Parkinson’s Support in Lakewood & Golden

Did you know that over 10 million people are living with Parkinson’s across the globe?

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the nervous system that leads to movement issues that progress over time. In Parkinson’s disease, nerve cells in the brain that are needed for movement and balance die off. This Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we’re discussing what to expect at the different stages of the disease and where to find support.

What Are the Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?

The Hoehn and Yahr scale was published in 1967 to describe the stages of Parkinson’s disease based on the level of functional or clinical disability. The five stages are:

• Stage 1 (Early-Stage): This is the initial stage of Parkinson’s disease. Those impacted may have mild symptoms but can usually still perform activities of daily living. Look out for movement symptoms such as tremors, as well as changes in posture, walking, and facial expressions. Hoehn and Yahr’s definition of Stage 1 is unilateral involvement, meaning it affects only one side of the body.
• Stage 2 (Early-Stage): Movement symptoms that previously impacted only one side of the body may now be bilateral or affect both sides of the body. Midline and axial areas, like the neck and the body’s core, may also be impacted. Changes in posture and walking continue to progress.
• Stage 3 (Mid-Stage): During mid-stage Parkinson’s, a common concern is loss of balance. It may be harder to turn or recover from being pushed, increasing the risk of falls. It is still possible to live independently at this stage, but daily activities can become more challenging.
• Stage 4 (Late-Stage): Symptoms can be severely disabling at this stage, such as with walking and standing. Those in Stage 4 may require a Caregiver to support their activities of daily living, like toileting, bathing, and grooming. Some may require more constant support, like 24-hour care or live-in care.
• Stage 5 (Late-Stage): At this stage, leg stiffness impairs the ability to stand and walk. This stage is advanced, debilitating, and may confine those impacted to a bed or wheelchair. Around-the-clock care is recommended at this stage to support homemaking, companionship, and personal care throughout the day.

Where Can I Find Support?

If you’re looking for resources to help navigate Parkinson’s for yourself or a loved one, here are a few available in Colorado:

• Parkinson Association of the Rockies (PAR) is a nonprofit offering exercise classes, support groups, and educational seminars in Lakewood, Golden, and other areas around Colorado. Their Licensed Clinical Social Worker offers free assessments to help coordinate treatment and care. You can sign up for Power Punch Parkinson’s, or their next Golden Support Group coming up on April 27. They also offer virtual classes, including Movement Fusion/Yoga for Parkinson’s and Moving Through Parkinson’s.
• The Parkinson’s Foundation Rocky Mountain has a Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence here in CO: the University of Colorado Movement Disorders Center. Explore resources like a hospital safety guide to help you advocate for care, and a helpline just for Parkinson’s questions. Check out their events section for fundraising opportunities.
• Up Ending Parkinsons is a nonprofit providing guidance to rock climbers living with Parkinson’s disease. One of their participating gyms is Movement in Golden. Their Up ENDing Parkinson’s Climbing Group meets on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Climbing can help improve function through physical challenges and mental planning, it feels rewarding, and it offers a new, fun way to connect with others.

Can Griswold Help?

We’re proud to provide neuromuscular care support, a form of non-medical in-home care designed for those with conditions like Parkinson’s disease. Your Griswold Caregiver can assist with homemaking, companionship, and personal care, or 24-hour home care for constant support. Give us a call to learn more when you click the button below.