Awareness for Parkinson’s in the Poconos

Did you know that Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative condition after Alzheimer’s?

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, a time to recognize and support the many individuals living with Parkinson’s in the Poconos and East Stroudsburg areas. Parkinson’s disease is more common than many people realize. Nearly 90,000 people are newly diagnosed each year, and according to the Parkinson’s Prevalence Project supported by the Parkinson’s Foundation, 1.2 million people in the U.S. are projected to be living with Parkinson’s by 2030.

At Griswold Home Care for the Poconos, we provide non-medical home care for seniors who want to remain independent and safe at home. Through our care, we have supported many older adults living with Parkinson’s and their families. This April, we are committed to raising awareness, sharing helpful information, highlighting local resources, and explaining how Griswold can help if you or a loved one is noticing early signs or is currently living with Parkinson’s disease.

Early Signs for Parkinson’s

Parkinson’s disease is progressive, meaning symptoms worsen over time, but early signs can be subtle and easy to miss. Here’s a quick guide on what to look for if you’re concerned about Parkinson’s in yourself or a loved one:

Early non-motor signs include:

• Constipation
• Loss of sense of smell
• REM sleep disorder

Early motor signs include:

• Changes in handwriting, especially writing that becomes smaller and more cramped
• Slowness of movement, often affecting one side of the body more than the other
• Subtle changes in walking, such as a slight dragging of one leg
• Tremor, especially a slow, resting tremor that typically affects one side more than the other

What causes Parkinson’s?

While there is no single known cause of Parkinson’s disease, several factors may contribute to its development. Understanding these can help families and individuals feel informed about the reasons someone might develop Parkinson’s.

Genetics

Genetics accounts for about 10 to 15% of all Parkinson’s cases. Researchers have identified dozens of gene mutations linked to the disease. Learn more about how genetics affects Parkinson’s here.

Environmental Factors

Environmental risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include head injury, area of residence, exposure to pesticides, and more. Discover how these environmental factors may play a role in Parkinson’s.

What causes Parkinson’s movement symptoms?

Many people associate Parkinson’s disease with shaking or tremors. This is because Parkinson’s affects dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the brain responsible for controlling movement, emotions, and sensations of pleasure and pain. In Parkinson’s disease, the cells that produce dopamine gradually die off. As the disease progresses, dopamine loss leads to increasing difficulty with movement.

Local Resources in the Poconos

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s in the Poconos, local support is available.

Monroe County Parkinson’s Pocono Support Group: Meets at Monroe Hall, East Stroudsburg University, every 3rd Friday of the month from 12–3 PM.

American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA): The largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease, helping people with Parkinson’s live life to the fullest.

National Parkinson’s Foundation: Committed to improving lives through better care and advancing research toward a cure, building on the passion of the global Parkinson’s community.

Griswold Can Help

At Griswold, we understand that finding care for your loved ones requires compassion, professionalism, and experience. We have supported families across Stroudsburg, Tannersville, and the Poconos, helping their loved ones, whether facing Parkinson’s disease, recovering from an injury, or dealing with other health challenges, live with dignity and independence.

Caring for someone with Parkinson’s can be demanding and overwhelming at times, but your loved ones are in good hands with us. Our Caregivers can assist with mobility, provide medication reminders, and offer companionship to help maintain quality of life at home. Our team is ready to provide the support you need, whether it’s a few hours a week, overnight, or 24-hour care. Contact us today to discuss a customized care plan.