Parkinson’s disease is the second most common type of neurodegenerative disease affecting as many as 1.1 million Americans. Considering that the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in older adults can easily be confused with what may be considered a “normal part of aging,” it’s important to know what to watch out for.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
According to the National Institute on Aging (NIH), Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes nerve cells in the basal ganglia to die or become impaired, leading to not enough dopamine being produced.
The basal ganglia controls movement, so without enough dopamine, patients begin to experience issues with movement. Parkinson’s also causes damage to the nerve ending that produces norepinephrine, which is important for many functions throughout the body.
How Is Parkinson’s Disease Treated?
While there is currently no cure, there are several treatments that can help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Treatment for Parkinson’s disease is done through the right balance of medications and medically backed therapeutic techniques.
Medically backed therapies are used to manage symptoms, improve gait, speech, and mental function. For example, physical therapy can teach patients to safely move around and get much needed exercise with the condition.
The following therapies can be beneficial to Parkinson’s patients:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
Is There Any Way To Prevent Progression Of Parkinson’s Disease?
Receiving treatment in the early stages of Parkinson’s may help delay progression and improve quality of life. Currently, a healthy diet and getting 2.5 hours of physical activity a week are the only ways that research has shown to prevent/delay progression of the disease, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
What Are Early Signs Of Parkinson’s Disease In Seniors?
In most cases, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in older adults begin mildly and gradually but worsens over time.
According to the NIH and the Parkinson’s Foundation, some of the early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in older adults can include:
- Tremors (involuntary shaking) — this is especially concerning if the patient is at rest when the tremor occurs.
- Handwriting that has become noticeably smaller and crowded (also known as micrographia).
- Unexplained loss of smell.
- Abnormal issues with sleep or changes in sleep patterns.
- Persistent muscle stiffness/rigidity (may affect moving and walking).
- Slow movements.
- Abnormal strain when moving bowels.
- Abnormally slow, soft, or slurred speech.
- Changes in balance and/or coordination.
- Unexplained changes in posture (stooping or hunching over).
- Reduced or lacking facial expressions.
When Should I Seek Medical Attention?
If you’re experiencing any new symptoms that are abnormal for you, it’s always worth talking to your doctor. This is especially true if you’re experiencing any symptoms of Parkinson’s.
How Haven Health Can Support Seniors Living With Parkinson’s Disease
Haven Health offers comprehensive care from highly trained staff in a supportive environment. At Haven Health, patients receive skilled nursing care that focuses on dignity, compassion, and maintaining the patient’s quality of life by offering the following services to Parkinson’s patients:
- Onsite rehabilitation to assist with maintaining mobility and independence.
- Individualized care plans to accommodate every stage of Parkinson’s.
- Communication with family members and involvement with care planning.
- 24/7 care when needed.
What Steps Do Skilled Nursing Facilities, Like Haven Health, Take?
You can expect the following comprehensive care at Haven Health:
- A care plan to fit your needs.
- Continuous monitoring of neurological and physical health.
- Implementation of fall prevention strategies.
- Coordination options between specialists and physicians.
Benefits Haven Health Offers Families
Unfortunately, research suggests that caregivers of people with Parkinson’s struggle with a work-life balance and frequently experience depression.
At Haven Health, we understand how difficult the decision to choose a care facility can be. That’s why we provide options for families to be involved in care decisions and provide communication options for staying up to date with your loved one’s care.
This provides families with the following benefits:
- Peace of mind knowing early symptoms are being recognized, acknowledged, and addressed.
- Reassurance that your loved one is receiving attentive and specialized care.
- Access to knowledgeable staff ready to help you gain a better understanding of Parkinson’s progression and management strategies.
- Confidence that your loved one is receiving the support and preventative measures they need.
The early signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease in older adults can be tricky to notice. By being aware of the early symptoms that may indicate the start of Parkinson’s, you can be more likely to detect it early so you can get the help your loved one needs.
Sources:
Can We Put the Brakes on Parkinson’s Progression? (2022).
Dickson, V. (2020). Barriers and facilitators of work life balance in caregivers of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease: an integrative review.
Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. (2022).
Statistics. (n.d.).
10 Early Signs. (n.d.).