Being diagnosed with Parkinson’s can bring up a lot of emotions for you and your loved ones. Feelings of distress, denial, fear, and shock are often the most common when it comes to coping with the diagnosis. Each person experiences stages and emotions in their own order, at their own pace. Remember, everything you feel is normal.
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement and may include tremors. Leading up to a diagnosis, individuals may experience symptoms or early signs of PD such as noticeable tremors in one hand, slow movement, or loss of balance. Other early-stage symptoms that have been reported include stiffness in arms while walking, slurred or softer speech, inability to show facial expressions, and swallowing issues.
Parkinson’s Disease may affect people differently, but the main similarity in those with PD is the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the brain area known as the substantia nigra. Scientists and physicians believe that the cause of Parkinson’s is a combination of lifestyle, genetic, and environmental factors.
While studying individuals with Parkinson’s, it was found that genetics cause about 10 to 15 percent of diagnoses. Scientists have discovered gene mutations that may be linked to the nervous system disorder. The research and findings are a little more complex regarding environmental factors. According to The Parkinson’s Foundation, some environmental exposures may lower the risk of PD, and others may increase the risk.
Environmental risk factors include head injury, occupation, metal exposure, pesticide, and herbicide exposure. Other risk factors include age and gender, as PD is more common in men over age 60.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, it can be a lot to take in. As we mentioned, the symptoms may be different for each person, but strategies for physically and emotionally coping with a Parkinson’s diagnosis is crucial to everyday living.
If you would like to learn new strategies for your emotional and physical health, here are some tips:
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, symptoms may worsen, and it can affect your daily routines, which is why it’s important to incorporate daily doses of high-intensity exercise and learn coping strategies early on in your journey. In later stages of PD, assistance may be required for some individuals and Home Care Connectors can help throughout any stage of diagnosis. Our in-home caregivers have the experience, compassion, and knowledge to work with even the most progressive cases of the nervous system disorder.
Since Parkinson’s Disease affects motor skills and balance, our caregivers are able to recognize Parkinson’s tremors and other symptoms so that we can best maintain your loved one’s daily routine, exercise, and diet.
Our team can create a customized plan that meets the needs of your loved one. Please call us today or fill out the form below to learn more and schedule a consultation.
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