Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and causes problems with muscle movement. Parkinson’s doesn’t go away, and the symptoms get worse over time. You can work with your family doctor and other professionals to slow the progress and manage Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s).
Specialized nerve cells in the brain make the chemical dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to help coordinate movement and coordination. In people who have Parkinson’s disease, these cells die or do not work properly. The level of dopamine produced decreases. This affects the person’s ability to control their movement normally. Tremors of the hands, arms, legs, feet, jaw, neck or face can cause embarrassment for some Parkinson’s patients and make them feel like they don’t want to leave home. However, staying active is the BEST way to slow the muscle degermation. It is imperative that Parkinson’s patients keep moving as long as it is safe to do so.
Bradykinesia is the slowed movements of muscles used to perform ADL’s. Getting out of a chair, feeding yourself, cutting your food, buttoning your clothes, these all may take longer with Parkinson’s, but it is imperative that care takers not take over. Let the person continue to TRY and take care of these personal needs, even if it takes longer than it used to. Caregiver patience and encouragement is a powerful pill.
Rigidity, or stiff muscles is also a symptom of Parkinson’s Disease which affect ADL’s. Getting up and down from the toilet, a kitchen chair, walking to the mailbox may all prove to be more difficult that in the past but if these tasks can be managed without a fall, then they should be attempted. The care giver can stand nearby, offer a hand when needed, but the muscles need to move to stay useful.
Posture and balance are also ADL’s that are affected by Parkinson’s. Walking, sitting up straight and standing should be done with care, but should also be attempted independent and daily for as long as safely possible. Using a walker or cane, an elastic supportive back brace, extra pillows for support while sitting and handrails in restrooms and showers are simple aids that can foster independence and encourage muscle use.
Other daily living activities that need to be encouraged daily to keep Parkinson’s patients active are handwriting, making facial movements and grasping objects. Some examples to work fine motor muscles for an adult would be drawing or coloring, using clay or playdough, using scissors to clip coupons or comics, assembling a jig saw puzzle or knitting. Keeping the hands moving as much as possible is key to slowing muscle degeneration.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. But medicines and physical therapy can help control the symptoms. They often produce very good results, especially in the earlier stages of the disease. Your doctor will recommend the best treatment for you. Never underestimate the power of exercise, encouragement and daily tasks to keep your mind and body healthy, even with a life changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
Living with a chronic illness can be frustrating and discouraging. Parkinson’s will gradually get worse. You will eventually have trouble with simple tasks. These include walking, talking, and eating, among many others. It is common for people with Parkinson’s to develop depression. Antidepressant medicines are available and can help with your depression symptoms. If you’ve been feeling persistently sad or hopeless, call your doctor. There is help available.
Joining a support group can be particularly helpful for Parkinson’s patients. It is helpful to have people around you who know exactly what you’re going through. It is also a good idea to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and stay as active as you can.
Dr. Ricardo Martinez
Dr. Ricardo Martinez is an internist in Naples, FL and is affiliated with NCH Baker Hospital. He received his medical degree from Superior Institute of Medical Sciences of Santiago de Cuba and has been in practice 20 years. He also speaks multiple languages, including Spanish. He specializes in hospital medicine, ambulatory care and is experienced in hospice and palliative medicine, bariatric medicine, diabetes mellitus, food allergy, and infectious disease.
As of March 16th, 2020, Dr. Martinez has founded Well-Being Medical center in Naples Florida. He is looking forward to providing Medical care within primary care settings and urgent care service throughout the Naples Florida area.
Well-Being Medical Center
239-315-7801
www.well-beingmedicalcenter.org
851 5th Ave. N. Suite 102, Naples, FL 34102