Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a fairly common neurological disorder in older adults, estimated to affect nearly 2% of those over age 65. The Parkinson’s Foundation estimates that one million Americans have Parkinson’s disease. Recent studies following people with Parkinson’s over the entire course of their illness estimate that 50% to 80% of those with the disease may experience dementia.
Common Symptoms
Commonly reported symptoms of Parkinson’s disease dementia include:
- Changes in memory, concentration and judgment.
- Trouble interpreting visual information.
- Muffled speech.
- Visual hallucinations.
- Delusions, especially paranoid ideas.
- Depression.
- Irritability and anxiety.
- Sleep disturbances, including excessive daytime drowsiness and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep disorder.
For more information please visit:
- Parkinson’s Foundation https://www.parkinson.org/
- Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research https://www.michaeljfox.org/
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops when nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine become damaged or die, leading to symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and balance problems. While there is no cure, many treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may include:
- Tremors or shaking, usually beginning in one hand
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Muscle stiffness
- Smaller handwriting
- Loss of smell
- Changes in walking or posture
- A softer voice
- Sleep disturbances
Symptoms vary from person to person and often develop gradually.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown. Researchers believe it results from a combination of aging, genetic factors, and environmental influences. The disease occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the brain gradually deteriorate.
Most cases of Parkinson’s disease are not inherited. Approximately 10–15% of cases are linked to genetic mutations, while the majority develop without a clear family history. Having a close relative with Parkinson’s may slightly increase your risk but does not mean you will develop the disease.
There is no single test for Parkinson’s disease. A neurologist typically makes the diagnosis based on:
- Medical history
- Neurological examination
- Review of symptoms
- Physical examination
Brain imaging or laboratory tests may be used to rule out other conditions, but diagnosis is primarily clinical.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, exercise, and in some cases deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery can help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Treatment depends on each person’s symptoms and may include:
- Dopamine replacement medications such as levodopa
- Exercise and physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Healthy nutrition
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for some individuals with advanced Parkinson’s
Many people continue to lead active lives for years after diagnosis with proper treatment.
Yes. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to help manage Parkinson’s symptoms. Activities such as walking, strength training, balance exercises, tai chi, yoga, and stretching may improve mobility, flexibility, balance, and overall quality of life. Exercise is often recommended alongside medical treatment.
A person should schedule a medical evaluation if they notice persistent tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, balance problems, or other neurological changes. Early diagnosis allows treatment to begin sooner and may help preserve independence and improve long-term quality of life.
A gerontologist helps older adults and their families navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s disease by assessing changing care needs, coordinating medical and community resources, providing caregiver education, and helping families determine when home care, assisted living, memory care, or other long-term care options may become appropriate. Personalized guidance can reduce caregiver stress and support a higher quality of life for everyone involved.
Benefits of Working With A Gerontologist & Geriatric Care Manager Call 949-346-5960
Assistance from a Geriatric Care Manager or Gerontologist in California or North Texas with ongoing monitoring can prevent costly crises and unnecessary hospitalization. Geriatric Care Managers can be especially helpful when family members live far apart or when there are family dynamics and a facilitator is needed. Sometimes seniors are fearful of losing their independence and they don’t feel comfortable sharing their fears and concerns with their loved one. A Geriatric Care Manager will act as a liaison with families to help maintain good communication with families and other support systems to build or maintain important links between seniors and their families and, with permission, to alert families to problems areas that they may be able to assist with.
Geriatric Care Managers can reduce inappropriate institutional care and overuse of services as well as reduce miscommunications, time, stress, and cost to clients.
Yolanda Lawler, MASM RCFE
Serving North Texas and California
Gerontologist
