Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the mechanisms of movement control. In this context, it follows that early diagnosis and proper care will help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life in patients who are diagnosed with PD.
Early Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
The earliest symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be identified to provide for timely intervention. The common early symptoms are:
- Tremor: Sudden shaking, typically involving hands or fingers, sometimes described as a motion to roll pills. Medic Signal Blog
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement: Slowly but gradually slowing down spontaneous movement so that everyday routine presents a problem and takes much longer than usual. Medical News Today
- Dystonia: Rigidity of the limbs and trunk causes discomfort and restricts the range of movement. Ochsner Blog
- Postural Instability or impairment of balance and coordination which increases falls. Ochsner Blog
- Micrographia: Handwriting may become microscopic with tiny, cramped letters. Manhattan Medical Arts
- Hyposmia or Loss of Smell: A greatly reduced sense of smell. Motor symptoms often begin after this symptom. Manhattan Medical Arts
- Sleep Disturbance: Conditions such as insomnia, restless legs syndrome, or vivid dreams. Manhattan Medical Arts
- Facial Masking: Decreased facial expression, giving a mask-like or mask-like face. Ochsner Blog
- Speech Change: Soft, slurred, or monotonous speech. Manhattan Medical Arts
- Depression and Anxiety: Other mood disorders that might arise relatively early in the course of the illness. Manhattan Medical Arts
Care for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
This holistic care encompasses the motor and non-motor features in multi-disciplinary care:
Medical Care
- Medications: The most appropriate medication for the patient with motor symptoms is still Levodopa. Other drugs are dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors.
Surgical Treatments
- Advanced state: Deep brain stimulation may be used to reduce symptoms of the disease.
Lifestyle and Supportive Therapies
Physical Therapy
Customized exercises of mobilization, balance and flexibility activities.
- Occupational Therapy: Changes tasks and the environment to teach occupational performance skills and capability for as much of the care as possible without undue dependence on others.
- Speech Therapy: Solves problems in speaking or swallowing to enhance communication and reduce the likelihood of aspiration.
- Dietary Counseling: High-fiber and fluid diet can reduce constipation. Strategies such as strict timetabling of protein intake may help maximize the effects of medications.
Mental Health Care
- Counselling and Support Groups: Therapy combined with access to networks may address depression and anxiety.
- Cognitive Training: Engage in interventions that tend to slow the rate of decline in the areas of cognitive function.
Safety and Environmental Modifications
- Home Safety: Modifications like grab bars, non-slip mats, and proper lighting may help prevent falls.
- Assistive Devices: Devices including walkers, canes, or adaptive utensils may facilitate the execution of the caregiver’s responsibilities.
Support for the Caregiver
- Education: Education about the pathophysiology of PD and treatment regimens must be provided to the caregiver.
- Respite Care: Relief services accessible on a short-term basis help to prevent caregiver burnout.
Early and appropriate identification of signs of Parkinson’s disease is most important in the comprehensive management of Parkinson’s disease to enhance the quality of life of patients. American Parkinson Disease Association
