Managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s can be a difficult task for both those with the condition, but their families too. Read our handy little guide to find out more, and what we at Broomfield Care can do for you.
What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition, causing problems in the brain, which get worse over time. The term Parkinson’s is also sometimes used as an umbrella term to refer to a number of conditions with similar symptoms.
What Causes Parkinson’s?
🧠 People living with Parkinson’s do not produce enough dopamine due to the loss or damage of nerve cells in the brain. Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating movement in the body, and therefore a reduction in dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson’s, like tremors.
🧬 However, the exact cause for the loss of nerve cells is unknown. Many experts believe that it could be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?
There are several symptoms of Parkinson’s, however, the main three are tremor, slowness of movement, and muscle stiffness.
Most people with Parkinson’s start to develop symptoms when they’re over 50, however some people can first experience symptoms under 40.
Are There Different Types of Parkinson’s?
There are several conditions that come under the Parkinson’s umbrella, and they are often referred to as ‘Parkinsonism’.
The most common forms of Parkinsonism are listed below:
How Does Parkinson’s Progress?
Everyone’s progression is different and it’s hard to predict how symptoms will develop. The most common symptoms are tremor and stiffness, however many people also experience non-motor symptoms, including:
- Memory and thinking problems
- Problems sleeping
- Mental health problems, like anxiety and depression
Parkinson’s can develop into what is referred to as Advanced or complex Parkinson’s where the symptoms are having a more significant impact on daily life, and it may be that the side effects of any medication are outweighing their benefits.
Everyone’s Parkinson’s develops differently, however it is best to be prepared for this period of the condition, such as discussing your wishes with your family, or planning for extra care.
How Do You Manage the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Although there is no cure to Parkinson’s, there are several treatments and therapies available. In addition, keeping active can have a positive impact in maintaining both your physical and mental health, as well as having a balanced and healthy diet.
💊 There are several different types of medications that can be prescribed to help manage symptoms. The drugs available are used to either; increase the amount of dopamine produced, act as a dopamine substitute, or block the break down of dopamine.
🩼 Occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapists, can also help individuals to manage their symptoms as they progress. For example, occupational therapists may provide advice about using different strategies or techniques when completing more difficult tasks, or even recommend individuals to make practical changes, like moving furniture, to make moving around at home easier.
🌷 Parkinson’s UK, the primary charity dedicated to spreading awareness and information surrounding Parkinson’s, has a very detailed list of treatments, medication and therapies listed on their website here.
What is Deep-Brain Stimulation? 🧠
On top of the treatments mentioned, Surgery may also be available to help manage symptoms. DBS is the main type of surgery that can be used to treat Parkinson’s and is used to help improve motor symptoms, which you can see explained below:
How Broomfield Care Can Help 🦸♀️🦸♂️
At Broomfield Care in Gloucester, we understand how difficult it can be to manage a complex or chronic condition. But you’re not alone.
Our mission is to provide support that encourages our clients to live confidently and independently, regardless of whatever condition or situation they’re facing.
We provide person-centred specialist support for those that require extra assistance to manage their symptoms and daily activities to enable to best quality of life.
All our team have access to a plethora of training, meaning we can tailor any training requirements to suit most conditions and situations. We also use personalised and specific care plans, which have the finest detail included to ensure that the care is delivered always to the highest standard.
