Caring for those with Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease is an age-related degenerative brain condition characterized by tremors, rigidity, problems moving body, poor posture (leaning too much forward or to the right or left sides), slow shuffling gait, difficulty speaking, drooling, confusion, restlessness, nightmares and hallucinations.
It is a chronic and progressive neurological disease. Causes may be due to traumatic brain injuries, exposure to toxic materials or inherited.
A medical assessment performed by a neurologist or geriatrician with lab tests and imaging is needed to confirm a diagnosis of Parkinson’s. Following diagnosis, some patients live 10-20 years with appropriate medical care, therapies and supportive families and caregivers.
There are different stages of Parkinson’s disease: Stage 1 is mild and doesn’t interfere with daily activities. At stage 2, symptoms worsen and more assistance will be required. Stage 3 symptoms (fatigue, different walking gaits, difficulty forming and speaking words correctly, depression, memory loss, and mental and behavioral changes) become severe and 24-hour care is required. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may present such as loss of bodily functions and inability to eat. Caregivers are needed for 24-hour coverage.
Parkinson’s cannot be cured and there is no treatment that slows or stops its progression. Treatments include medications, surgery and supportive therapies such as diet, exercise, speech, and occupational and physical therapy. Medications help control symptoms. Physical therapy helps with balance and coordination and decreases loss of muscle use and rigidity.
Tips for client, families and caregivers:
• Be patient with self and caregivers. Caregivers, be patient.
• Be observant of symptoms and emergence of new symptoms.
• Stay educated on the disease, research and new therapies.
• Set realistic goals.
• Don’t schedule too many activities at one time or in one day.
• Allow client to take frequent breaks, rest periods and naps.
• Speak at a tone of voice that the client understands.
• Avoid spicy and processed foods in the client’s diet. Include antioxidant-rich foods such as berries (strawberries, raspberries and blueberries). Eat fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods such as legumes and beans.
• Take medications as prescribed by health care provider(s) at ordered times of day.
• Exercise to strengthen cardiovascular system and legs at least three times a week for 30 minutes early in the day.
• Get involved in relaxing activities – yoga, meditation and muscle relaxation techniques. Get a massage.
• Use alcohol and caffeine sparingly.
• Maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Practice calming activities before bedtime.
• Make the home user-friendly and handicapped accessible to avoid injuries.
• When needs of client change, consider increasing hours of caregiving or moving to another level of care (assisted living, long term care or nursing home).
• Become a part of a support network that deals with families of loved ones with Parkinson’s disease, a family caregivers’ support group. Utilize community and national resources.
• Evaluate driving abilities every six months and consider not driving.
• When traveling, take snacks, aids to support extremities and make necessary stops for stretching and a breath of fresh air.
Live and enjoy your life to the fullest.
Resources: www.parkinson.org (800-473-4636) and www.parkinsonalliance.org (800-579-8440).
