Recognizing Parkinson's Symptoms in Naperville, IL
10 Early Signs of Parkinson's Disease You Need to Know
Parkinson's disease is a troubling diagnosis—one we don't often want to think about happening to us. However, the unfortunate reality is that this condition affects at least 500,000 people in the United States. This widespread disorder mostly affects people over 60 years old, but it may occur in younger individuals as well. The key to treating Parkinson's is to address its signs and symptoms early on. Let's look at an average Naperville, IL family and how they got necessary treatment for their loved one.
Meet Kate—A Hard-Working Family Caregiver
Hard work is a crucial value to Kate. Whether it was work, school or social relationships, Kate has always gone above and beyond. So when her father started finding it more difficult to go about his daily activities and her mom could no longer provide sufficient care, Kate was happy to step in. At 40 years old, she was able to cut back on her hours at work and spend more time with her 78-year-old dad. A military veteran, Dad was initially resistant to help but eventually accepted Kate's and her mother's assistance.
Knowing the Signs Leads to Faster Treatment
Kate had gotten used to her daily routine of clocking out at work, stopping by her parent's house and doing odd jobs for them. But one evening, Kate's mom comes to her with a concern—she's worried Dad is experiencing the early signs of Parkinson's disease. While her initial instinct is to insist that Dad is doing just fine, Kate knows it's better to check. She looks up the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and keeps them in mind as she interacts with Dad.
Tremors
Kate has noticed light shaking before, but only after Dad took his medicine. But today, the shaking seems a little more serious. He's having tremors in his hands, even when he's just resting in his recliner.
Problems with Sleep
Mom says Dad hasn't slept well for a while. He's always been prone to nightmares occasionally, but Mom has noticed more than just tossing and turning—she describes Dad's movements as "thrashing" around at night.
Mobility Issues
Most older folks have mobility issues, right? Kate knows that some stiffness and minor pain is typical, but Dad tells her that the stiffness in his arms hasn't gone away for a few days now.
Loss of Sense of Smell
As Kate gets more worried about Parkinson's symptoms, her mother decides to make a family favorite meal—some classic chicken noodle soup. Dad is excited to have a bowl but mentions it doesn't smell as good as it used to.
Hunching Over
When Dad gets up from the dinner table, he often needs a bit of help from Kate or Mom. This time, though, Kate can tell Dad is having a hard time standing up straight. She starts noticing a hunch whenever he walks around the house.
Frequent Constipation
Now that Kate thinks about it, she has noticed Dad taking a little longer in the bathroom. She asks him about it, and even though he doesn't want to admit it at first, Dad finally tells her that he has been feeling constipated almost every day. Kate says she'll do some research on his symptoms and see what she can find out.
Changes in Voice
After doing some internet searches, Kate thinks Mom is probably right—Dad is showing lots of early signs of Parkinson's. When she arrives at her parents' house the next afternoon, Kate notices something odd about Dad's voice. Has he gotten quieter? She thinks it might just be a cold, but she makes note of the symptom.
Facial Masking
Dad is usually a happy-go-lucky guy, especially after he completed his military service. But lately, he's been looking sadder and more serious. Kate knows from last night's research this is called "facial masking" and reduced facial expressions can indicate Parkinson's.
Changes in Handwriting
Kate decides to do a little experiment. She has Dad write down his address, and the results make her even more sure that he's showing signs of Parkinson's disease. His handwriting, which used to be too big for most forms, is now looking small, cramped and forced.
Dizzy Spells
"Dad, I think we need to see your doctor," Kate says. Just like when he was first offered his daughter's help, Dad tries to brush off the suggestion. But when he stands up from his favorite chair and suddenly feels dizzy, he knows Kate and his wife are right. They call the doctor and get the earliest appointment the next morning.
Do You Suspect the Early Signs of Parkinson's?
It's difficult to admit a loved one may be experiencing Parkinson's, but Kate did the right thing in taking her mother's concerns seriously. By getting Dad to the doctor as soon as possible, she's helping to maximize the chances of an effective treatment. If you notice early signs in a loved one, don't hesitate to seek medical help. Not all patients experience the same symptoms and will rarely notice all signs at once. Your best bet is to be overly cautious when it comes to Parkinson's.
Seek Help From BrightStar Care
Dealing with Parkinson's diagnosis can bring up a range of emotions, from fear to sadness. But no matter your feelings, it's important to seek help from a professional. At BrightStar Care, we're glad to provide exceptional home care services to patients living with Parkinson's. Contact us today to learn more about how we help Naperville residents.
- Parkinsons.org (US)
- Parkinsons.org (UK)
- NINDS
- Mayo Clinic