Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative neurological condition that affects the central nervous system. Those who develop Parkinson’s typically, with some exceptions, first see symptoms after age 50, and the symptoms can be debilitating and usually progress over a person’s lifespan after they’re diagnosed, as there is no cure for the disease.
The Five Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Because it is a progressive condition, Parkinson’s is classified into five stages. In stage one, the first symptoms are usually mild and do not significantly disrupt the day-to-day life of the person affected. Symptoms usually include a tremor, and changes in posture or facial expressions and can be limited to one side of the body.
Stage two of Parkinson’s disease usually brings symptoms to both sides of the person’s body, and any issues with movement and posture are much more obvious. The afflicted person is still able to maintain most of their independence, though not without some difficulty with tasks of daily living.
The third stage of Parkinson’s disease brings more limited movement and an increased risk of falls. It’s possible for some people at this middle stage of the disease to still be independent, though performing some tasks is becoming increasingly difficult.
Stage four of Parkinson’s disease brings more severe and limiting symptoms. The person may need to use a walker to get around and needs very much assistance with most activities throughout the day. It is this stage that can be the hardest to accept or transition through because the sufferer is unable to continue living alone and experiences a marked loss of independence.
The fifth and final stage of Parkinson’s disease is obviously the most advanced and is characterized by muscle stiffness throughout the entire body. The affected person requires full-time care and will need a wheelchair or could be fully bedridden. Some elements of dementia may also be present at this stage as the person can suffer from hallucinations and delusions in addition to their physical symptoms.
Managing Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are difficult to manage in the more advanced stages, but certain factors can help manage the severity of symptoms as they progress. Diet and exercise, for example, can make a big difference in a person’s mobility and body function. Certain forms of exercise such as swimming, walking, and strength training can help improve mobility and balance, and a healthy diet gives the body good building blocks for cell regeneration and is great for overall health. There are also several medications that have been proven to successfully manage some motor symptoms as the disease progresses.
Conclusion
Though Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, there are ways to manage symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. It can be difficult to wrap your mind around facing a condition that can change your life so significantly. Understanding the characteristics of the disease and knowing how to maintain one’s health as much as possible can help those facing the diagnosis have a better quality of life for as long as possible.
