A Guide to Help Cope With a Life-Altering Parkinson's Diagnosis

Parkinson’s disease is a neuromuscular degenerative disorder that robs those afflicted of their motor functions over time. The average age of a Parkinson’s diagnosis is around 60, although younger individuals can also be diagnosed with the disease. Cases such as those are known as Early Onset Parkinson’s Disease.

Patients with an undiagnosed condition will start to notice things such as slight tremors or trouble grasping and holding onto objects. They may have tremors in the chin or lips along with uncontrollable twitching in the limbs, mainly the legs. Smaller handwriting that crowds a page is usually a sign of Parkinson’s as well, along with a loss of smell and increased mobility issues. They may also experience freezing of the facial muscles and the arms and legs, as well as a decreased blink rate. 

In Parkinson’s disease, the afflicted individual loses motor function over time. It is a neuromuscular degenerative disorder that causes bradykinesia, resting tremors, and rigid musculature. It starts on one side of the body and gradually migrates to the other side. In order to predict the day a fall may occur, it is necessary to catalog how the symptoms advance, which isn’t difficult since the disease progresses slowly. Many of the reasons for a fall cannot be anticipated, even if working closely with a physical therapist. Once Parkinson’s disease is suspected, get in touch with a physician who can perform a neurological test and see if there is any response to a prescribed Parkinson’s drug.

Physically, people start out physically fit. Gradually, however, their range of motion is lost, especially in the neck and back. It becomes difficult to maintain an active lifestyle due to the freezing, tremors, changes in balance, slowness, and reduced muscle strength. It was previously thought that a sedentary lifestyle would reduce the risk of falling, but research has shown this is not the case. 

Two schools of exercise have evolved that show the value of physical activity in slowing the progression of Parkinson’s and maintaining the patient’s physical health. It has also been suggested that the symptoms may slow down more if the exercise program is vigorous. However, the person should not overexert themselves; if they hurt themselves and have to rest, it could hasten the progression of symptoms. Studies have revealed that a sedentary lifestyle increases the risks for other conditions as well. 

• First fall: An inevitable occurrence of the disease’s symptoms is a spill or tumble. A person can never fully prepare for a fall; you can only hope it is not a bad spill. The first step in preparation is having an emergency plan. If you do not have a caregiver, enlist the help of people who are reliable and easily available. Emergency personnel and police can be alerted by using a wearable emergency communication device.
• Mobility: Use balance aids such as walkers and canes in order to avoid a spill after the onset of tremors. These can be used for any physical activity, and they can also increase one’s confidence. There are various types of balance aids that can be used, so it’s best to consult a physical therapist or doctor to determine which is needed. To mitigate the possibility of a fall, prepare your home by making it safer: keep a phone close by at all times; place grab bars or handrails throughout various parts of the home; install hardwood floors to lower the risk of tripping, and use duct tape to secure electronic cords to the floor.
• Oral care: One of the more debilitating and dangerous non-motor symptoms is difficulty associated with speaking, movement of the facial muscles, swallowing, and chewing. There is also a risk of choking, and possible aspiration of saliva and food particles may cause lung infections. Dry mouth is another issue. Further damage to dentition may occur since the plaque hardens quickly, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely.

For this new and difficult chapter in life, an individual will have to make changes, accommodations, and new routines, but they can still live their life to the fullest.