What Are The Final Stages of Parkinson's Disease?
Regular Post
Written by webtechs

What Are The Final Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder, and its final stages can vary from person to person. The disease typically advances over many years, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely. In the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, individuals may experience significant challenges in motor function, cognition, and daily activities. Here are some common characteristics associated with the final stages of Parkinson’s disease:

  1. Severe Motor Impairment:

    • Rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), and tremors can become extremely pronounced. Individuals may experience difficulty initiating and executing movements, leading to severe immobility.

  2. Postural Instability:

    • Balance and postural stability are significantly compromised, increasing the risk of falls. Individuals may require assistance or mobility aids for walking and may spend much of their time in a wheelchair or bed.

  3. Difficulty Swallowing and Eating:

    • As Parkinson’s disease progresses, swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) may arise. This can lead to an increased risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airways), malnutrition, and weight loss.

  4. Speech and Communication Challenges:

    • Speech may become very soft, slurred, or difficult to understand. Communication challenges can impact social interactions and daily interactions with caregivers.

  5. Cognitive Decline:

    • In the advanced stages, cognitive impairment may become more pronounced. Some individuals may experience dementia, with difficulties in memory, reasoning, and decision-making.

  6. Psychiatric Symptoms:

    • Psychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and hallucinations may occur. Changes in mood and behavior can be challenging for both the individual with Parkinson’s and their caregivers.

  7. Autonomic Dysfunction:

    • Autonomic dysfunction may manifest as problems with blood pressure regulation, urinary dysfunction, and gastrointestinal issues.

  8. Medication Challenges:

    • Managing medications can become complex, and there may be challenges in achieving optimal symptom control. Adjustments to medication regimens may be needed to address changing symptoms and needs.

  9. Increased Dependency:

    • Individuals with advanced Parkinson’s disease often become increasingly dependent on caregivers for activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, and toileting.

  10. Caregiver Support:

    • The role of caregivers becomes crucial in providing physical and emotional support. Home care or hospice services may be considered to provide specialized care and support for both the individual and their caregivers.

It’s important to note that the progression of Parkinson’s disease is highly individual, and not everyone will experience all of these symptoms. Additionally, advancements in medical care and palliative support can help improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease in the later stages.

As the disease progresses, open communication with healthcare professionals, including neurologists, palliative care specialists, and support from a multidisciplinary care team, is essential to address the evolving needs of individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their families.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

  • Parkinson’s Disease Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • American Parkinson’s Disease Association: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/
  • National Parkinson Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Assisted Living At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

More Articles About Senior Living

Senior Living
,
0
What Are The Final Stages of Parkinson's Disease?
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Dealing With Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It is caused by the loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells produce a chemical called dopamine, which helps control movement. When these cells die, the level of dopamine in the brain decreases, which leads to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can vary from person to person and can gradually worsen over time. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Tremors: Involuntary shaking, usually in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face
  • Rigidity: Stiffness of the muscles
  • Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement
  • Postural instability: Difficulty with balance and coordination
  • Freezing: Episodes of immobility
  • Speech problems: Slow, slurred speech
  • Depression
  • Sleep problems
  • Cognitive decline

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. The most common treatment is medication, which can help improve the symptoms of tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Other treatments include surgery, physical therapy, and speech therapy.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but there are many things that can be done to make life easier. Here are some tips:

  • Stay active. Exercise can help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for overall health and well-being.
  • Manage stress. Stress can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
  • Stay connected with others. Social support can help you cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease.
  • Join a support group. Support groups can provide you with information, support, and understanding from others who are living with Parkinson’s disease.

Coping with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but there are many things that can be done to make life easier. Here are some tips:

  • Stay active. Exercise can help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility. It can also help reduce stress and improve mood. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help reduce inflammation and improve overall health. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is important for overall health and well-being. Most adults need around 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  • Manage stress. Stress can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, or spending time with loved ones.
  • Stay connected with others. Social support can help you cope with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. Join a support group or connect with others online.
  • Take care of your mental health. Parkinson’s disease can sometimes lead to depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these problems.
  • Be patient with yourself. It takes time to adjust to living with Parkinson’s disease. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have setbacks. Just keep moving forward and don’t give up.

