Early Signs of Parkinson’s Disease in Seniors

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately one million older people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease. Each year, 90,000 new diagnoses are made. In most cases, symptoms of the illness begin slowly, but progress over time.

In this blog, let’s delve into Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms, and how you can help an older loved one cope with the challenges it brings to daily life.

What Causes Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is caused by damage to nerve cells in the basal ganglia area of the brain. These nerve cells produce an important chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement.

Seniors with Parkinson’s also lose the ability to produce norepinephrine, an important chemical messenger in the body’s sympathetic nervous system that regulates heart rate, and blood pressure.

Other lesser-known symptoms include:

• Dementia.
• Depression or anxiety.
• Increasing difficulty with swallowing, chewing, and speaking.
• Incontinence.
• Skin issues.

Should you notice your loved one experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to their doctor right away. Although there are no specific blood or lab tests to diagnose Parkinson’s, a complete neurological exam can be a great help in getting an accurate diagnosis.

Deep Brain Stimulation

This procedure involves the insertion of electrodes into the part of the brain that controls movement. The electrodes are connected to a device implanted in the chest. Painless stimulation is sent to the brain, which has been shown to reduce or stop tremors.

Additional Therapies

Other measures can be taken to help manage symptoms associated with Parkinson’s.

• Physical, occupational, or speech therapy.
• A nutritious, well-balanced diet.
• Exercise to maintain flexibility.
• Massage & Yoga.