Almost one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease, but what causes it, and what should a Parkinson’s care provider know when supporting an aging loved one? Let’s explore some key facts about the disease.
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder with no cure, and it often worsens over time. In some cases, it progresses rapidly, while in others, it can take decades before it significantly impacts a person’s daily life. Over time, individuals with Parkinson’s may need increasing support from a Parkinson’s care provider to manage their condition and maintain their quality of life.
The disease occurs when cells in the substantia nigra, a small area of the brain responsible for producing most of the body’s dopamine, begin to die off at an accelerated rate. Dopamine is a crucial chemical messenger that helps transmit signals between nerves, controlling muscle movement. It also plays a key role in the brain’s pleasure and reward systems.
In the early stages of Parkinson’s, symptoms may be mild, such as a slight hand tremor or slightly garbled speech. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may lose their ability to move independently, eat without assistance, or communicate effectively. A Parkinson’s care provider can play a vital role in helping patients manage symptoms, maintain mobility, and improve their overall well-being.
Parkinson’s Disease Risk
Age
The most common component in those with Parkinson’s disease is that they get older. While some get early-onset Parkinson’s disease, most people are around 70 when the first symptoms develop. It may begin earlier than that, but the symptoms may be so mild that they’re not noticeable to your loved one or anyone else.
Gender
Men are much more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women. Research has still not discovered a definitive answer for why men are more likely to get Parkinson’s disease than women, but they often do.
Head Trauma
If your loved one suffered serious head trauma from an accident or if he had repeated head trauma from a sport such as boxing, football, or soccer, he can be at an increased risk for developing Parkinson’s disease.
Exposure to Certain Chemicals
There’s been a link between exposure to certain chemicals and an increase in Parkinson’s disease diagnoses. Farming chemicals used in pesticides, Agent Orange from wartime activities, and chemicals common in industrial detergents all seem to increase the risk for Parkinson’s disease.
Family History
If someone else in your loved one’s immediate family has had Parkinson’s disease, it will increase their risk of developing it as well.
Getting Help with In-home Parkinson’s Care
While your loved one may not need a lot of help in the early stages of the disease, as it progresses, having someone who can help with in-home Parkinson’s care can help ensure he can keep his independence and remain in his home. In-home Parkinson’s care providers can assist with daily grooming care, help with meal preparation and eating, and support him with household maintenance so his home is a safe haven for him.
It’s never too early to start thinking about in-home Parkinson’s care once your loved one has been diagnosed. They can be a critical part of your care team for your loved one.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Parkinson’s Care in La Jolla, CA, please contact the caring staff at Aaron Home Care. (619) 880-5522
A Trusted Home Care Agency Serving La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, San Diego, UTC, La Mesa, Chula Vista, Coronado, Bonita, Eastlake, and the surrounding areas.
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In 1999, Aaron was named Residential Program Manager of a group home for disabled adults in Arlington, Virgina. Here, he built a reputation for being compassionate with his clients and efficient in company operations. In the years that followed, Washington DC’s human services field went through unprecedented reform when the city was fined $11 million for the previously unchecked abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the very population it was supposed to protect. In 2005, Aaron was selected by a watchdog company to co-create and implement a monitoring system to safeguard and advocate for the system’s most vulnerable residents. This system is still in use today.
Aaron is now using his unique gifts and profound experience in the human service field to provide San Diego County Seniors with dependable, compassionate caregivers through Aaron Home Care.
He currently serves on the board of the San Diego Regional Home Care Council and is an active member of the Senior Advocate Network of San Diego.
Aaron Home Care is a member of the American Board of Home Care and is accredited by the Better Business Bureau.
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