Managing 6 symptoms of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative disorder that primarily affects the motor skills of those who suffer from it. The disease progresses gradually and causes impairments over the course of time. Consult a neurologist and schedule regular checkups, because the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be controlled with medication. As a caregiver for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease, it is important for you to know the symptoms and how to manage them so you can keep your loved one comfortable and happy.

1. Tremors

These are rhythmic, shaking movements similar to a mild seizure. Tremors usually happen at rest and generally subside with activity. Any part of the body can get affected but they are most common in the hands and fingers, making it difficult to do daily activities like eating and holding a drink. Tremors can be controlled with prescription medication, so you can plan meal times when the tremors are in control. You can also use spill proof cups with lids and straws to prevent spillage.

2. Stiffness

This is very frustrating and uncomfortable for a person with Parkinson’s disease. It can lead to insomnia and tiredness since the muscles are rigid. In order to manage this, it is best not to keep still for a long time as movement helps flex the muscles. Short walks, stretches and other physical therapy that involves the stimulation of muscles must be done on a regular basis. Squeezing a stress ball, using heat pads and taking warm baths can also help relax the muscles.

3. Problems with Balance

People with Parkinson’s disease can experience balance issues, which puts them at high risk for falls. It is very important to prevent falls by keeping the surroundings clear of hazards. You can also install railings at the bedside, grab bars in the bathroom and use non-slip mats. Using assistive devices such as a cane or walker can help keep balance when moving around. Sometimes your loved one may resist using an assistive device because it makes them feel like they are losing their independence. Be patient with them and help them adapt to the change. Do not force them to use the device. Instead, keep it in an easy-to-reach spot and let them know that it is there for additional support. You can be creative and bring some humor into the situation by naming the device, so you do not call it a cane or walker. For example, you can name a walker “Johnny”, so you can encourage your loved one by saying, “Take Johnny with you when you go for a walk”. The idea is to provide the required support for your loved one, so they can continue to do what they enjoy doing, and minimizing the risk of falling.

4. Difficulty Swallowing

It is not uncommon to have difficulty swallowing with Parkinson’s disease. In fact, many people experience it within the first few months of diagnosis. Swallowing problems pose a high choking risk and must not be taken lightly. Take a close look at the foods you are feeding your loved one; are you feeding foods that are too hard to chew? Is there too much sauce or spice in the food? Are you feeding too fast? Avoid foods that may cause trouble swallowing. For example, try not to feed foods with large pieces of meat or large amounts of cheese. Foods with a high liquid content such as watermelon can also be risky, because there is solid and liquid in the mouth at the same time. People with Parkinson’s disease can sometimes choke on thin liquids such as water, juice and milk, so you may need to use a thickener to thicken the consistency for them to swallow it without choking. If your loved one has swallowing problems, ask the doctor for a referral to a Speech Therapist, who can assess your loved one by giving them different types of foods to try and then providing recommendations on what to avoid.

5. Impaired Speech

Remember that Parkinson’s Disease degenerates the muscles, which includes muscles of the face, mouth and throat, hence causing swallowing and speech problems. You may notice that your loved one speaks slowly and has difficulty finding words when communicating. Be patient, remain calm and try to understand what they want to communicate. They will appreciate your efforts and feel better about themselves. A speech therapist can work with your loved one to overcome these challenges.

6. Dementia

With the progression of Parkinson’s disease, Dementia is one of the most complex symptoms. In short, Dementia is a progressive deterioration of cognitive functions including memory, thinking ability, and language. Your loved one may experience memory loss, hallucinations and aggressive behaviour. Dementia is one of the most challenging conditions, not only for the person who has it, but also for caregivers, family and friends. Some of the things you can do to manage dementia is to use brain stimulation exercises, have conversations about their favorite memories, and encourage socialization with friends and family. Most importantly, be patient and learn as much as you can about how to manage dementia.

Visit Parkinson’s Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada to learn more and join support groups in your area. Remember that you are not alone. Participating in a support group will help keep you optimistic as you care for your loved one.

Are you currently living with or caring for someone who has Parkinson’s disease? What are some of the challenges you are facing and what have you done to overcome them? Please share them in the comments below.