Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that impacts each individual differently. However, family caregivers should look for some early signs of the disease so they can take their aging loved ones to the doctor for testing and treatment. Most early symptoms are due to adverse impacts on the nervous system and how body parts move and operate.
Tremors
This is one of the most common signs to look for, yet it’s often overlooked or associated with other health conditions. Parkinson’s lowers dopamine levels in the brain, leading to various problems, including slowed or disruptive movements.
While tremors can be due to other physical ailments, this Parkinson’s symptom is different because it typically occurs when a person is resting or moving his or her hands. If you notice your parent’s hand is shaking and he or she has irregular stiffness, look for other issues, such as stooped posture and poor balance. If you observe these other symptoms, they could be early signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Seniors in the later stages of Parkinson’s can live at home, but they’ll need assistance from family members or other caregivers to do so safely. For many seniors in Henrico, VA, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
Changes in Speech
Whether your parent’s tone is quieter than usual or his or her sentences begin to trail off, you should never ignore these symptoms or automatically associate them with the aging process. Your loved one could be experiencing an early symptom of Parkinson’s, and testing will be necessary.
The changes in speech will vary depending on how the disease impacts your loved one. Signs to look for include being unable to convey emotion when speaking. You may also notice your loved one’s words begin to slur, or he or she may mumble more at the end of sentences. Muscle stiffness could also cause facial expressions to decrease, which often results in speech problems.
Rigidity
One of the most common early signs of Parkinson’s disease consists of stiff muscles. Rigidity generally occurs in the back, legs, neck, and arms. In some instances, it’s normal for seniors with Parkinson’s to experience facial muscle stiffness early on.
Reduced dopamine levels can disrupt balance and result in rigidity, a common motor symptom. Therefore, if your loved one experiences tightened muscles involuntarily, have your parent tested for Parkinson’s so he or she can receive treatment immediately.
If your loved one has mobility challenges, he or she may get a great deal of benefit from having a professional caregiver help with everyday tasks. Families looking for top-rated senior home care providers can reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Difficulty Writing
This symptom is often referred to as micrographia and could be an early sign of Parkinson’s. The cramped feelings in the hands could lead to writing small and crowded words. As the disease progresses, this characteristic worsens, causing writing to get smaller. The reduced and slowed movements brought on by Parkinson’s are the causes of micrographia.
The brain is responsible for motor control, and the loss of dopamine could make motor function in the hands decrease. Although Parkinson’s cannot be cured, there are medications physicians can prescribe to treat the disease, which could boost your loved one’s mental, physical, and emotional health.
Early diagnosis is critical because Parkinson’s disease can be particularly challenging in its final stages, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Richmond Home Care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more. To learn more about our highly trained caregivers, call us at (804) 600-0002.
