Could Shortness of Breath Have to Do with Parkinson's Disease?

If your aging loved one is one of the approximately 1 million people throughout the United States who are currently living with Parkinson's disease, it is likely that you are trying to understand the challenges they are facing, and the symptoms they experience on a daily basis. As a family caregiver, you want to be able to give your parent the level of care and support they need to manage all of their challenges, and maintain as healthy, safe, and fulfilling a lifestyle as they possibly can as they progress through this disease. Something you may have quickly recognized, however, is that the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and the challenges that can emerge throughout the progression, can be unexpected. Some may even seem as though they don't relate to the disease at all. One such symptom can be shortness of breath.

Feeling as though you are unable to breathe, or that you can't catch your breath even after normal activity, can be a very unnerving and upsetting. For a senior with Parkinson's disease, it could be particularly so as they continue to notice things about their body that are changing and no longer under their control. Recognizing shortness of breath in your senior with Parkinson's disease, and understanding why they may be experiencing it, can be valuable in helping you create a care approach that will address this issue, and manage it effectively.

Some of the reasons a senior with Parkinson's disease may experience shortness of breath during the progression of the disease include:

• Anxiety
• Aspiration pneumonia, which is an infection caused by aspirating food or liquid
• Respiratory dyskinesia
• Exacerbation of other health issues such as lung disease, asthma, or allergies caused by physical responses to PD

When considering elder care for an aging parent, it is important to think not just about the daily tasks they have difficulty doing on their own, or are unable to do on their own, such as transportation. You should also consider the tremendous benefits the customized care of an elderly home care services provider and can offer it to your aging parent when helping with other types of challenges. For example, if your aging parent regularly copes with shortness of breath or other similar symptoms, they may struggle with energy, and even feel tired or fatigued. An elderly home care services provider stepping in to help them with tasks such as keeping their home tidy, doing dishes, or helping with grocery shopping can all help your parent better cope with their shortness of breath, and conserve their energy so they are able to do more of the things they want to do, and enjoy higher quality of life.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elder care in Juno Beach, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.