Parkinson’s disease: It’s more than tremors

When you hear Parkinson’s Disease, what do you think? More than likely, you imagine the symptom most commonly associated with the illness: trembling in the hands, arms, legs, and face.

Although tremors are a common sign and symptom of Parkinson’s Disease, there are in fact many others:

• Stiffness or rigidity of muscles in the limbs and neck
• Lack of usual arm swing when walking
• The slowness of movement or freezing when attempting to move
• Unsteadiness and impaired balance and coordination
• Lack of natural facial expressions, blinking of the eyes, and eye contact
• Changes in speech including monotone and mumbling, and trouble swallowing
• The stooped posture that may appear similar to Osteoporosis

The progression of the disease varies by person, and the symptoms can occur frequently or infrequently and may be severe or mild.

Quick facts about Parkinson’s Disease:

• Parkinson’s is a disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting the nerve cells in the brain that send signals to initiate and control movement
• Affects more than 1.5 million Americans
• People with Parkinson’s Disease tend to be 60 and older
• The diagnosis can be devastating, but the illness is not life-threatening
• Through a progression of stages, Parkinson’s leads to disability

As with any life-changing illness, relationships with a spouse and adult children often become strained. Many families would prefer to focus their time on the relationship and offering emotional support. In these instances, a committed and caring home care service can provide the help needed for families to live their lives to the fullest.