Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to detect, sometimes even for doctors. That’s because the symptoms can be very mild at first. They can also be different for one person to the next. For example, one person may experience hallucinations, but another person may never have them. In addition, the disease doesn’t move at the same pace for everyone. If you’re concerned about Parkinson’s disease in an older relative, here are 7 signs to look for.
#1: Tremors
A tremor is a shaking motion. People with Parkinson’s disease typically experience tremors in their hands or arms, but they can occur in other parts of the body, too. Tremors may appear as a “pill rolling” motion where the senior rubs their thumb and fingers together repeatedly.
#2: Changes in Handwriting
You may notice that your aging relative’s handwriting has changed. Typically, the senior will start to write smaller. Words may also be written too close together so that the writing appears crowded.
#3: Rigidity
Muscles may become stiff, or rigid. This can make it hard for the senior to move body parts through their full range of motion.
#4: Voice Changes
Parkinson’s can cause the older adult’s voice sound hoarse. They may also speak more quietly. To them, it can seem like people around them are hard of hearing, but in reality, their voice is softer.
#5: Slower Movement
Tasks may take longer to complete than they once did because movement gets slower. The senior may also take smaller steps than they used to.
#6: Changes in Posture
People with Parkinson’s may not be able to stand up as straight as they should. Their posture might appear hunched or stooped. They may look like they are slouching. Changes in posture may result in impaired balance.
#7: Masked Face
Parkinson’s disease may make it difficult for the older adult to show facial expressions. Their face may look serious or even angry regardless of what is going on around them. The lack of change in their facial expressions can make it look like they are wearing a mask.
Home care services can assist older adults with Parkinson’s disease. While they may not need much help early on, it can help to hire elderly care during the early stages. This way, elderly care providers get to know your family member before they have been severely affected and the two can build a relationship. Also, seeing the older adult while they are still relatively healthy will allow the elderly provider to help family caregivers to watch for changes in symptoms.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care in Reston, Virginia, please contact the caring staff at Home Helpers Home Care. Offering Home Care in: Arlington, Fairfax, and Loudoun Counties – Arlington, Alexandria, McLean, Fairfax, Vienna, Oakton, Reston, Herndon, Falls Church, Great Falls, Sterling, Ashburn, and Leesburg. Call today: (703) 991-1462
Sources
https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/10-early-warning-signs
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
https://www.michaeljfox.org/understanding-parkinsons/living-with-pd/topic.php?symptoms