What is Parkinson‘s disease?
Parkinson Disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.
Symptoms start gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common,but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
What are the sign & symptoms in PD?
Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You may rub your thumb and forefinger back and forth, known as a pill-rolling tremor. Your hand may tremble when it’s at rest.
Slowed movement (bradykinesia): Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be difficult to get out of a chair. You may drag your feet as you try to walk.
Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit your range of motion.
Impaired posture and balance: Your posture may become stooped, or you may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
Loss of automatic movements: You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes – You may speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Your speech may be more of a monotone rather than have the usual inflections.
Writing changes – It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.
How to manage daily routine activities in PD?
•House floor should be stable with non-skid surfaces. Use smooth carpet & rugs to create a safe walking surface & prevent fall.
• Use bed poll to help with rolling & getting up, install grab bar near the toilet, tub and shower.
• Store commonly used items in easily accessible drawers to avoid the need to reach or bend over to find them.
• Place items used for cooking such as spices, pots and pan near to stove, to avoid reaching over to stove and which may cause burn.
• Sit down while dressing. Choose a chair with firm support & arm. Sitting on edges of bed to dress can lead to loss of balance & fall.
What are the ways to handle emotional well-being in PD?
•Take a deep look at the positive aspects family, friends or a new or favourite hobby of your life and nurture them
• Build a network. Have people to emotionally support you and those who can help with basic needs, such as transportation, meal preparation etc
• Healthy behaviours, including attention to diet and regular moderate exercise can improve emotional well being
• Having a pet dog or cat may improve your emotional health.
How Patient can improve & maintain a speech?
• Speak slowly
• Look at the person while you are talking
• Use short phrases. Say one or two words or syllables per breath.
• Over-articulate your speech by prolonging the vowels and exaggerating the consonants.
• Choose a comfortable posture and position that provide support during long and stressful conversations.
• Plan periods of vocal rest before planned conversations or phone calls.
What are the different ways to diagnose Parkinson’s disease?
To analyze or diagnose Parkinson’s disease, you will be inquired about your medical narrative or record and family record of neurologic ailments as well as your prevailing symptoms, therapies, and possible exposure to poisons. Your physician will notice indications of tremor and muscle rigidity, contemplate your walk, check and survey your posture and coordination and notice for the slowness of activity.
If you believe you may possess Parkinson’s ailment, you should most probably see a neurologist, preferably a movement disorders-trained neurologist. The medication and treatment decisions made ahead in the ailment can influence the long-term achievement of the treatment.
What are the tips to manage diet in PD patients?
• Avoid “fad” diets.
• Choosing a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruits, which provide proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibre and complex carbohydrates will help to maintain good health.
• Limit sugar intake as they have too many calories and too few nutrients. Reduce salt and sodium intake to help decrease the risk of high blood pressure.
• Incorporating foods high in antioxidants into diet may help to improve overall brain health.
• Choosing a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol may help to reduce risk of heart disease and help to maintain a healthy weight.
• Drinking enough water and eating fibre-rich foods may ease digestive difficulties and constipation.
What deteriorates the condition of Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s indications and anxiety or stress. Although tremor, specifically, tends to deteriorate when a person is anxious or under stress, all the indications of Parkinson’s disease, including slowness, stiffness, and proportion problems, can deteriorate. Indications, particularly tremors, can come to be less responsive to therapy or drugs.
Is there a way that Parkinson’s disease be avoided?
Unfortunately, no. Parkinson’s disease is a long-term disorder that deteriorates over time. Although there is no means to stave off or alleviate the disorder (at this current minute in time), drugs and pills may considerably alleviate your indications. In some sufferers – particularly those with the later-stage disorder, surgery to stimulate symptoms may be an alternative.
