Visual
Guide to Parkinson's
Parkinson's Disease is a chronic
(persists over a long period of time), progressive
(symptoms worsen with time) disease affecting the nervous system.
Although often considered to be a disease
affecting older persons, it can develop in people as young as 20 years
of age.
It is neither contagious nor inherited - although genetic factors may play a part in its development. Other factors may include accelerated, or early aging, and drug-induced (or toxin-induced) reactions.
Tremor and loss of balance may be signs of Parkinson's Disease
The cause of Parkinson's Disease is not known, but there appears to be a problem with an area of the brain that controls movement and balance (the substantia nigra).
Cells in this part of the brain
stop working for reasons that are not clear, and this leads to the symptoms
of Parkinsonism - shaking, stiffness, and slow movement.
The four major symptoms include tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and difficulty walking.
Onset is subtle and will occur gradually. Individuals may also experience tiredness and general slowness of movement and speech. In time, the symptoms become more apparent and can include:
Tremors or Shaking
A common symptom is the uncontrollable shaking of a hand or arm on one or both sides of the body. Tremors can also occur in the legs, feet, or chin. Shaking lessens as the affected area is used and stops completely during sleep.
Muscle Stiffness
Muscles can become tight and rigid as they fail to receive messages from the brain to relax. This can cause muscle aches, a stooped posture, and slow movement. Walking may be limited to short, shuffling steps; and climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair or a bed may take extra effort.
Often people with Parkinson's Disease become 'frozen' - unable to continue movement at all. In this case, help may be needed to resume movement by 'putting a foot in front of the patient to step over' or suggesting that they are 'stepping over lines'.
Loss of Balance
Parkinson's Disease
can give problems 
with
balance, causing the individual to fall over.
Other Problems
Other symptoms may include speaking softly in a monotone voice and difficulty with swallowing and writing. Constipation is also a common problem.
Depression, feelings of insecurity, and fear often bring distress to the patient and can make it difficult to cope with the illness, both for the patient and for relatives.
Daily Exercise and Movement
Regular activity makes muscles stronger and more flexible. Walking is one of the best methods of exercise and this, combined with medication, may help general mobility.
Walking and Turning
To help keep your balance, keep your feet
apart and take long steps while swinging your arms.
Imagine you are stepping over a series of lines. Walk in an arc to turn.
Back Stretch
Stand or sit with back straight and arms
in front, hands and elbows together. Move arms apart as far as possible,
pushing shoulder blades together, and then return hands. Repeat 10 times.
Seated March
Sitting in a chair, slowly lift each knee
in turn as if marching, repeating 10 times.
Getting up and Sitting Down
Choose chairs with arms and firm seats. Lean forward, slide to the edge, and push up with your arms. To sit down, back up to the chair, lean forward, and lower into the seat supported by your arms.
Body Twist
Sit in a chair, with hands on shoulders, and turn the upper body from side to side as far as possible. Repeat 10 times.
Getting out of Bed
Turn on your side bending the knees. Move
your feet off the bed and use your arms to push yourself up.
Other Issues
Eat foods that are high in fiber (vegetables, whole grain bread, cereals) and drink plenty of fluids to help with constipation problems. Special utensils and warming trays will help at meal time.
Although Parkinson's Disease is a chronic
illness, correct medication and support from family and friends can help
relieve many of the symptoms, enabling the sufferer to maintain a reasonable
quality of life.
Visual
Guide to Parkinson's Disease
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