Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement and quality of life. Most people who develop Parkinson’s disease are around age 60, but some may develop it sooner. If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s, this guide will help you understand the condition, how it progresses, and which strategies are best for managing daily life safely and effectively.
- What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
- What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
- Early Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson’s
- How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?
- How Is Parkinson’s Treated & Managed?
- Adjustments to Consider for Seniors with Parkinson’s
- Parkinson’s Disease FAQs
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a brain condition that affects how the body moves. It damages the nerve cells (called neurons) that make dopamine, a chemical that tells the brain to make smooth, controlled movements. Most people with Parkinson’s have lost up to 80% of these neurons.
Parkinson’s disease can also damage the part of certain nerves that control the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions like blood pressure and heart rate.
What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
While the exact causes of Parkinson’s are often unknown, certain risk factors have been associated with Parkinson’s disease. These include:
- Being male
- Being over age 60
- Having a family history of Parkinson’s
- Environmental exposures to pesticides
Scientists have linked certain genes to Parkinson’s, including one called SNCA, which makes a protein known as alpha-synuclein. Researchers discovered that clumps of this protein appear in the brains of people with Parkinson’s, whether or not the disease runs in their family.
It’s not typically any one factor that contributes to developing Parkinson’s. Multiple factors are often at play, such as both genetic and environmental exposure.
Lower dopamine levels in the brain can also affect brain activity. This can cause problems with moving and balance. Decreased levels of a chemical called norepinephrine can cause some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, like low blood pressure, as well.
Early Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson's
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can develop slowly as the years progress and gradually get worse over time. Because Parkinson’s is a condition that affects everyone a little bit differently, symptoms—and how fast or slow they come on—can also vary among people.
Motor Symptoms
Some of the early signs of Parkinson’s disease that have to do with movement or your muscles can include:
- Tremors when you’re at rest
- Slowed movements, known as bradykinesia
- Posture issues, such as stooping or hunching over
- Reduced blinking or having a serious or angry look on your face (known as facial masking)
- Handwriting that’s gotten smaller or more crowded
- Difficulty moving or walking
- Speech changes, such as a soft, breathy, or hoarse voice
Non-Motor Symptoms
Non-movement symptoms of Parkinson’s aren’t as obvious as the ones that affect movement. These include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Forgetfulness
- Feeling dizzy or faint, which can be a sign of low blood pressure
- Difficulty sleeping
- Digestive problems like constipation
- Loss of smell
How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?
It can be challenging to accurately diagnose early-stage Parkinson’s disease, as there isn’t an official test for it. Often, a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist will confirm a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis by asking questions and performing tests.
Here’s what you or your loved one can expect during a doctor visit to determine a diagnosis:
- Medical history review: The neurologist will ask questions about your symptoms, family history, and the medications you’re taking.
- Neurological examination: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your reflexes, muscle tone, and posture and look for signs of tremor—including a resting tremor, which can occur when a limb is relaxed and is a common early sign of Parkinson's.
- Motor and non-motor assessments: These tests will check balance, speech, gait, and fine motor skills.
- Imaging or lab tests: Sometimes, imaging or lab tests can be done to help support a Parkinson’s diagnosis or rule out other health conditions that look similar to Parkinson’s. These might include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, a dopamine transporter scan (DaT scan) to make sure your dopamine levels are healthy, or blood tests.
How Is Parkinson’s Treated & Managed?
Parkinson’s can’t be cured, but the symptoms can be managed with medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. Since dopamine levels are often lower in people with Parkinson’s disease, doctors often prescribe medications to raise dopamine levels. These medications can help decrease tremors and slow movements that can affect daily life.
Another common way Parkinson’s disease symptoms can be managed is with different therapies, such as:
- Physical therapy (PT): PT can help you move comfortably and maintain your balance and ability to walk through strength training and certain exercises.
- Occupational therapy (OT): OT supports the activities of daily living (ADLs). This therapy can include improving hand coordination and adapting your environment with the use of mobility devices like walkers and canes.
- Speech therapy: This therapy assists with the speech changes that many people with Parkinson’s experience. It can also help with swallowing issues to prevent dehydration or choking.
Additionally, sustainable lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s. Eating a diet with plenty of fiber and staying hydrated can help with constipation. Getting regular exercise like walking, swimming, and gentle yoga can help improve strength and flexibility. Just make sure to check with you or your loved one’s doctor before starting new activities.
Adjustments to Consider for Seniors with Parkinson’s
Older adults with Parkinson’s disease may need additional care for possibilities such as an increased risk of falls or difficulty with movement during mealtimes. Here are some tips for daily life adjustments that can help.
Home Safety
Make changes around the home to decrease falls and the risk of injury or accidents. Remove any loose rugs and keep walking areas free of objects that could be tripped over. Install grab bars and non-skid surfaces in bathrooms and additional lighting in areas of the home like corners, stairways, and hallways.
Mobility Support
Non-slip supportive footwear can help seniors feel more stable when walking and maneuvering around the home. Encourage the use of a walker or a cane if balance is affected. Gentle mobility exercises and stretches can help maintain flexibility and strength.
Meal Preparation
Use adaptable utensils that are weighted or wider to reduce spills from tremors. Make sure cups aren’t made of glass and won’t slip out of the hand. Prepare meals in advance for mealtimes where energy levels are lower.
Daily Routines
Since sleep can be affected, stick to a regular bedtime and have a bedtime routine that signals to your body it’s time for bed. Take medications at the same time every day and don’t skip doses. Allow extra time for dressing and hygiene needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parkinson’s Disease
What is the difference between Parkinson’s and normal aging tremors?
Tremors from Parkinson’s disease usually happen at rest and can look like repetitive movements like “pill-rolling.” Tremors caused by normal aging, on the other hand, typically appear after activity or while under stress.
How can you prevent Parkinson's disease?
While you can’t necessarily prevent Parkinson’s disease, you can lower your risk by living a healthy lifestyle, such as getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and getting regular exercise.
How quickly do Parkinson’s symptoms progress?
Parkinson’s symptoms usually develop slowly over many years or even decades. But how quickly or how the symptoms show up are different for everyone.
What exercises are safest for seniors with Parkinson’s?
The safest exercises for seniors with Parkinson’s are chair yoga, Tai Chi, swimming, walking, and even dancing. These help reduce the risk of falls by strengthening muscles and improving balance and flexibility.
When should a Parkinson’s caregiver seek professional help?
Family caregivers for people with Parkinson’s should seek professional help when feeling fatigued, stressed, irritable, or isolated. These can be signs of caregiver burnout. When you feel like your loved one has increasing care needs that you can’t adequately manage, it might be time to bring in outside help.
How BrightStar Care® Can Help with Parkinson’s Disease
With proper care, treatment, and support, Parkinson’s disease can be managed safely and effectively. Early treatment and lifestyle adjustments can help you or your loved one maintain independence and quality of life as the disease progresses.
BrightStar Care caregivers and nurses are experienced in helping seniors with Parkinson’s disease stay safe, comfortable, and active. They can assist with medication reminders, coordinating therapies, meal preparation, and more.
Whether you're looking for nurse-led home care services or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.