How to Identify Signs of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that progressively worsens. There is no way to prevent Parkinson’s Disease from occurring in an individual. There is also no cure for the disease, but treatment is available. Having knowledge of the disease and its symptoms can help cut down on many of the frustrations experienced by both the patient and his or her family and friends.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Knowledge of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

1. What is Parkinson’s Disease and who does it affect? Parkinson’s Disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that progressively worsens over time. It usually occurs in people over the age of sixty. The number of symptoms present are different for everyone and the disease can progress differently as well. Symptoms are divided into two categories: primary symptoms and secondary symptoms.
2. One primary symptom is called Bradykinesia. Bradykinesia is described as slowness in the patient’s voluntary movements, such as walking, standing up, and sitting down. This is caused by delayed transmission of signals from the brain to the muscles.
3. Another primary symptom is the presence of tremors. Tremors can occur in the hands, fingers, feet, forearm, mouth, or chin. The tremors usually occur when the body is at rest, rather than when it is moving around.
4. Another primary symptom is stiff muscles, or rigidity. The muscles hurt, especially when one moves around.
5. Poor balance is also a primary symptom of Parkinson’s Disease. Poor balance happens because of the loss of reflex muscles which help with an individual’s posture. With poor balance, a fall is inevitable.
6. Another primary symptom is called “Parkinson’s Gait.” This is the term used for a common walk of someone who has Parkinson’s Disease. The individual walks with his or her head down, shoulders drooped, the lack of swinging arms, shuffling of feet, and body leaning forwards or backwards in an unnatural manner. Trying to initiate walking is difficult and freezing in the middle of a stride is fairly common.
7. There are also secondary symptoms. Constipation and lack of bowel or bladder control are often present. The individual may have a hard time chewing and swallowing and the saliva or food can get caught in the back of his or her mouth and may cause choking, drooling, or coughing. There are also motor skills that are effected, such as anxiety, depression, speaking in a whispery voice, cramped handwriting, and having a slow response to questions. The patient may salivate or sweat in excess amounts and have dry, scaling skin on the scalp or face.
8. Understanding the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease can help you identify the disease and have a greater appreciation for what the patient is going through. Stay strong and keep a positive attitude, especially when around the patient!

Tips & Warnings

• Research Parkinson’s Disease and learn all you can about the disease so you can gain a greater appreciation for what the patient is and will be going through.
• Try not to get frustrated with the patient. Remember, they don’t have complete control over their body when they have this disease!