7 TIPS TO TAKE CARE FROM PARKINSON'S

DISEASE

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE?

Parkinson’s disease is known primarily as a disorder that

impairs movement. Coping with dementia, including difficulties

with memory and slowed thinking or communication.

Parkinson's disease can affect many aspects of a person's daily

life. However, with careful planning and activity moderation, the

effects of Parkinson's can become much less stressful and

intrusive.

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Tremor: Not all persons with PD develop tremor, but this is a common symptom. The tremor is described as a "pill rolling" action of the hand/fingers, usually most pronounced at rest, and may lessen with action, or movement. Tremor often starts on one side of the body—usually with the hand—but may also involve the arms, feet, legs, and chin.

Rigidity or Stiffness: In addition to making movement difficult, stiffness can also cause muscle aches. This symptom often is initially attributed to arthritis or pain syndromes and persons often seek medical attention for "frozen shoulder" symptoms or "tennis elbow" and other orthopedic complaints.

Slow Movement, Loss of Movement : Symptoms present with a decreased arm swing on one side, or decreased ability to perform usual motor tasks at usual speeds. They can lose the ability to make normal facial expression appearing "mask-like" to the person they are talking with.

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Symptoms

7 TIPS TO TAKE CARE FROM PARKINSON’S

DISEASE

Although there are no specific tests for Parkinson's

disease, there are several ways of making a diagnosis.

Usually a diagnosis is based on a neurological exam that

covers evaluation of the symptoms and their severity.

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TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF.

Make sure you have time to

relax. If necessary, enlist the help

of other family members or even

hire someone to assist you in

providing care.

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SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR

LOVED ONE.

Don't attempt to do

everything. By setting

attainable goals, you are

setting everyone up for

success rather than

disappointment.

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AVOID EXTREME PHYSICAL ACTIVITY.

Do not push, pull, or lift heavy

objects (more than 10 pounds)

that require you to strain.

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DON’T OVERLOAD THEM.

Having Parkinson’s disease slows down all physical

and mental responses. As a result, those with

Parkinson’s cannot multi-task in the same way

others can. Overloading their brains will result in

freezing or other motion difficulties. For example, if

someone with Parkinson’s is walking, you don’t want

to offer a greeting to her. In her effort to understand

your greeting and offer one in return, she will likely

stop moving and then be unable to resume.

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It’s important to keep vocal chords

stretched, so encourage people with

Parkinson’s to speak loudly. By

encouraging them to speak loudly,

they will go through the motions and

maintain their vocal abilities for as

long as possible. Those with

Parkinson’s develop an altered

perception of their body and physical

movement. Although they will feel

they are speaking at an inappropriate

volume, they will not be able to speak

too loud.

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ENCOURAGE THEM TO BE LOUD.

FOSTER A GOOD RELATIONSHIP

Lastly, maintaining your relationship and communication with the person with Parkinson's can be the most challenging and rewarding aspect of caregiving. As Parkinson's disease progresses, the roles change and the person with Parkinson's may go from being an independent head of the household to a very dependent person requiring a significant level of care. However, research shows that despite high levels of strain, caregivers with good quality relationships have reduced depression and better physical health.

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visit www.healthheal.in