As our bodies age, we, unfortunately, become more aware of their limitations. It can be harder to move than it used to be, you can experience soreness and stiffness you’re not used to, and daily tasks can become more taxing than you would like. However, you shouldn’t just write off these symptoms and chalk them up to aging as there could be a more serious underlying issue. You want to take care of your body as best as you can, and to do that you need to be well informed about why you are experiencing these symptoms. One reason you could be experiencing these difficulties with your body is because of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is extremely serious as it affects the motor system which is the part of the nervous system that controls movement. It causes the motor system to deteriorate over time which will lead to an increase in the severity of your Parkinson’s symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no way to reverse the effects or stop the progression of the disease, so those affected by this disease need to focus on being as comfortable as possible. Treatment is available to help alleviate some of the symptoms to make this time a little less difficult. If you believe you might be suffering from Parkinson’s, symptoms are the best way to help determine this. Below are some of the most common Parkinson’s symptoms.
1. Tremors
One of the most common and scary Parkinson’s symptoms is tremors. Tremors are when your body starts to shake uncontrollably, usually starting in the hand, arm, or leg. Tremors are most noticed when you are still and awake, which is why the unwanted movement can be so jarring. Often, tremors can progress into further loss of motor control, which is why you should seek medical help to provide some relief of this symptom.
2. Limited Movement and Difficulty Walking and Standing
One of the most frustrating Parkinson’s symptoms is limited movement and difficulty walking or standing. Seemingly simple tasks like getting out of bed can suddenly become a huge hurdle you have to face every morning. Walking can lessen to small steps or even shuffling to get around. Smaller movements can also become more taxing, such as writing or typing. You should also be aware that Parkinson’s can cause poor balance, which can result in tripping or falling.
3. Stiffness and Aching
While soreness is often the sign of a good work out, if you haven’t worked out and are still experiencing it, then this might be a sign of Parkinson’s. Along with soreness, you may experience stiffness or aches in joints or other parts of your body that can make moving around unpleasant. You should take note of house serious the stiffness and aching is, and especially if it begins to have an impact on your ability to carry out everyday activities.
4. Bent Posture
You may notice your posture isn’t as good as it used to be. This can be the result of muscle weakening, which can cause you to hunch over and have a more bent posture. Changes in your posture can affect your center of gravity, so you should be aware that falling and tripping is more likely as your balance is off.
5. Weakness of Facial and Throat Muscles
If you find that your voice is weakening; you’re drooling, coughing, or choking more easily than before, this might be a sign of muscle weakening. This can make showing emotion difficult, so you make have a blank expression on your face even if you are experiencing intense feelings. The effects of this go deeper as talking, eating, and drinking can become more difficult.
6. Sleeping Problems
Another common Parkinson’s symptom is having sleeping problems. This can range from daytime drowsiness to disturbances of REM sleep, to insomnia. You may find yourself awake at night, unable to sleep and tossing and turning in bed. You can also wake up in the middle of sleeping and be unable to get back to sleep. This will leave you feeling more tired in the day and the lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to common things you body used to be able to easily fight off.
6. Dementia
While many Parkinson’s symptoms are hard to accept and deal with, the most damaging one bar far is Dementia. Dementia affects your ability to think, your ability to recall and create memories, your ability to take care of yourself, and it can have an impact on your personality. However, while this symptom is significant and life-changing, it usually doesn’t develop until the later stages of Parkinson’s.
What to Do if You Are Diagnosed With Parkinson’s?
If you are diagnosed with Parkinson’s, everything about your life can change. Not only does the disease cause a physical toll on your body, there is also emotional turmoil that surrounds dealing with this disease. As the disease progress and you find taking care of yourself to be more difficult, you should seek out Parkinson’s disease in-home care to help take care of you. They are there to help you in any way they can, emotionally and physically, and they are also there to help support your loved ones through this difficult time. You should never have to go through this time alone, so an in-home care personnel will be by your side every step of the way. Make this time as easy as possible for yourself and hire a Parkinson’s disease in-home care service, because they have the knowledge, skill, and compassion to help support you.
