{"id":11451,"date":"2022-09-16T14:09:00","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T18:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carehop.ca\/?p=11451"},"modified":"2022-11-04T14:30:36","modified_gmt":"2022-11-04T18:30:36","slug":"help-for-older-people-with-parkinsons-disease","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carehop.ca\/fr\/blog\/help-for-older-people-with-parkinsons-disease\/","title":{"rendered":"Help for Older People with Parkinson\u2019s Disease"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=\u00a0\u00bb1″ admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbsection\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.17.6″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb hover_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0″ global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb theme_builder_area=\u00a0\u00bbpost_content\u00a0\u00bb sticky_enabled=\u00a0\u00bb0″]

Parkinson\u2019s disease is the world\u2019s fastest-growing neurological disease<\/a>. According to statistics, over 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson\u2019s, with 25 more diagnosed every day<\/a>. By 2031, this number is expected to rise to more than 50 people per day<\/a>.<\/p>\n

In addition, studies have shown that the prevalence of Parkinson\u2019s in Canadians aged 85 years and older is 169 times greater than in those aged 40-44 year<\/a>s, making it a growing concern among older Canadians.<\/p>\n

As Parkinson\u2019s is a progressive disease, it will only worsen over time, severely affecting the person\u2019s ability to move or perform basic daily tasks. People in the later stages of this disease will not be able to live independently and require full-time support.<\/p>\n

What is Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/h2>\n

Parkinson\u2019s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system. It commonly presents itself in the form of motor control symptoms, such as tremors in one hand. However, other non-motor symptoms, such as depression, bladder dysfunction, and excessive daytime sleepiness, can become apparent long before motor control issues are noticeable.<\/p>\n

Many medical experts believe that Parkinson\u2019s disease is the result of nerve cell damage in the brain, causing a drop in dopamine. This neurotransmitter chemical helps transfer messages from our brains to our muscles. When our ability to produce dopamine on demand is reduced or eliminated, the connection between the brain and muscles becomes limited, affecting our ability to move freely.<\/p>\n

Parkinson\u2019s disease symptoms can be slowed through medications that can act as a substitute for dopamine. However, there is currently no cure, and the condition may worsen.<\/p>\n

What are the five stages of Parkinson\u2019s disease?<\/h2>\n

Parkinson\u2019s disease is generally divided by the severity of the symptoms into five stages.<\/p>\n

Stage 1<\/h3>\n

During Stage 1 Parkinson\u2019s disease, the symptoms are relatively mild. They might not yet interfere with the person\u2019s lifestyle and daily routines. In most cases, symptoms are isolated to one side of the body.<\/p>\n

Stage 2<\/h3>\n

In Stage 2, the person will often notice muscle stiffness, tremors, trembling, and changes in facial expressions. These symptoms may be present on both sides of the body and make daily routines more difficult. There may also be changes in their posture and gait.<\/p>\n

Stage 3<\/h3>\n

The symptoms the person experiences during Stage 2 are much more noticeable during the middle stage of Parkinson\u2019s disease. The person might start walking with a shuffle or start having balance issues. Daily tasks may take more time to complete, but people in Stage 3 can generally still accomplish them independently.<\/p>\n

Stage 4<\/h3>\n

As the disease progresses into the later stages, the person may require a walker or other assistive device to stand. Muscle movements and reactions have also become severely diminished. Living alone is now more challenging and potentially dangerous, making in-home care a requirement<\/a> from this point forward.<\/p>\n

In stage 4, people start to experience great difficulty standing without using a walker or other assistive device. Muscle movements and reactions are also significantly diminished, making living alone challenging and potentially dangerous.<\/p>\n

Stage 5<\/h3>\n

A person in the final stage of Parkinson\u2019s disease will require around-the-clock care. They will experience extreme difficulty when trying to stand and may also be unable to control major and minor muscles. Speaking may also prove to be very challenging to someone in Stage 5.<\/p>\n

The timing of progressing through the five stages of Parkinson\u2019s disease will be different for everyone. However, the onset of Parkinson\u2019s dementia adds another layer of challenge requiring the person to receive specialized care.<\/p>\n

What is Parkinson’s disease dementia?<\/h2>\n

Lewy body dementia, a progressive cognitive disorder, is often associated with Parkinson’s disease. It’s estimated that 50 to 80 percent of people with Parkinson’s will develop symptoms associated with dementia<\/a>, such as:<\/p>\n