Parkinson’s disease, in essence, is a type of movement disorder, which affects your brain and the nervous system. Like any other similar disease, it can tighten your muscles and, therefore, makes it impossible for you to walk properly. If you’re suffering from this ailment, you may also develop a risk of dementia and memory loss.
Now, here’s the thing. Parkinson’s disease is quite serious and can affect your overall health pretty gravely. Thus, most people suffering from this condition tend to live in a hospital under thorough care rather than being home alone. However, contrary to this popular thought, you can definitely stay on your own, as long as you know how to take care of yourself.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
As mentioned before, it’s a brain-related ailment, which is caused due to a low production of dopamine in the organ. Due to the absence of such an important hormone, it becomes almost impossible for your brain to coordinate your muscle movements. Having a lower level of dopamine can affect your mood and lead to cognitive issues as well.
The Common Symptoms You Should Know About
Parkinson’s disease doesn’t generally cause any symptoms at the earliest stage. Nevertheless, as it keeps developing, you’ll start seeing some vague yet prominent problems. These are –
- Slow-paced, stiff walking.
- Tremors affecting your face, legs, jaw, and arms.
- Having trouble in maintaining balance.
- Noticing a change in handwriting, and
- Unable to coordinate movement.
Eventually, the symptom of the ailment may get even worse and can develop into –
- Dementia and hallucination.
- Weight loss.
- Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea or constipation.
- Weight and memory loss.
- Having trouble with swallowing or chewing food, and
- Depression.
How To Live With Parkinson’s Disease?
Living with Parkinson’s disease, in truth, can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re alone. However, if you can follow some good practices, I think you’ll be fine. Here’s what you need to know in this regard.
- The first thing you need to do is change or improve your regular diet plan a little. For example, I’ll tell you to add more protein-based food in it, which, in turn, can be quite beneficial for your brain chemistry.
- By following a proper exercise routine, you can also keep your muscles pretty mobile and flexible. Working out regularly can also release various brain chemicals naturally. It, in turn, can boost your emotional well-being to some extent as well.
- Going through physical therapy can help you coordinate your movements again. On the other hand, you can also undergo a speech recovery procedure to communicate or talk with everyone properly. Do it for at least a month or two.
When Should You Take The Help Of Someone?
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured as of yet. However, if you follow the rules I have mentioned before, you can definitely improve your quality of life to some extent.
But, again, the disease will keep developing, no matter what you do. Hence, after a point, you will feel exhausted and it’ll seem like nothing is working out anymore.
In that case, it’ll be better for you to ask for someone to help you out. For example, hiring a homecare service can be an excellent option for you.
While you’re at it, make sure to check if the provider offers the following services or not. It will make or break your deal, so be careful.
- Homemaking.
- Offering companion care.
- Special care.
- Transportation.
- Safety supervision and mobility assistance.
In addition, make sure to ask them if they know about primary medical procedures or not. This way, they can tackle the medication-related road bumps and take care of your loved one properly.
Finalizing It Up!
Parkinson’s disease is quite difficult to tackle, especially for an elderly individual. Therefore, it’s always better to opt for someone who’s well-specialized in dealing with people in-need.
Just do enough research about them before hiring someone and learn about their – reputation, working procedure, and client handling properly.
Also, don’t forget to ask about the amount of money they are asking for. This way, it’ll be better for you to deal with your budget later on!
