there are no treatments that can stop the brain cell damage caused by either condition. However, a primary care physician can prescribe medications and suggest healthy lifestyle changes to ease symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. For instance, your loved one’s doctor may prescribe cholinesterase inhibitors that treat cognitive changes, such as sleeping problems, behavioral challenges, and visual hallucinations. 

Depression is a serious issue for many seniors living with both Parkinson’s and dementia. To treat depression, doctors often prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These antidepressants could boost your loved one’s self-esteem, reduce negative feelings, and lower the odds of combative behavior. 

Caring for senior loved ones can be challenging for families who don’t have expertise or professional training in home care, but this challenge doesn’t have to be faced alone. Families looking for top-rated Home Care San Diego in-home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.