What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease
Symptoms of Parkinsons disease and the rate of decline vary widely from person to person. The most common symptoms include:
Other symptoms include:
- Speech/vocal changes: Speech may be quick, become slurred or be soft in tone. You may hesitate before speaking. The pitch of your voice may become unchanged .
- Handwriting changes: You handwriting may become smaller and more difficult to read.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Sleeping disturbances including disrupted sleep, acting out your dreams, and restless leg syndrome.
- Pain, lack of interest , fatigue, change in weight, vision changes.
- Low blood pressure.
Why Is Fall Prevention So Important
Oftentimes a fall will cause no injury or a mild, easily reversible injury, however, sometimes a fall can cause moderate to significant injury.
In addition to the fall itself potentially causing a fracture or head injury, the fall could possibly result in an ER visit, hospital stay, or surgery, which can sometimes set off a series of events that has the possibility of worsening a persons PD even more substantially. Hospitalizations can interfere with medication timing, contribute to simultaneous infection, precipitate hallucinations, and increase confusion. Each of these setbacks can spawn additional setbacks which can contribute to the worsening of PD overall. In addition, immobilization after a fracture can interfere with exercise and physical therapy goals. For all of these reasons and more, it is important to do all that you can to reduce the chance of falls.
Are Quad Canes Better For Balance
Quad canes are heavier and bulkier than other types of canes, and that leads some seniors to wonder whether or not they are actually worth it. In terms of balance, there is no better cane than the quad design. Furthermore, today, there are many quad canes that are slim and lightweight, cutting down on the bulkiness that characterized these types of canes in the past. If you have balance issues, these are the best canes for you, hands-down.
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What Is The Best Rollator For Parkinsons Patients
There are many great Rollators available, but if you want the best Rollator for Parkinsons Patients, I would recommend you to go for Medline Freedom Rollator. It comes with high-quality wheels, which provide strong grips on most terrains, and you can easily control them with brakes. Also, it comes with an aluminum frame and a Foldable design, which are icing on the top.
Is Parkinsons Disease Inherited
Scientists have discovered gene mutations that are associated with Parkinsons disease.
There is some belief that some cases of early-onset Parkinsons disease disease starting before age 50 may be inherited. Scientists identified a gene mutation in people with Parkinsons disease whose brains contain Lewy bodies, which are clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein. Scientists are trying to understand the function of this protein and its relationship to genetic mutations that are sometimes seen in Parkinsons disease and in people with a type of dementia called Lewy body dementia.
Several other gene mutations have been found to play a role in Parkinsons disease. Mutations in these genes cause abnormal cell functioning, which affects the nerve cells ability to release dopamine and causes nerve cell death. Researchers are still trying to discover what causes these genes to mutate in order to understand how gene mutations influence the development of Parkinsons disease.
Scientists think that about 10% to 15% of persons with Parkinsons disease may have a genetic mutation that predisposes them to development of the disease. There are also environmental factors involved that are not fully understood.
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What Are The Best Shoes For Parkinsons Patients
In my opinion, the Nike FlyEase collection features the best and most comfortable shoes for Parkinsons Patients. The reason why I recommend Nike FlyEase is that they come with a unique design that makes them easier to wear and take off with minimum effort. You can also consider Kizik shoes which are also great for Parkinsons Patients.
Balance Impairment And Falls In Parkinsons Disease
One of the most challenging symptoms of Parkinsons disease that fundamentally affects quality of life is balance impairment that can lead to falls.
Falls are one of the major causes of emergency room visits and hospitalizations for people with PD, so finding ways to prevent as many falls as possible is a high priority for people with PD. Thankfully there are things you can do to improve your stability and decrease the likelihood of falling, and well share some helpful tips and advice below.
