Research suggests that roughly 0.58 million people in India have Parkinson’s disease, with a significant increase in prevalence projected in the following years. Parkinson’s disease is a neurological movement disorder that affects the brain. Tremor, sluggishness of movement, stiff muscles, and difficulty with balance and coordination are all common symptoms. While the disease has no permanent cure, medications can help most patients maintain a good quality of life. Together we spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease, its symptoms and ways to manage it better.
Early signs of Parkinson’s disease
No two people have the same exact symptoms of this condition. It you or a loved one is showing these common signs, you must consult a neurologist for further investigation and diagnosis. The early signs of Parkinson’s disease may include:
- Tremors.
- Small handwriting.
- Loss of smell.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Trouble moving.
- Constipation.
- A soft or low voice
- Dizziness or fainting.
- Stooping or hunching over.
In addition to movement symptoms, from tremor to balance issues, some people may also show certain non-movement symptoms. These include:
- Problems with attention, language or memory.
- Mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety and irritability.
- Light-headedness.
- Fatigue.
- Hallucinations and delusions.
Managing Parkinson’s disease
Remaining healthy and strong is the key for everyone with Parkinson’s disease. Certain lifestyle changes can help Parkinson’s patients and help them control their symptoms and slow the progression of the condition. Here are a few tips to help live better with Parkinson’s disease:
- Regular exercise helps patients with Parkinson’s get more flexibility, better balance, less anxiety and improved coordination.
- Walk carefully, plant your heel first, keep your posture straight, change directions slowly.
- Use a cane, walker, or other device to help you move safely.
- Prioritize good quality sleep.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet.
- Don’t delay seeking medical therapy.
- Find ways to manage your stress better.
- Join a Parkinson’s support group.
The most important step you can take to manage parkinson’s disease is to seek help right from the beginning and consult a mental health professional.
Home safety measure for Parkinson’s patients
Home adaptations for people with Parkinson’s range from small changes to major building changes. Here are a few tips to consider to make your home safe for Parkinson’s patients:
- Adding rails to doorways or stairs.
- Lighting up dark passages.
- Removing threshold strips between rooms.
- Adding shower chairs.
- Mounting handrails in tubs, showers or near the toilet.
- Placing non-skid rubber bath mats in the bathroom.
- Installing a raised toilet seat.
- Adding a handle or bed rail for getting out of bed.
Parkinson’s treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
It’s critical to seek Parkinson’s disease treatment from a movement disorders specialist as soon as possible. Meet our team of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and dietitians at our Parkinson’s clinic to manage the day-to-day challenges of this condition. Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, therapies can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Medication and surgical treatments are two options for treatment. Consult world-class experts at our clinic who help manage over 9300 Parkinson’s disease cases each year. We have a 3 Tesla MRI for high-end diagnostics, an advanced Gait and Balance Lab, dietary counselling, and a dedicated rehabilitation room with cutting-edge equipment for personalised and goal-directed physiotherapy. Know more about our “Total Parkinson care program” specially designed for Parkinson’s patients. Please find below our website for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/parkinsonsclinic.html