Parkinsons Disease
Parkinson's disease is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. It is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra, and this leads to a reduction in a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body, and the reduction of dopamine is responsible for many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. However exactly what causes the loss of nerve cells is unclear, experts think that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is responsible. It's thought around 1 in 500 people are affected by Parkinson's disease.
Signs and Symptoms
• involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body. (tremor)
• slow movement.
• stiff and inflexible muscles.
A person with Parkinson's disease can also experience a wide range of other physical and psychological symptoms.
These include:-
• depression and anxiety.
• balance problems. (this may increase the chances of a fall)
• loss of sense of smell.
• problems sleeping.
• memory problems.
Most people with Parkinson's disease start to develop symptoms when they're over 50, although around 1 in 20 people with the condition first experience symptoms when they're under 40.
Men are slightly more likely to get Parkinson's disease than women.
Treating Parkinson's disease
As the condition progresses, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease can get worse, and it can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday activities without help. Many people respond well to treatment, and only experience mild to moderate disability, however a minority of people may not respond as well, and can in time become more severely disabled.
Parkinson's disease does not directly cause people to die, but the condition can place great strain on the body, and can make some people more vulnerable to serious and life-threatening infections, however with advances in treatment, most people with Parkinson's disease now have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.
Article Sources: NHS Website and Parkinson’s Disease UK
Where You Can Get Help?
Parkinson’s UK is the main support and research charity in the UK. They offer help to those living with the condition, and those caring for someone with the condition.
You can contact them by:
• calling their free helpline on 0808 800 0303 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays)
• emailing hello@parkinsons.org.uk
The Parkinson's UK website features news, publications, research updates and an online community where you can share your experiences.
The NHS Web page has an excellent social care and support guide to help you through the maze of getting the right support.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/
Premier Community of course our services are also here to help you care for you. Our staff all understand the complexities and difficulties of caring for someone at home with Parkinson’s Disease, and are fully trained to offer personal care, home help, respite care or companionship care, up to 24 hours a day.
Contact us: https://www.premiercommunity.co.uk/about-us/contact-us/
Tel. 01623 810100
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