Roughly 60,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. If your senior loved one has recently been diagnosed, think about these six things people with Parkinson’s wish their physicians had told them.
1. Neurologists Aren’t All Parkinson’s Specialists
While neurologists are usually the type of doctors who handle Parkinson’s, not all of them have specialized knowledge of this disease. It’s recommended that seniors seek neurologists who have a deeper understanding of movement disorders.
2. The Side Effects of Parkinson’s Medications Can Be as Bad as the Symptoms
Parkinson’s reduces the creation of the chemical dopamine in the brain. This reduction in dopamine is why the disease causes movement problems. Because of the degenerative effects of Parkinson’s, seniors often take multiple medications to treat the wide variety of symptoms. However, these medications come at a cost. Some can cause insomnia, twitching, repetitive body movements, and occasional lack of appetite. It’s important to pinpoint which of the medications are helping and which may be causing harm.
If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Align Home Care Services, a trusted provider of Portland senior home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
3. Physical Therapy & Exercise Can Help with Symptoms
Intense exercise has been proven to help seniors manage Parkinson’s symptoms. However, doctors don’t often readily share this advice for reasons unknown. It’s good to know that exercising regularly can boost both mental and physical wellbeing.
Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of at-home care. You can rely on Align Home Care Services to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.
4. It Can Take Time to Figure Out the Best Treatment
Levodopa is the most commonly prescribed medication for Parkinson’s, but there are many other medications that can treat your loved one’s unique symptoms. It can take some time to find the unique combination of treatments that work for your loved one.
5. Not All Symptoms Are Neurological
Contrary to popular belief, Parkinson’s can cause more than just shaky hands and stiffness. It can also contribute to sleep and mood problems, constipation, and speech issues.
6. Keeping Family & Friends in the Loop Is Beneficial
Although some seniors may be hesitant to share their experiences with friends and family, having an informed support system can make all the difference. Keeping family members up to date can help seniors through difficult decisions and elicit emotional support along the way.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Portland, ME, Align Home Care Services is here to help. Our respite caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Call us today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality home care services.