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How It Is Different
Most devices that provide sensory cueing/feedback for FoG are research devices. Many of these methods are not portable and cannot be used outside the lab environment. Additionally, most devices use cues of a single type: visual, auditory or tactile. Some portable devices are already on the market such as Agilitas, Path Finder, Walk to Beat and Walk Aid. However, as far as we know, no device on the market exists that integrates all three forms of sensory cueing to overcome FoG. Our Parkinson Smart Cane integrates visual, tactile and auditory feedback into a self contained, portable device.
Foods With Saturated Fats
More highly saturated and cholesterol food intake worsens the symptoms and raises more than a few problems on the side, such as heart disease, blood pressure abnormalities, and metabolism deficiency.
If you are already treating the extreme symptom condition, it is not advisable to include this dietary fat intake which you cannot afford.
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Comfort And Safety Tips
- Always apply the brakes when the wheelchair is not moving.
- Adjust the footplates to the correct height so you can sit comfortably and move them out of the way when you are getting in or out of the chair.
- A cushion can be used in a wheelchair to prevent excess pressure if you feel uncomfortable after sitting for over half an hour.
How To Use It
The In-step LaserCane is very easy and safe to use. Its not different in any aspect from other normal cane when it comes to use it for walking. Simply put pressure on the cane, takes a step over the laser beam line, pick the cane up off the ground and moves it forward, and take the next step. Its that simple to use.
It is very light and you will feel like using a normal stick. Plus, you can easily adjust the height according to your comfort. This is just another reason this cane is so convenient and a must have if you have an abnormal gait pattern.
The cane is powered by two AA batteries, which are easily replaceable and last for half a year.
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Can Parkinsons Disease Be Prevented
Unfortunately, no. Parkinsons disease is long-term disease that worsens over time. Although there is no way to prevent or cure the disease , medications may significantly relieve your symptoms. In some patients especially those with later-stage disease, surgery to improve symptoms may be an option.
Tripod Walking Stick With T
This cane has a T-shaped handle thats easy to grip without sacrificing comfort or support. The entire stick folds up into three pieces that are connected by joints that lock together so it stays strong and in place while you are using it.
The black cane has a rubber grip for added comfort and safety of seniors. It comes with an attached hook at the top that can hold keys, a pen or any other small item you might need to keep track of or have handy when walking or standing. The cane can extend up to 40 inches in height, making it great for tall seniors who need extra support. It weighs 2 pounds when fully assembled and collapses down into simple sections that screw together easily to make storage simple.
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What Lifestyle Changes Can I Make To Ease Parkinsons Symptoms
Exercise: Exercise helps improve muscle strength, balance, coordination, flexibility, and tremor. It is also strongly believed to improve memory, thinking and reduce the risk of falls and decrease anxiety and depression. One study in persons with Parkinsons disease showed that 2.5 hours of exercise per week resulted in improved ability to move and a slower decline in quality of life compared to those who didnt exercise or didnt start until later in the course of their disease. Some exercises to consider include strengthening or resistance training, stretching exercises or aerobics . All types of exercise are helpful.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet: This is not only good for your general health but can ease some of the non-movement related symptoms of Parkinsons, such as constipation. Eating foods high in fiber in particular can relieve constipation. The Mediterranean diet is one example of a healthy diet.
Preventing falls and maintaining balance: Falls are a frequent complication of Parkinson’s. While you can do many things to reduce your risk of falling, the two most important are: 1) to work with your doctor to ensure that your treatments whether medicines or deep brain stimulation are optimal and 2) to consult with a physical therapist who can assess your walking and balance. The physical therapist is the expert when it comes to recommending assistive devices or exercise to improve safety and preventing falls.
What Are The Surgical Treatments For Parkinsons Disease
Most patients with Parkinsons disease can maintain a good quality of life with medications. However, as the disease worsens, medications may no longer be effective in some patients. In these patients, the effectiveness of medications becomes unpredictable reducing symptoms during on periods and no longer controlling symptoms during off periods, which usually occur when the medication is wearing off and just before the next dose is to be taken. Sometimes these variations can be managed with changes in medications. However, sometimes they cant. Based on the type and severity of your symptoms, the failure of adjustments in your medications, the decline in your quality of life and your overall health, your doctor may discuss some of the available surgical options.
