Parkinson’s disease impacts roughly 7-10 million people globally with 600,000 more US citizens diagnosed each year. It’s more prevalent in men, and more widespread than muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. And though each person’s experience with the disease varies in severity, there are five stages of progression that are customary for all. In recognition of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Heaven at Home Senior Care shares the following information about what to expect from Parkinson’s disease.
What Should I Expect in Parkinson’s Disease?
Stage 1: This stage is known as early-stage Parkinson’s, and it usually only brings on mild effects that may appear as follows:
- Uncontrollable tremors or shaking in one limb may be detected
- Symptoms are inconvenient, but not crippling
- Symptoms are only on one side of the body
- Friends and family can usually observe changes in the person’s posture, balance, and facial expressions
Stage 2: When the second stage of Parkinson’s begins, struggles to complete typical physical tasks may become more noticeable:
- Symptoms will affect both sides of the body
- The person has marginal disability, and commonly encounters ambulation or balance difficulties
- Posture is impacted
Stage 3: This stage is considered to be moderate Parkinson’s disease, and more substantial disability will begin to manifest:
- There is a considerable slowing down of the body movements
- There is generalized dysfunction that is relatively severe
- Early impairment of equilibrium may cause the inability to walk straight or stand
Stage 4: By stage four, the person is in advanced stage Parkinson’s and experiencing significant symptoms:
- Rigidity and bradykinesia, or slow movements, are often visible
- The person is unable to perform everyday tasks and typically cannot live alone
- Tremors may diminish or disappear for unknown reasons during this time
Stage 5: The final stage of the disease commonly takes over the patient’s physical movements:
- One-on-one care is necessary
- The individual frequently experiences a general decrease in vitality and strength of both the body and mind
- The person may not be able to stand up or walk
Heaven at Home Senior Care’s Parkinson’s care professionals have extensive training in all aspects of senior home care, and can help individuals with Parkinson’s and other conditions of aging to live fuller, more comfortable and independent lives, right at home. Whether it’s assistance with daily personal care, transportation and accompaniment to doctors’ appointments or to run errands, take care of light housekeeping and meal preparation, or just offer companionship to brighten up the day, our senior care services are tailored to each individual’s needs and preferences. If you need help managing Parkinson’s disease in Dallas or the nearby areas, give us a call any time to learn more at 972-245-1515.