Here are some additional resources that may be helpful:

  • Parkinson’s Disease Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • American Parkinson’s Disease Association: https://www.apdaparkinson.org/
  • National Parkinson Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
  • Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

Assisted Living At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

More Articles About Senior Living

Senior Living
,
0
What Are The Final Stages of Parkinson's Disease?
Regular Post
Written by Brian B

Levels Of Care For Elderly

Independent, assisted and memory care are the three most popular levels of care for the elderly. What are the other levels and how do they differ from the aforementioned living arrangements? 

What Are The Levels Of Care For The Elderly?

There are six different common levels of care for today’s seniors. From in-home care all the way to nursing home care, a detailed look at each level is included below.

1. In-Home Care

Often referred to as “aging in place”, in-home care is intended for seniors who require help in and around their own home. These individuals will need daily check-ins and help with medication/personal care. Yet, these seniors will still possess the mental and physical capabilities to survive on their own. 

The in-home care benefits are obvious, including the ability of the senior to stay home in a comfortable environment. This level of care, though, does not tend to last a long time. Seniors receiving in-home care typically move on to either independent or assisted living care shortly thereafter. 

2. Independent Living

Independent living is plainly a housing arrangement for seniors who are the age of 55 or older. Housing for seniors will vary in types such as free standing homes, retirement communities, and apartment living. Senior housing will have a friendly atmosphere, more compact, and they are designed to let seniors get around more easily and all landscape and/or maintenance is done for them.

Typically, communities for independent living will offer its residents numerous activities and programs, other services as well as amenities. Independent living housing often has a recreational center and/or clubhouse that will allow seniors to interact with other seniors. Independent living may also have community participation in movie nights, arts and crafts, holiday gatherings, and other types of activities.

3. Assisted Living

An assisted living facility is one in which its residents largely lead their lives independently. They do get a little assistance for needs that differ from person to person, possibly with mobility, meal planning, transportation, hygiene or medication. You might be ready for assisted living if it is becoming hard or dangerous for you to go up and down the stairs at home or if driving is starting to get risky.

Assisted living can be in a residential-type neighborhood or large building. Some facilities allow pets and can also consist of laundry as part of the rent or for an extra fee. 

4. Respite Care

Perhaps your loved one is a bit apprehensive about transitioning into assisted or independent communities. This is exactly where respite care comes into play. This care is specifically designed for seniors in flux regarding their future care options. Respite care could last anywhere from a month to a full year. Essentially, this care is seen as a test run to gauge what type of care you’ll need in the future. 

5. Memory Care

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are very common types of memory loss conditions that will be included in memory care. This is a specialized care that will go through different services that will depend on the severity of the symptoms like requiring secure settings to prevent wandering. Memory care will go well beyond what is normally offered in assisting living. Housekeeping, meal preparation, and laundry services are often provided but the level of assistance with daily activities are increased. 

When it comes to being able to recognize care challenges for people who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, these communities may just provide memory care or for continuing care communities which may provide a neighborhood just for memory care. Often times, it is these communities that will have certain design elements that lower stress for those who have dementia or Alzheimer’s.

6. Nursing Home

This is, without a doubt, the most concentrated living situation for seniors. Nursing home care provides more invasive caregiving than other care alternatives. Any senior who requires frequent hospitalizations, with worsening conditions, should consider nursing home care. 

Assisted Living At Desert Winds Retirement In Peoria, Arizona 

If you are searching for a memory care facility in Peoria, Arizona, Desert Winds Retirement Community is the facility for you! Travel over to our memory care page to see pictures find out more about our facility, amenities, floor plans and more.

More Articles About Senior Living

Senior Living
,
2