What You Need To Know About Seniors And Parkinson’s
April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month and it’s a great time to learn more about Parkinson’s disease and seniors. Parkinson’s disease affects more than a million people in the U.S. and there are more than 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease diagnosed very year. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but early detection can mean earlier treatment. And the earlier your senior loved one starts treatment the better the chances are that the progress of this disease can be delayed. Starting elder care as soon as possible following a diagnosis is one important step toward combatting the side effects of the disease. Some other things that you and your senior loved one should know about Parkinson’s are:
Symptoms
The most common symptom of Parkinson’s disease is tremors in the hands. But there are other symptoms that you and your senior loved one should look out for like: loss of balance, shuffling or problems walking, depression, anxiety, tremors in feet or fingers as well as hands, rigidity in muscles, headaches, and more. If you notice any of these symptoms in your senior loved one you should get them to a doctor to be checked for Parkinson’s disease. Even if your senior loved one isn’t displaying symptoms they should be checked at least once a year for any signs of developing this disease.
Is It Hereditary?
There is no definite hereditary link to Parkinson’s disease, but it does seem like it runs in families. If a close relative in your family had Parkinson’s disease it’s possible your senior loved one will have it. It’s also possible that you will get it, which makes regular screenings essential. If you’re worried about missing the symptoms of Parkinson’s in your senior loved one elder care at home can help. A trained caregiver can notice and document any symptoms of Parkinson’s that your senior loved one displays. That way you can track the progression of the symptoms and confer with their doctor about possible treatment.
Screenings
Parkinson’s screenings are recommended for seniors who are over 60. If there is a family history of Parkinson’s then you should really start getting screened yourself after the age of 50. Starting treatment early can delay the onset or the progression of symptoms. If your senior loved one hasn’t been to the doctor in awhile now is the time to make an appointment to have them seen and evaluated for any medical health conditions including Parkinson’s disease.
Aging At Home With Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects the brain. As the brain slowly atrophies because of the disease your senior loved one may lose their mobility, or start to experience dementia. While both of those may be challenging it doesn’t mean that your senior loved one must leave their familiar and beloved home. In fact, keeping your senior loved one in familiar surroundings can help them resist the symptoms even longer. With elder care that caters to the needs of those with Parkinson’s your senior loved one may live comfortably and safely at home for many years.
Sources:
https://www.parkinson.org/Understanding-Parkinsons/Statistics
https://parkinsonsdisease.net/elderly-population
If you or an aging loved one is considering elder care in Brownsburg, IN, please contact the caring staff at Golden Heart Senior Care today. 317-550-1276