Parkinson's Disease: What You Need to Know

Parkinson's Disease is a condition that affects how you move and speak. It happens when certain brain cells stop working properly. Early signs can be small, like a shaky hand or stiff muscles, but symptoms can get worse over time.

If you or someone you love has Parkinson's Disease, it’s okay to feel unsure. The good news is that treatments and support can help manage symptoms. This blog will help you understand the signs, causes, and ways to get the right care.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

A person struggles to steady their hand while reaching for a glass of water, illustrating a common motor symptom of Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease is a brain disorder that affects movement. It happens when the brain stops making enough of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine helps control how your body moves. Without it, you may feel stiff, move slowly, or have trouble with balance.

This condition usually starts after age 60, but it can happen earlier. It gets worse over time, but it doesn’t happen all at once. Everyone’s journey with Parkinson’s is different.

Some people may have mild symptoms for years, while others may need more help as time goes on. Understanding the disease is the first step to managing it better.

Early Signs and Symptoms

A hand struggles to hold a glass of water steadily, illustrating early signs and symptoms of a potential health condition.

Below are the main signs and symptoms that you will notice from people who are affected.

Tremors (Especially in Hands or Fingers)

One of the most common early signs of Parkinson’s Disease is a tremor, or shaking, in your hands or fingers. This often happens when your hands are at rest, and it can be subtle at first. It might only be noticeable to you or those around you when you're feeling tired or stressed.

Slowness of Movement (Bradykinesia)

As Parkinson’s progresses, you may start to notice that your movements feel slower than usual. This condition is called bradykinesia. Everyday tasks, like getting dressed or brushing your teeth, might take more time. Simple movements may also feel like they require more effort.

Stiffness or Rigidity in Limbs

Muscle stiffness is another common early symptom. Your arms or legs may feel tight, and it might be difficult to move them freely. This can affect your posture, gait, and how you perform regular tasks.

Changes in Handwriting (Micrographia)

People with Parkinson’s often experience changes in their handwriting, making it smaller and more cramped. This is known as micrographia. You might find that your handwriting becomes harder to read or feels more difficult to control.

Changes in Posture, Balance, or Facial Expression

You might notice that you’re leaning forward more than usual, or that your balance feels off. This can make walking more difficult and increase the risk of falls.

Additionally, your facial expression may become less expressive or more serious, a condition called "masked face," which can sometimes make you appear sad or angry even if you feel otherwise.

The Importance of Early Diagnosis

A doctor talks with a patient, showing how important early diagnosis is.

The earlier Parkinson’s Disease is diagnosed, the sooner you can start treatment and make plans for care. Early diagnosis helps you manage symptoms more effectively, adjust your lifestyle, and get support. 

It’s important to remember that while there is no cure, treatments can help slow the progression and improve your quality of life. If you notice any of the early signs, talk to your doctor as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and explore treatment options.

Causes and Risk Factors

A woman experiencing discomfort in her arm, highlighting the importance of understanding potential causes and risk factors related to health issues.

These are a few known factors that can increase your risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease:

Age

Parkinson’s Disease is most common in people over the age of 60. The risk increases as you get older, though younger people can develop the disease too, but it's less common.

Gender

Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease than women. It’s not entirely clear why this is, but studies show a noticeable difference in the number of men versus women with the condition.

Genetics

In some cases, Parkinson’s can run in families. If you have a close relative with Parkinson’s, you may have a higher risk of developing it yourself. However, most cases are not inherited, and having a family history doesn’t mean you will definitely develop the disease.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain toxins or chemicals may also play a role in the development of Parkinson’s. For example, some studies suggest that living in rural areas or being exposed to pesticides and herbicides might increase the risk. Head injuries, especially repeated ones, have also been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s.

How Parkinson’s Progresses

A healthcare worker helps an elderly person, showing the need for support as Parkinson’s disease gets worse.

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive condition, meaning it gets worse over time. The symptoms usually start off slowly and gradually become more noticeable.

However, the way Parkinson’s progresses can vary greatly from person to person. Some people experience mild symptoms for many years, while others may face more rapid changes.

Parkinson’s is commonly divided into five stages:

Stage 1: Symptoms are mild and may only affect one side of your body. You might notice slight tremors or stiffness, but they don’t interfere much with your daily life.

Stage 2: Symptoms begin to affect both sides of your body. Movement becomes slower, and balance issues may start to show up. It can become harder to do everyday activities like dressing or cooking.

Stage 3: This is considered the middle stage. You might experience significant difficulty with balance and movement. Falls are more common, and tasks like walking or getting up from a chair can be challenging. However, you can still live independently with help.

Stage 4: At this stage, symptoms are severe. You may need assistance with daily tasks, like bathing, dressing, or eating. Walking without help may become difficult, and you may have trouble standing up or moving without support.

Stage 5: The most advanced stage of Parkinson’s. You may be unable to walk or stand without assistance, and 24-hour care may be needed for safety and comfort.

Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms

While movement problems like tremors, stiffness, and slowness are the most visible symptoms, Parkinson’s Disease also causes non-motor symptoms. These can be just as important to manage for your quality of life.

Non-motor symptoms can include depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and memory issues. These might not be as obvious, but can significantly affect your daily life. Cognitive decline, in particular, can affect thinking and memory as Parkinson’s advances.

