The signs of Parkinson’s Disease
Quality Home care Guildford. Quality Home care Woking.
Today we are talking about the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that affects millions worldwide, but understanding its symptoms is key to early detection and management.
People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of the chemical dopamine in their brain because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working.
Around 153,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK. And it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world.
Types of Parkinson’s
Parkinsonism is a term that covers several conditions. This includes Parkinson’s and other conditions with similar symptoms such as slow movement, rigidity (stiffness) and problems with walking.
There are three main forms of parkinsonism:
- idiopathic Parkinson’s
- vascular parkinsonism
- drug-induced parkinsonism
So what are the symptoms?
One of the most recognisable and obvious symptoms are tremors.
They often start in one hand and gradually spread to other limbs. These involuntary shaking movements typically occur at rest and may worsen with stress or excitement.
Then we have slowness of movement.
Individuals may experience difficulty initiating or executing movements, leading to a noticeable reduction in overall mobility and coordination.
Muscle stiffness is next.
Stiffness in the muscles can make simple tasks like walking or getting out of a chair challenging. Muscle stiffness can also contribute to discomfort and pain.
Balance and Posture
Parkinson’s can also affect balance and posture which increases the risk of falls and accidents. Individuals may notice difficulty maintaining an upright posture or standing steady without support.
Freezing episodes
We also have Freezing episodes; these are where individuals feel as though their feet are glued to the ground.
Cognitive Changes
Finally, there are Cognitive Changes. While not always present in early stages, Parkinson’s can eventually lead to memory difficulties and slowed thinking.
Advanced symptoms of a long-term condition like Parkinson’s can make people more vulnerable to poor health and increased disability. These complications can sometimes result in someone dying.
Complications can include:
- aspiration pneumonia (caused by breathing in food or liquid and not being able to cough it back up)
- falls
- chest infections and pneumonia
Remember, if you or your loved ones need support with Parkinson’s, reach out to the team here at Caremark. Or visit https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/