Roughly one million people in the United States have Parkinson’s Disease, with an additional million cases reported worldwide. Parkinson’s is a baffling neurodegenerative disorder with no known cause, and at present, there isn’t a cure. Many patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s are elderly, which is certainly concerning if you have aged in place relatives or friends. April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time for you to learn more about the disease. Here are 5 Parkinson’s facts that you may not be aware of.
Many families are touched by someone with Parkinson’s in one way or another. Here are several famous people who currently live with, or who once lived with, the disease:
Parkinson’s Disease can be sneaky and the onset subtle. If you’re an informal caregiver here’s what to watch for:
If your loved one is starting to exhibit these signs, promptly get them seen by a doctor.
Parkinson’s targets the dopamine-producing area of the brain that controls motor skill activities, including speech. As a result, the disease can eventually start interfering with a patient’s ability to communicate verbally. That can be frustrating for both of you, so experts recommend taking these steps to keep the lines of verbal communication open:
Although no known cure for Parkinson’s exists, the disease’s progression can be slowed down with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and certain medications. Most of the drugs that neurologists prescribe temporarily replenish dopamine in the brain or mimic how it acts in the body- for example, to reduce tremors. Commonly prescribed Parkinson’s medications include MAO inhibitors, levodopa, and anticholinergics. If your loved one is taking a medication for the disease, compliance is crucial, and be aware of potential drug interactions.
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be a full-time job that comes with unique challenges. The most important fact to remember is that you don’t have to go it alone. There are numerous caregiving resources out there that can help facilitate a higher quality of life for you and your loved one. Here are some of the better ones:
Assisting aging loved ones with Parkinson’s is a labor of love, but it can also be tiring and stressful. When you need a break, contact Health at Home. As a fully licensed and insured home care provider in Palm City, Boca Raton, and, FL our well-trained caregivers can step in and support your seniors so they can keep aging in place with dignity and independence. Our focus as an agency is on providing the professional, compassionate care your loved one needs to ensure a higher quality of life for all family members.
While in the home, our carefully screened caregivers can perform personal care, companion care, and even live-in or 24-hour care services. We have a licensed social worker on staff and RNs available around the clock to answer your questions. To learn more about Health at Home today, or to book a FREE in-home consultation for a senior loved one now, please visit us at: healthathome.care.
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