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Canes For Parkinsons Patients
LASCAN, Parkinsons Disease affects hundreds of thousands of people every day.One particularly interesting side effect of Parkinsons is called freezing or freezing episode.This is when your body is in a mild state of paralysis.Cane Use in Patients with Parkinsons DiseaseIntroduction: Previous studies have primarily focused on whether there were any differences between walking with and without a cane, Parkinsons Disease Foundation: Fall Prevention in Parkinsons Disease., but there are medications and treatments that can help minimize symptoms throughout the different stages of the disease, People with Hand grips should be comfortable, Laser Walking Cane Instructions Laser Walking Cane Specifications: Cane height adjusts: 5 feet 0 inches to 6 feet 1 inch, Joseph also brings his detachable Cane Assist that can attach onto any one of his canes flexibly.
The Best Walking Stick For Parkinsons Patients
Why The Gait Problem occurs?Canes can help redistribute weight from a lower extremity that is weak or painful, The Parkinsons Laser Cane has a laser attached to it .Amazon.com: Laser Cane for Parkinsons Disease4 rows · Product description, There are many options available to assist a patient with walkingthe walking cane being one of the chief options to turn to initially.Despite being a Parkinsons patient, The LaserCane projects a safe, If balance is a continuous problem,floor in fromt of me works better during one of my frezimg episodes, ALS, obstacle-free visual cue, walking stick, Stroke and other neurological conditions, or walker, he brings a different cane with him a collapsible one that will fit in his carry-on bag, Made in: USA.
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Are Decorative Canes Good For Balance
As fun as it might be to get a cane with a sword hidden inside it or one with an eagle for a handle, it’s not the best idea if you have balance issues. The best canes for balance issues have ergonomic handles that will be easy to grip quickly in case you lose your balance. Getting a decorative cane might not ruin your balance, but they are harder to hold onto in times of crisis.
Correlations With Device Walking Status
Clinical variables and their correlation with device walking status are displayed in . Spearman rho correlation analysis demonstrated that device walking status significantly correlated with disease duration , disease severity , PIGD score , balance confidence score , turn duration , 5m-TUG , and functional reach .
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Foods With Necessary Nutrients
Parkinsons disease patients should concentrate on eating from all food groups, a diet that provides essential fiber, minerals, and vitamins to the body altogether.
- Overlook fad diets
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water every day
- Eat fiber-rich foods, consume whole grain bread, vegetables, brown rice, fruits to avoid constipation.
- For cramps, consider drinking tonic water which has quinine
- Yellow mustard with spice turmeric also helps with cramps and encourage bowel movements
Check out this video:
Poles And Parkinsons: How Pole Walking Can Help You Live Well With Parkinsons
If you love walking, running, and/or hiking but are starting to worry about your balance, walking poles might be the perfect tool for you.
We recently sat down with Mandy Shintani, the co-founder of Urban Poling, to talk about the benefits of walking poles for people with Parkinsons.
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Majestic Buvan Electric Wheelchair
Majestic Buvan Electric Wheelchair is another very capable Electric Chair that can be used by Parkinsons Patients. One of the defining features of this Wheelchair is that it comes with an ultra-compact design, which you can easily carry around even on Airplanes. Also, it weighs only 55 lbs. with the battery, which makes it a lightweight wheelchair.
The Wheelchair also comes with a reclining backrest, which you can adjust according to your comfort. Also, the seat and the backrest use memory foam which offers great comfort. It also comes with a seat belt, which provides protection from falling.
When it comes to the engine, the Wheelchair uses the 500W powerful engine, which allows you to easily move on most terrains. It also comes with a removable battery which means that you can keep a spare battery with you and use it if the default battery runs out of power.
