How to Manage a Parkinson’s Diagnosis?

Situations will change over time as Parkinson’s disease progresses. Symptoms will change and progress with the disease.

Every April is recognized as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. A time to learn more about one of the most common neurological diseases. Parkinson’s is a condition that affects movement. It is a progressive disorder, meaning symptoms get worse over time. The disease starts by attacking the part of the brain responsible for producing dopamine. Dopamine is what our body uses to send messages to muscles throughout our bodies. Thus, when those cells are damaged or destroyed, it alters how our bodies are able to send those signals.

What Does a Parkinson’s Diagnosis Mean?

Parkinson’s looks different in everyone with a diagnosis. People often have different symptoms that show up at different times. Common symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Stiffnes
• Slow movement
• Quieter voice
• Smaller handwriting
• Body pain
• Fatigue
• Changes to mood
• Cognitive changes

These symptoms will likely start small with Parkinson’s but will progress as the disease progresses. This also means that often, family plans, finances, and responsibilities will also change as the disease progresses. If your loved one has Parkinson’s, you may have to start doing more than you are used to. This may include household tasks, errands, and helping with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as helping them get dressed or cooking.

Managing Symptoms

Although there are common symptoms of Parkinson’s, there is a wide variability in symptoms seen from patient to patient. In both intensity and progression. The good news is that there are several ways to manage your symptoms and maintain your quality of life for as long as possible.

• Exercise – regular exercise can make a big difference in your mobility. Several studies have shown that maintaining a regular exercise routine, such as walking, strength training, or Tai Chi, can help maintain or improve mobility, balance, and coordination in people with Parkinson’s.
• Diet – while there is no magic diet for those with Parkinson’s, healthy eating is always a good choice. Strive to eat several servings of fruits and vegetables and focus on whole grains. Stay away from consuming too much caffeine and alcohol.
• Medications – there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s; however, there are several medications available for the successful treatment of motor symptoms throughout the course of the disease.
• Health care – try to create and maintain relationships with experts in the field of Parkinson’s. A good health care team to help you will include a movement disorder specialist, a nurse, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, a speech therapist, a social worker, a pharmacist, a neuropsychologist, and potentially a neurosurgeon.

Local Resources

Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area – They improve the quality of life of those impacted by Parkinson’s disease, their care partners and families, and foster a sense of community to ensure that no one battles this disease alone. PFNCA offers exercise, communication, and education programs to strengthen the physical and emotional health of people impacted by Parkinson’s.

Inova Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Center – Their multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychiatrists, neurophysiologists, and physical, occupational, and speech therapists has dedicated their careers to understanding and treating Parkinson’s disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia, Tic disorders, and more.

Parkinson Social Network – they provide a thorough list of support groups across Virginia. They also have a section dedicated to Alexandria and Fairfax County.

Griswold Can Help

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, we are here to help. At Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia East, we offer many different nonmedical care services. Our team has experience working with clients living with Parkinson’s. We can provide non-medical assistance such as mobility support, fall prevention, care that adapts to your changing needs, patience, and understanding.

Our Caregivers can provide respite care, if you need a short break, all the way up to 24-hour home care, for those who need support throughout the day and night. We provide home care services throughout Northeast Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can best help you. We can put together a personalized care plan and often have a Caregiver to your home within 24 hours.