Micrographia Assistance in Naperville, IL
Small Handwriting Can Be a Big Sign of Parkinson's
Family caregivers are an essential line of defense for seniors at risk for developing degenerative conditions. Kate learned this first-hand in caring for her 78-year-old father. After being alerted to some odd symptoms by her mother, Kate decided to look into Dad's condition and do some research of her own. After noticing some of the early signs of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, trouble sleeping and reduced facial expression, Kate tries something else. She asks Dad to write a few words on a piece of paper. Earlier, Kate did some research on Parkinson's and found one of the signs is changes in handwriting. Sure enough, Dad's handwriting was small, cramped and forced where it used to be large and sweeping.
Finding Answers to Common Micrographia Questions
When Kate identified small handwriting and other signs of Parkinson's, her first course of action was to take Dad to the doctor. At the appointment, Kate asked lots of questions about the symptom. She had never heard of micrographia and wanted to know more. First, Kate confirmed that small handwriting is really a sign of Parkinson's, even though it's not a symptom most of us associate with the condition. The doctor clarified that Parkinson's and small handwriting often go together due to the same damage in the brain that causes tremors and stiffness.
Getting Dad the Proper Treatment
Now that she understood why Parkinson's causes small handwriting, Kate's next concern was treatment. How could her dad continue to sign forms and jot down notes without discomfort? The doctor explained that, while there is no outright cure for Parkinson's, he can prescribe medications that alleviate certain symptoms. If medicine isn't helpful for reducing micrographia and other effects, surgery may be a viable option. Dad opts to try tried-and-true medications to see if his symptoms get better.
How to Navigate Small Handwriting Challenges
When Kate gets Dad home, he wants to try some writing strategies his doctor told them about. It turns out there are several ways that patients dealing with Parkinson's and small handwriting can manage the symptom. Kate pulls some lined notebook paper from her mom's desk and places it on the dining room table. Dad takes a seat, sits up as straight as possible and practices his writing. He keeps it up every day and takes breaks whenever writing feels too uncomfortable. Dad also makes sure to document changes in his signature to avoid problems with legal paperwork.
Look to BrightStar Care for Help
Taken together, all of Dad's Parkinson's symptoms are a lot for Kate to handle. Fortunately, she can look to Naperville, IL's local branch of BrightStar Care. Kate gives them a call whenever she needs some extra support caring for Dad. They help out with meal preparation and personal care and even provide companionship when Kate and her mom can't. For details on how BrightStar Care can help you, reach out to our Naperville team today.
- Parkinson's Disease- Micrographia
- Parkinson's Foundation (US)