Parkinson's Treatment

Parkinson’s can be a devastating disease. It is a motor system disorder , which is a type of neurological condition. Historically called “the shaking palsy,” Parkinson’s Disease involves symptoms such as trembling, stiffness, slow movement, poor balance and coordination. Symptoms can come on very gradually and ultimately become quite severe and crippling, especially in the elderly. For sufferers looking into assisted living housing, it is important to understand the disease and to find retirement communities that can meet the needs of a resident with Parkinson’s.

With more than 50,000 Americans diagnosed every year, Parkinson’s is a serious illness. Over the last 25 years the disease has garnered more attention with the public announcements that “The Greatest” boxer of all time, Muhummad Ali and actor Michael J. Fox both suffer from Parkinson’s.

It is believed that the disease is caused by a combination of genetic factors with one or more environmental triggers, such as head injuries, viruses, pesticides or oxidative stress. It is more prevalent in men than in women and rates of onset increase greatly with age. Most people show no symptoms before middle age. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease and is not fatal, but sufferers may die from complications associated with the condition.

The most obvious Parkinson’s symptom is tremors and trembling, which is caused by wildly firing nerve cells. In a healthy brain, nerve cells produce dopamine , a chemical that helps produce muscle movements that are smooth. In a Parkinson’s brain, most of the cells producing dopamine are damaged. Also unusual in the brain of a person with Parkinson’s is the presence of Lewy bodies. These are clumps of protein that should not be there, although their role in the disease is still not fully understood.

Diagnosing Parkinson’s is not as straightforward as with some other conditions. There is no laboratory test or blood test that can conclusively give a positive result. Doctors rely on medical history, observed symptoms and neurological exams. During these exams, doctors look at the patient’s emotional state, coordination, movement, balance, vision and general well being.

Although Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, there are several treatment options and they are highly individualized to the patient. In the early stages, treatment may not be needed. Doctors often begin treatment only when the symptoms begin to interfere with daily life. There are many different prescription drugs used to treat the disease, which stimulate the formation of dopamine. Some may be better for different patients, depending upon the side effects experienced. When drugs no longer work, patients may consider surgical options. Deep brain stimulation uses electrical impulses in target areas of the brain and neurotransplantation is an experimental treatment, which involves putting new cells into the diseased brain. Physical and occupational therapy are other options that can help relieve mild symptoms without medication or surgery.

Medical and therapeutic treatments are not the only things to consider when living with Parkinson’s disease. Whether living at home or in retirement communities, there are many aspects to daily care and treatment:

  • Eat healthy foods – consume plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy products, and whole grains
  • Treat depression – socialize with friends and family and, if necessary, see a doctor
  • Exercise – regular movement helps maintain muscle strength, improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and decrease the chance of constipation
  • Modify activities and routines – arrange furniture in a more useful way, use modified chairs, use no-slip tape on smooth surfaces
  • Deal with tremors – put weight on a trembling hand or foot to reduce it
  • Deal with eating problems – sit upright, eat small bites, chew completely and supplement with water
  • Improve speech – work with a speech therapist

When the disease has progressed to a certain point, living at home may no longer be an option. In-home health care can be quite costly when service is needed around the clock. Assisted living housing can be a good choice for many seniors with Parkinson’s disease. The security of living in a facility with 24-hour care can be very comforting, both mentally and physically. Indeed many affordable senior living programs can provide the type of care that is necessary for someone in the later stages of Parkinson’s including on-site nurses, 24-hour care, emergency services, and management of medical treatment. Also, sites that are specifically equipped to handle Parkinson’s patients should have therapy programs in place to help with exercise, mental illness, and diet. Social activities with other residents can also be very beneficial in this setting. Interactions with others can keep sufferers from becoming depressed and constant monitoring can help with detecting the progression of the disease.

When searching for assisted living programs, there are several questions to ask:

  • How is medication monitored, stored and administered?
  • Are there adequate handrails, elevators and disabled access?
  • How much assistance is provided for daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating and cleaning?
  • Is there an on-site nurse or physician available 24 hours a day?
  • Is there an ambulance for emergency needs?
  • Are there call buttons or pull cords in rooms for emergencies?
  • Are written and evaluated care plans provided for residents?
  • Is there a physical therapy program?
  • Are there social activities and outings planned for residents?
  • Is there security?

Finding the best place for those living with Parkinson’s disease is important to receiving the best treatment and care. Time should be spent deciding what residence is best equipped to care for, monitor, and treat the elderly who are suffering with this debilitating condition.