Parkinson’s is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects a large number of people, especially men and women over 60 years of age. After Alzheimer’s, it is the neurodegenerative disease with the highest incidence among the population and it is, in any case, an incurable disease. It is also difficult to diagnose in its early stages, something that is being improved, since early detection of Parkinson’s would considerably delay the health problems derived from this disease.
What is Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a disorder of neurons, which stop producing dopamine, a substance necessary for the proper functioning of the locomotor system. Therefore, the main consequence of Parkinson’s is the progressive loss of mobility, which can incapacitate the patient. But not the only one, since Parkinson’s patients also have sleep disturbances, difficulty chewing and swallowing, stiffness, urinary incontinence and depression.
The disease manifests itself with tremors in the hands, legs, arms, and jaw, with stiffness in some part of the body, initially only one side, slow movement, and coordination problems. From there, these symptoms increase in intensity until they paralyze the patient. As the causes of Parkinson’s are unknown and, furthermore, there is no cure, treatment is aimed at improving the patient’s quality of life and delaying the progression of motor deterioration as much as possible.
How to help someone with Parkinson’s
- As Parkinson’s progresses, the patient will lose autonomy and will need special attention. That is why it is important to know what we are facing and to know in advance the needs of that person. Safety at home is essential to prevent falls in these patients, since a fracture can cause the disease to progress more quickly. To do this, it is convenient to remove all obstacles that may hinder movement, especially carpets. It will also be necessary to adapt the bathroom so that the person with Parkinson’s disease maintains their autonomy for as long as possible.
- Tricks such as putting grab bars in the corridors to give him greater security, helping him with food, changing clothes with buttons for clothes with zippers, which are easier to use when moving difficult, and providing him with comfortable shoes without laces, are some of them. Of the measures that will facilitate the daily life of Parkinson’s patients.
- But if there is something essential in improving the quality of life of these patients, it is rehabilitation and the practice of moderate physical exercise. Something that contributes significantly, together with medication, to delay the decrease in mobility. Regular practice of exercises that stimulate gait and muscle strength have been shown to considerably improve the degenerative effects of Parkinson’s. Of course, these exercises must be supervised by a professional and adapted to the physical state of the patient.