Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

The risk of developing PD increases with age, but the average age of onset is 60.

Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic neurological condition that causes a gradual loss of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine. Dopamine carries signals to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination.

Over 200 years ago, James Parkinson identified the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. To honor his discovery, his birth month, April, has been designated Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.

Understanding Parkinson’s

Early Signs

Symptoms typically develop slowly over the years and often differ from person to person. Thus, Parkinson’s can be difficult to diagnose. With that in mind, here are several early signs of Parkinson’s to look out for in you or a loved one.

• Tremors, often in the hands or fingers
• Small handwriting
• Loss of smell
• Trouble sleeping
• Trouble moving, including stiffness and balance problems
• Constipation
• Soft or low voice
• Reducing facial expressions
• Dizziness or fainting
• Stooping or hunching

Diagnosing Parkinson’s

While several early signs point towards PD, there are no medical tests that can be used to make a diagnosis. Typically, a neurologist will make a diagnosis based on medical history and examination. For a neurologist to consider PD, at least two out of the four below symptoms must be present for some time.

• Shaking or tremors
• Stiffness in arms or legs
• Balance issues
• Bradykinesia or slowed movement

Complications of PD

Some complications may arise for those with Parkinson’s, but are treatable, typically through medication. These include trouble thinking clearly – due to PD affecting your memory, language, and reasoning skills, emotional changes – such as depression, trouble swallowing and chewing – the later stages of the disease may affect muscles in your mouth, sleep problems – you may find yourself waking up more frequently through the night.

Progression of Symptoms

The five stages of PD used to describe how motor symptoms progress in those living with Parkinson’s.

Stages 1 and 2 are early stages. Symptoms are mild and often do not interfere with ADLs.

Stages 2 and 3 are mid-stages. Symptoms may start to get worse, and falls may become more common.

Stages 4 and 5 are the advanced stages. Symptoms are fully developed, and constant care is needed.

Local Resources

• Cone Health offers a variety of classes for those with Parkinson’s. They include a Power of Parkinson’s Community Group, a Parkinson’s Care Partners Group, and an Atypical Parkinsonian Group.
• The YMCA of Greensboro offers in-person and virtual cycling courses for those with Parkinson’s.

Griswold is here for you

If you or a loved one are living with Parkinson’s, a Griswold Caregiver can help support you in the comfort of your own home. We offer a variety of specialized home Care Services, including Respite Care, 24-hour care, or one of our Essential Care Services, including Companionship, Personal care, and Homemaking. If you are living with Parkinson’s in the Greensboro, High Point, Oak Ridge, or the surrounding area and need support to continue to age at home, give us a call today. We would be happy to put together a personalized care plan for you.