Diagnosis

Parkinson’s Disease is hard to diagnose because there’s no test; doctors look at your symptoms, health history, and a physical exam.

Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging because there is no specific test for it. Instead, doctors rely on a combination of your symptoms, medical history, and a physical exam to make a diagnosis. 

If you have noticed changes in your movement, balance, or facial expression, it’s important to see a doctor who specializes in movement disorders.

Medical History and Symptoms

Your doctor will first ask about your medical history and any symptoms you've been experiencing. They’ll want to know when the symptoms started and how they’ve changed over time. This helps them understand the pattern and whether Parkinson’s might be the cause.

Physical and Neurological Exam

A neurologist will conduct a physical exam, paying close attention to your movement, posture, balance, and coordination. They may ask you to perform simple tasks, like walking, standing, or using your hands, to assess how your body moves. They may also test your reflexes and muscle strength to check for signs of Parkinson’s.

Brain Imaging and Tests

While there is no definitive test for Parkinson’s, sometimes doctors use brain imaging techniques, like MRI or CT scans, to rule out other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms. These scans won’t directly show Parkinson’s, but they can help rule out things like strokes or brain tumors that might cause similar problems.

Dopamine Transporter Scan (DaTscan)

In some cases, your doctor may use a special scan called a Dopamine Transporter (DaT) scan. This scan can help show if there is a decrease in dopamine in the brain, which is a key sign of Parkinson’s. While not always necessary, it can be helpful in unclear cases.

Treatment Options for Parkinson's Disease

A healthcare professional is helping an elderly woman with Parkinson's disease.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, there are several treatments available to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These treatments focus on improving movement, reducing symptoms, and helping you stay active and independent for as long as possible:

Medications

One of the most common treatments for Parkinson’s is medication. The main goal of these drugs is to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps control movement. Some common medications include:

Levodopa: This is the most common treatment. It’s converted into dopamine in the brain and can help reduce tremors and stiffness.

Dopamine Agonists: These mimic the effects of dopamine and help control movement.

MAO-B Inhibitors: These drugs help prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain, which can improve motor symptoms.

COMT Inhibitors: These drugs help extend the effect of levodopa and improve movement.

Your doctor may adjust your medications over time, as the effectiveness can change as Parkinson’s progresses.

Physical Therapy and Exercise

Physical therapy can help you maintain mobility, improve strength, and reduce stiffness. A physical therapist can work with you to create a personalized exercise plan to improve your balance and flexibility.

Regular exercise, like walking, swimming, or cycling, can also help you stay active and improve overall well-being.

Speech Therapy

As Parkinson’s progresses, some people experience changes in their voice, making it softer or harder to understand. Speech therapy can help improve speaking, swallowing, and even facial expressions. A speech therapist can teach you exercises to strengthen your vocal cords and improve communication.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy focuses on helping you perform daily tasks more easily, like dressing, eating, or bathing. An occupational therapist can recommend adaptive tools and strategies to make these tasks more manageable and ensure your home is safe.

Surgical Options

For some people, medications and therapies may not be enough. In these cases, doctors may recommend surgery, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). This procedure involves implanting a device that sends electrical signals to the brain, helping to control movement and reduce symptoms like tremors.

Lifestyle Changes and Support

Along with medical treatments, lifestyle changes are also important. A balanced diet, good sleep, and stress management can help improve your overall health and reduce Parkinson’s symptoms. Support from family, friends, and healthcare providers is crucial for emotional well-being and maintaining independence.

Living with Parkinson's Disease

A compassionate caregiver offers support and encouragement to an elderly woman managing Parkinson's disease, highlighting the importance of empathy and assistance in daily life.

Here are some steps to adapt that can help you maintain independence and improve your quality of life:

Managing Daily Activities

Parkinson’s can make everyday tasks more difficult, like dressing or cooking. To manage, try creating routines and using tools like grab bars, special utensils, or button hooks to make tasks easier. Occupational therapy can help you adapt your environment and teach you strategies to stay independent.

Staying Active

Exercise is key to maintaining mobility and reducing stiffness. Activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can help improve strength and balance. Even simple stretching or light strength training can help keep you active. Work with a healthcare professional to find exercises that are safe for you.

Support from Others

A strong support system is essential for managing Parkinson’s. Family, friends, and caregivers can assist with daily tasks and provide emotional support. Healthcare professionals, like doctors and therapists, can help with treatment and managing symptoms.

Joining a support group can also be a great way to connect with others in similar situations.

Mental and Emotional Health

Parkinson’s can affect your emotional health, causing anxiety or depression. Talking to a therapist can help manage these feelings. Staying connected with loved ones, enjoying activities you love, and focusing on relaxation can help improve your mood and mental well-being.

Plan for the Future

As Parkinson’s progresses, your needs may change. It’s important to plan ahead for care, medical treatments, and daily support. Having a plan can provide peace of mind and ensure you get the care you need as symptoms evolve.

Final Thoughts

Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is highly personalized. What works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to find the best treatment plan for you. With the right care and support, you can manage symptoms and continue living a full life.

If you or a loved one is navigating life with Parkinson’s, A Circle Of Love Home Care is here to help. We offer personalized care and support tailored to your needs, ensuring you have the assistance you need to live comfortably and safely at home.

Reach out today to learn more about how we can help with Parkinson’s care, and let us support you every step of the way.