Overall, if you are looking for a compact electric wheelchair, you should consider Majestic Buvan Electric Wheelchair.
What Are The Different Stages Of Parkinsons Disease
Each person with Parkinsons disease experiences symptoms in in their own unique way. Not everyone experiences all symptoms of Parkinsons disease. You may not experience symptoms in the same order as others. Some people may have mild symptoms others may have intense symptoms. How quickly symptoms worsen also varies from individual to individual and is difficult to impossible to predict at the outset.
In general, the disease progresses from early stage to mid-stage to mid-late-stage to advanced stage. This is what typically occurs during each of these stages:
Early stage
Early symptoms of Parkinsons disease are usually mild and typically occur slowly and do not interfere with daily activities. Sometimes early symptoms are not easy to detect or you may think early symptoms are simply normal signs of aging. You may have fatigue or a general sense of uneasiness. You may feel a slight tremor or have difficulty standing.
Often, a family member or friend notices some of the subtle signs before you do. They may notice things like body stiffness or lack of normal movement slow or small handwriting, lack of expression in your face, or difficulty getting out of a chair.
Mid stage
Mid-late stage
Standing and walking are becoming more difficult and may require assistance with a walker. You may need full time help to continue to live at home.
Advanced stage
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Hugo Adjustable Quad Cane
Lets start with Hugo Adjustable Quad Cane which is arguably one of the best Walking Aids for Parkinsons Patients. The cane comes with a very comfortable handle with an ergonomic design which makes it easier for a Parkinsons patient to hold comfortably while getting a good grip.
One of the main highlights of Hugo Quad Cane is that it comes with an adjustable design which makes it easier to adjust the height according to your comfort. Hugo Quad Cane is ideal for people with a height between 5 and 6.5, which means that it will work well for most people.
How Is Parkinsons Disease Diagnosed
Diagnosing Parkinsons disease is sometimes difficult, since early symptoms can mimic other disorders and there are no specific blood or other laboratory tests to diagnose the disease. Imaging tests, such as CT or MRI scans, may be used to rule out other disorders that cause similar symptoms.
To diagnose Parkinsons disease, you will be asked about your medical history and family history of neurologic disorders as well as your current symptoms, medications and possible exposure to toxins. Your doctor will look for signs of tremor and muscle rigidity, watch you walk, check your posture and coordination and look for slowness of movement.
If you think you may have Parkinsons disease, you should probably see a neurologist, preferably a movement disorders-trained neurologist. The treatment decisions made early in the illness can affect the long-term success of the treatment.
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How Do You Feed Someone With Parkinsons Disease
Sit upright with your head slightly tilted forward, do not talk, and focus entirely on eating. Swallow one bite multiple times until your throat is clear. Drinking water after every bite, also tucking the chin into the chest helps to swallow.
As there is no specific food for Parkinsons disease, these diets help prevent or relieve the symptoms. Maintaining a healthy diet also is a possible factor to reduce its risk and slow the progression of this disease.
References
- Diet & Nutrition. 2020. Parkinsons Foundation. 2020. https://www.parkinson.org/Living-with-Parkinsons/Managing-Parkinsons/Diet-and-Nutrition.
- Diet & Nutrition. 2021. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research | Parkinsons Disease. 2021. https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/diet-nutrition.
- Foods to Eat and Avoid with Parkinsons. 2018. ParkinsonsDisease.net. 2018. https://parkinsonsdisease.net/stories/what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid-when-managing-parkinsons-disease.
- hollowc2. 2020. The Best Diet for Parkinsons Disease. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. October 6, 2020. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-diet-for-parkinsons-disease/.
- Watson, Kathryn. 2018. Diet and Parkinsons. Healthline. Healthline Media. September 20, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons-and-diet.
Do you have more tips on how to eat with Parkinsons disease? Please let us know in the comment section below!