Parkinson's Disease

Did you know Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disorder in the United States? An estimated 5-10 percent of Parkinson's disease are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease before age 50, but most people tend to be diagnosed after the age of 60.   

What is Parkinson's disease?   

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, such as shaking. Symptoms gradually worsen over time and will cause muscle stiffness, and one can experience difficulty walking and talking. The progression of Parkinson's disease (PD) will affect each person differently.  The unpredictable nature of the disease causes tremendous stress for the patient and their loved ones.    

Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. While genetics were said to play a role in Parkinson's, more research indicates that this disease can result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.   

Some people may experience symptoms that vary in length of time and intensity.   

Early signs of Parkinson's disease (PD) can sometimes be overlooked. These common symptoms of Parkinson's can include:   

Mild tremors   
Shaking

Stiffness   
Difficulty with movement   
Changes in posture or balance  
Slowness of movement  
Difficulty initiating movement (bradykinesia)

Changes in speech or handwriting   
Changes in mood or behavior

 Parkinson's disease is considered a progressive disease, meaning symptoms tend to worsen over time.   

There are five typical stages of Parkinson's disease (PD)   

Changes in habits   

At this stage, family and friends may notice changes in the following:   

Movement   
Poor posture

Differences in facial expressions

Muscle Stiffness and Posture Problems  

Stage two of Parkinson's disease is considered a 'moderate' condition. Muscles become stiff and can make daily tasks more challenging to accomplish. Neck and back pain is usually present but typically worse on one side. At this stage, patients may begin to experience the following symptoms:    

Tremors   
Stiffness

Trembling   
Changes to facial expressions

 Poor Reflexes and Balance   

Stage three of Parkinson's is considered the mid-stage in the progression of the disease. In addition to the symptoms experienced stages one and two, falls become more prevalent as the following symptoms present themselves:   

Poorer reflexes

Loss of balance

Poor Motor Skills   

Stage four of Parkinson's Disease can heavily impact motor skills and affect a person's independence. It's not uncommon to require assistive equipment such as a walker. Daily tasks can become complicated and, at times, even dangerous.   

Severe Stiffness   

State five of Parkinson's disease is the most debilitating state of the disease. Severe stiffness can make life extremely difficult, if not impossible, for a person to stand, let alone walk.   

50% of Parkinson's patients in stages four and five experience the following symptoms:   

Confusion   
Hallucinations (seeing things that are not there)   
Delusions (believing something despite evidence to the contrary)

Lifestyle Medical Supplies that can help with Parkinson's Disease   
If you are struggling with tremors or grip

BATHROOM AIDS   

Electric toothbrushes   
Electric Razors

Hands-free dryers   
Smart-touch faucets

KITCHEN AIDS   

Rocker knives   
Electric can openers

Nonskid placemats

DRESSING AIDS   

Button hooks   
Zipper pulls   
Velcro tabs

Elastic Shoelaces  
Silk Pajamas

BEDROOM AIDS   

A bedframe that holds the weight of the blanket off your feet   
Assist Handle

Motion-activated nightlight   
Heated blanket

WALKING AIDS   

Cane   
Walked

Wheelchair   
Slip-proof slippers   
slip-proof socks  
Warm robe   
Meal service

Car service

ORGANIZING TOOLS   

Pillbox

Foods to incorporate into your Parkinson's Diet   

 Fruits

Vegetables   
Whole Grains   
Seeds   
Nuts   
Olive Oild

Plant based foods   
With moderation you can also add   
Seafood   
Dairy   
Chicken/Turkey

Eggs

"We may each have our own individual Parkinson's, but we all share one thing in common. Hope"  

Michael J Fox Foundation, 'Faces of Parkinson's', 2014  

Michaeljfox.org   

"I was taught to strive not because there were any guarantees of success but because the act of striving is in itself the only way to keep faith with life." Madeleine Albright  

"How do we wrestle with this beast? Living with an incurable disease like Parkinson's is very different from living with a terminal illness. This is a disease you're going to live with for a very long time. You really have to make peace with it." Connie Carpenter-Phinne  

"This is where it all begins. Everything starts here, today." David Nicholls  

"It's probably my job to tell you life isn't fair, but I figure you already know that. So instead, I'll tell you that hope is precious, and you're right not to give up." C.J. Redwine  

"When a friend or family member is diagnosed with Parkinson's, there are many battles that need to be tackled. Most importantly, support, love, and understanding are imperative for the sufferer, the carer and the families…. Do a lot of encouraging and try your hardest to continue on in a normal way." Gabriella Rogers  

"Perhaps I am stronger than I think." Thomas Merton "  

"In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer. And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there's something stronger – something better, pushing right back." Albert Camus  

"With the support of my family and friends, I will meet this challenge with the same determination and unwavering intensity that I have displayed in all of my endeavors in life." Kirk Gibson  

"Life is to be lived even if we are not healthy." David Blatt 