Parkinson Disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects the motor system of an individual. A group of cells called substantia nigra produce a chemical called Dopamine which is an important chemical that allows for coordinated and smooth motions of the muscles throughout the body. Parkinson’s causes the death of these cells thus stalling the production of dopamine and causing a gradual growth of the symptoms of Parkinson’s. The symptoms of this long-term disease come slowly over time. In the early stage, the most obvious are tremors, muscle rigidity, slowness of movements, and difficulty in walking. The progressive and motor-impairing nature of these symptoms often changes normal daily living activities in to challenging tasks.
What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s?
Some common symptoms of Parkinson disease are as follows:
Hand tremors
Trouble moving or walking
Trouble sleeping
Stiff muscles
Impaired posture and balance
Loss of automatic movements
Speech changes
Writing changes
Loss of smell
Risk Factors of Parkinson’s
There is no exact cause of Parkinson’s but there are a number of risk factors that might directly or indirectly cause Parkinson’s. They are:
Sex – Men are 1.5 time more vulnerable to Parkinson’s than women.
Race – White men are more likely to be affected by Parkinson’s than men from other races.
Age – Parkinson’s usually affects adults between the ages of 50 to 60.
Genetics – If your ancestry has a history of Parkinson’s then you are more vulnerable to the condition than others.
Toxins – It has been proven that exposure to chemicals and toxins that affect the nervous system can be a direct cause of Parkinson’s.
Injuries – People who have suffered injuries, especially head injuries, are more likely to cause Parkinson’s.
What are the Stages of Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a progressive degenerative disease and hence progresses over 5 stages which are often classified using the Hoehn or Yahr scale. These five stages of Parkinson’s are defined according to the intensity of the condition. They are:
Stage 1 – Parkinson’s is the mildest at this stage and the symptoms are nearly impossible to notice. Sometimes the symptoms might be centered to one part of the body and hence become noticeable.
Stage 2 – General symptoms begin to show during stage 2 which include muscle stiffness, tremors, changes in facial expressions, and trembling. The location of the symptoms might vary from case to case.
Stage 3 – This is the stage where are a person understands that they have a medical condition. This is often the most diagnosed stage of Parkinson’s. The symptoms include slowing down of activities, balance issues, increasing falls, and making it difficult to independently carry out chores.
Stage 4 – Stage four is a stage of discomfort for the patient. Walking becomes difficult for an individual without the help of mobility aids. Muscles become weak and it becomes difficult to move limbs easily and swiftly.
Stage 5 – The most advanced stage of Parkinson’s, patients suffering from this stage require them to take constant help for different activities and sometimes a patient might even get bed ridden during this stage.
Adaptive equipment for Parkinson Disease
Dressing Aids - Dressing aids like zipper pulls, button hooks, dressing sticks, shoehorns, etc., are ideal for individuals who undergo tremors, lack dexterity, and face difficulty with balance and coordination.
Kitchen Aids - Working in the kitchen often becomes a difficult task because of the dexterous movements that are required for cutting, chopping, and other similar activities. There are a variety of kitchen aids designed especially for people with Parkinson to make these tasks easier. They include cutting boards, openers, small appliances, etc.
Mobility Aids – Walking becomes difficult for a person suffering from Parkinson’s. Mobility aids such as wheelchairs, canes, crutches, etc. can help cope with the mobility issues caused by Parkinson’s.
Orthopedics – Parkinson’s also affects the joints and limbs of the body. Orthopedics such as braces, splints, supports, etc. can help support the joints affected by Parkinson’s and also protect them from further damage.
Where to Buy the Best Parkinson’s Products Online?
At Rehab Store, we have a vast range of premium and best Parkinson’s products designed to help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s with ease. Choose the best Parkinson’s aids at amazing prices and discounts from top manufacturers and brands.
