Learn more about the stages of Parkinson’s disease in this article.
More likely to strike men, and more common than MS, ALS, and muscular dystrophy combined, Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed in as many as 7 – 10 million individuals internationally, with an additional 600,000 people in America diagnosed every year. And though each person’s experience with Parkinson’s can vary in level of severity, there are 5 main stages of Parkinson’s disease that are normally experienced by all.
In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Advanced Home Health Care, the experts in in home care and rehabilitation services in Keokuk, IA and surrounding areas, shares details to help you better understand the stages of Parkinson’s disease:
- 1st Stage: Referred to as early-stage Parkinson’s, this stage impacts the person with mild signs or symptoms that can present as follows:
- Symptoms on only one side of the body
- Effects are irritating, but not disabling
- Tremors or uncontrollable shakiness in one limb may be apparent
- Loved ones can often pick up on deviations in the individual’s balance, posture, and facial expressions
- 2nd Stage: In this particular level of Parkinson’s, the individual will begin to show an inability to perform ordinary physical tasks:
- Symptoms now affect both sides of the body
- The individual is encountering minimal disability, but in most cases ambulatory or balance concerns are detected
- Posture will start to be impacted
- 3rd Stage: This level is considered to be moderate Parkinson’s disease, and a more substantial level of disability will begin to become evident:
- There is an evident slowing down of the body’s movements
- Equilibrium difficulties may lead to the inability to stand or walk straight
- There is a moderately significant overall dysfunction
- 4th Stage: This stage is indicative of advanced Parkinson’s and consists of significant effects:
- Rigidity and bradykinesia, or lethargic movements are now noticeable
- The individual can no longer complete daily tasks and normally is unable to live independently
- Tremors may begin to decrease or go away altogether for unknown reasons during this stage
- 5th Stage: The fifth and final stage of the disease usually takes over the person’s physical movements:
- The individual commonly experiences an overall decrease in vitality and strength in both mind and body
- The individual may likely now be no longer able to walk or stand
- One-on-one care is required
Advanced Home Health Care’s competent senior home health care team is fully trained and experienced in all aspects of home care, and can assist those with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions of aging to experience a higher quality of life, right in the security of home. Whether the need is for assistance with daily personal care, accompanied transportation to doctors’ appointments, running errands, light housekeeping and meal preparation, or just a kind companion to brighten up each day, our in-home care services and rehabilitation services in Keokuk, IA are personalized to each person’s individual needs and choices. Contact us or give us a call any time to learn more at 800.791.7785. See our full Iowa service area here for the best senior home health care services you can find.
