By Holly Layne LPN, Nurse Care Manager
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It occurs when brain nerve cells (neurons) that produce dopamine degenerate or die.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, balance, and coordination. It occurs when brain nerve cells (neurons) that produce dopamine degenerate or die.
Symptoms often Present in Parkinson’s Disease Include:
- Tremors (involuntary shaking)
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigidity (stiffness)
- Postural instability (difficulty maintaining balance)
- Walking difficulties
- Non-motor symptoms such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and cognitive decline
Barriers to Care with Parkinson’s:
Parkinson’s progression is correlated with aging. Patients often misinterpret the early symptoms of this disease as “normal aging.” Help is often sought when symptoms have already made a profound impact on self-care and self-management tasks.
- Symptoms of Parkinson’s can mimic other disease processes, and diagnosis often includes monitoring for the progression of symptoms.
- Parkinson’s disease is often progressive, requiring constant advanced care planning to avoid crisis and maintain safety.
- Parkinson’s disease presents with both motor and non-motor symptoms, making care management complex.
- Patients with Parkinson’s present with communication barriers, making identifying symptoms and needs difficult.
If you or a loved one are experiencing changes in your body, you should contact your primary care provider to discuss your concerns. The physician may refer you to a neurologist who specializes in the brain.
If necessary, you may also be referred to see a physical therapist, occupational therapist, or speech therapist to address your mobility and activities of daily living needs.
It is very important to stay active. Parkinson’s disease can present and progress in people at different rates. Getting and staying active can help protect your body against losing further motor functions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, complex disease that is predominantly associated with aging. Supporting those with Parkinson’s takes a multifaceted approach, including medication, exercise, therapy, and emotional support. The objective of managing this disease is to enhance the overall quality of life for those living with Parkinson’s and their families and caregivers.
Advocacy is our best resource in healthcare. The Option Group has expert care managers ready to support you and your family as you navigate the path of a chronic condition like Parkinson’s.
More information is available at the Parkinson’s Foundation, which can be accessed at https://www.parkinson.org/ or by calling 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636).
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2010, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, DC, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers possess over 100 years of combined experience navigating the healthcare maze and accessing hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing clear choices that lead to better care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call 410-667-0266 (MD) or 717-287-9900 / 610-885-8899/ 215-896-6756 (PA) or 302-858-6449 (DE).