Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurological disorder that predominantly affects movement and has a significant negative influence on the quality of life for seniors. The need to comprehend Parkinson’s continues to increase, but for now, it’s essential for seniors who are diagnosed with the condition to gain a better understanding to make the most of their lives. Those with home care assistance can learn about potential causes, signs, and even treatment options.
Understanding What Drives Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the progressive degeneration of specific brain cells known as neurons. These neurons, which generate the chemical messenger dopamine, are the cause of many Parkinson’s symptoms. Essentially, reduced dopamine levels contribute to erratic brain activity, which exacerbates movement disorders and other Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Additionally, certain genetic alterations have been found to be responsible for Parkinson’s disease. However, studies show this is unusual unless there is a family history of the disease. Another risk factor that might be present includes exposure to specific toxins or environmental variables.
What Are Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?
Seniors with Parkinson’s disease may experience a range of motor and non-motor symptoms, depending on their severity. Tremors, stiffness, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and postural instability are examples of motor symptoms. Seniors who experience these symptoms may find it difficult to move about and maintain their balance, making daily tasks difficult. With home care assistance by their side, they gain the assistance they need; however, the loss of ability to perform these tasks can be frustrating.
Parkinson’s disease can also cause non-motor symptoms, such as anxiety, sadness, altered cognition, insomnia, and autonomic dysfunction. It’s important to understand that these non-motor symptoms frequently appear before motor symptoms do.
Understanding Treatment Options
Although there is presently no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, there are a number of therapy options that try to lessen symptoms and enhance the quality of life for seniors who have the condition. For instance, Levodopa is one of the medications used as the main treatment for Parkinson’s disease. It helps restore dopamine levels in the brain and reduce movement symptoms.
Seniors with Parkinson’s disease may also benefit from physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy in addition to medication to enhance their movement, balance, and communication abilities. Also, seniors with home care assistance gain the added advantage of encouragement to complete daily exercises to help control symptoms, such as swimming, tai chi, and walking.
For seniors with advanced Parkinson’s disease, or those who do not respond well to treatment, surgical techniques such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). It’s essential for seniors to work collaboratively with their medical team to fully understand their treatment options.
Seniors with Parkinson’s disease have a variety of challenges that impact not just their physical functioning but also their mental and emotional health. Home care and loved ones can better assist seniors impacted by Parkinson’s and work to enhance their quality of life by ensuring they understand the condition’s causes, symptoms, and available treatments.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance in White Settlement, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today at (817) 631-7710
Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high-quality home care in Bosque County, Hill County, Navarro County, Henderson County, Erath County, Somervell County, Johnson County, Ellis County, Parker County, Tarrant County, Dallas County, Kaufman County, Rains County, Hood County, VanZandt County, and Rockwall County in Texas.
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