Early Warning Signs of Parkinson’s Disease

In India, there are around 700,000 people who are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. Globally, the number of people affected by Parkinson’s is approximately 8.5 million, with more males than females. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that affects the nervous system and causes unintended movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. It is a progressive condition, which means that it worsens over time as parts of the brain deteriorate.

If you or your loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, you might want to understand what symptoms are associated with the disease. For a diagnosis, physicians look out for the classic clinical triad of Parkinson’s Disease, which includes:

1. Bradykinesia – Refers to the slowness of movements.
2. Tremors – Uncontrolled shaking, which usually starts in the hands and arms.
3. Rigidity – Body parts such as the limbs may feel stiff.

Parkinson’s disease is known as a movement disorder since it primarily affects movement. However, Parkinson’s disease affects other systems in the body too, leading to non-motor symptoms such as constipation, decreased sense of smell, confusion, sleep disturbances, mood swings and mood disorders such as anxiety, depression etc. It is essential to understand the symptoms and seek appropriate care. Samvedna elder home care services provides specialized care for individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to maintain their independence and quality of life while managing the challenges of this condition.

What Early Warning Signs You Should Look Out For In Parkinson’s Disease

In Parkinson’s disease, non-motor symptoms typically appear first, and can precede the motor symptoms by approximately 5-20 years. These symptoms may be present in the prodromal phase, i.e., the early stages of a disease, but they are not sufficient for a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s has 2 types of symptoms, Motor symptoms and Non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms affect movement and non-motor symptoms are those that are not related to movement. Some early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease are:

Motor Symptoms – TRAP

• Tremors- Subtle rest tremors, which occur when the muscle is relaxed, such as when the hands are resting on the lap. 
• Rigidity- Inflexibility or stiffness of joints, there may be decreased arm swing on one side while walking.
• Akinesia- Slowness of movement, slowing down while walking or difficulty in walking. The individual may drag their feet as they walk, handwriting may become small, there may be changes in facial expression.
• Postural instability- Impaired Balance.

Non-Motor Symptoms:

• Reduced sensitivity to odour, i.e., a decreased sense of smell, known as Hyposmia. 
• Sleep disturbances such as insomnia, vivid dreams, acting out in sleep while dreaming, excessive daytime sleepiness. 
• Feeling dizzy or faint
• Constipation 
• Changes in voice such as slow or soft voice

There can also be changes that can be observed by others, such as stooped or hunched posture while standing, lack of facial expressions. Changes may also be observed in their gait. While walking, they may drag their feet on the floor, which is also known as shuffling gait. Samvedna elder care services supports the caregivers to understand the symptoms and manage the symptoms.

Progression of Parkinson’s Disease

The beginning of Parkinson’s can be gradual  and the individual may not even notice the changes occurring. 

As the disease progresses, tremors and rigidity may increase, the individual may start having speech abnormalities and impaired balance. It may become difficult to make rapid movements and slowly walking and standing without assistance may become difficult and they would need support in their activities of daily living.

Challenges of a Parkinson’s Patient

Parkinson’s disease can present numerous challenges for patients, including physical, emotional, and social difficulties. The physical symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as tremors, stiffness, and slow movements, can make it difficult to perform daily tasks and impact independence. This can be frustrating and limit a person’s ability to engage in social activities, leading to isolation and feelings of loneliness.

The emotional impact of Parkinson’s should not be overlooked. Many patients experience anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, which can further impact their quality of life. Parkinson’s can also cause cognitive changes, affecting memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. This can make it challenging to maintain social connections and engage in activities that once brought pleasure.

Caregivers of Parkinson’s patients also face their own set of challenges. They may experience caregiver burden, which can lead to physical, emotional, and financial strain. Caregivers must balance providing support and care while maintaining their own well-being.

Overall, Parkinson’s disease can present a range of challenges for patients and caregivers. It is essential to work closely with healthcare providers to manage symptoms and maintain quality of life. Seeking support from family, friends, and community resources can also be beneficial in navigating the caregiver burden. Samvedna Care’s elder home care services provides a specialized support to the individual living with Parkinson’s disease and the caregiver. Our trained and compassionate caregiver provide personalised care and support including assistance with daily tasks, medication management and emotional support. Samvedna Care also offer physiotherapy and cognitive stimulation therapy to address the unique needs of the individual. 

How to Care for Someone With Parkinson’s Disease

As a caregiver for someone with Parkinson’s disease, it is essential to provide support and care that meets their unique needs. Here are some tips to help you care for someone with Parkinson’s disease:

• Understand the disease: Learn about Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, and how it affects your loved one. This knowledge will help you provide better care and support.
• Be patient: Parkinson’s can cause physical and cognitive changes that may make tasks take longer to complete. Be patient and allow your loved one to do things at their own pace.
• Encourage exercise: Exercise can help manage Parkinson’s symptoms, including stiffness, tremors, and balance issues. Encourage your loved one to participate in exercise programs designed for Parkinson’s patients, such as Yoga or Tai Chi.
• Assist with medication management: Parkinson’s disease requires medication management to control symptoms. Help your loved one keep track of their medications and ensure they take them as prescribed.
• Modify the home environment: Modifying the home environment can help prevent falls and other accidents. Remove tripping hazards, install grab bars, and ensure there is adequate lighting throughout the home.
• Provide emotional support: Parkinson’s disease can be emotionally challenging for patients and their families. Be a source of emotional support for your loved one, and encourage them to seek additional support, such as counselling or support groups.
• Take care of yourself: Caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding. Take care of yourself, seek support from family and friends, and consider respite care to avoid caregiver burnout.

By following these tips and working closely with Samvedna elder care services, you can provide the best care and support for your loved one with Parkinson’s disease.

If your loved one is diagnosed with Parkinson’s, contact Samvedna Care for information on support and treatment facilities available at the Centre.

For more resources, check Samvedna Care’s website.