Parkinson’s Disease is Most Often Seen in Seniors By Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living in Phoenix, AZ

There are approximately 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s diagnosed in Americans each year and 1.5% to 2% of adults over 60 have some form of the disease.  It is the most common neurodegenerative disease affecting the elderly and the greatest risk factor for developing Parkinson’s is aging.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs when neurons die or become impaired in the part of the brain that controls body movement.  PD is hard to diagnose and a person should be seen by a neurologist.  The cause is not known but about 5 to 10% of patients with PD have a family history of the disease.  There is not one test for diagnosing PD, and several drugs and medical disorders can generate Parkinson’s like symptoms (called Parkinsonism) to appear. Your doctor will rule out the specific diseases that can look like PD and review the medications you are taking before making a diagnoses of Parkinson’s.

Patients with PD display symptoms differently and there is variation in the severity and progression of the disease from one person to another which doctors cannot predicate.  The most common symptom of PD is tremors and trembling in the hands, legs, and jaw or stiffness and rigidity with movement of the limbs.  It can impair a senior’s balance and lead to falls.  As the disease progresses, the voice becomes softer as well as a slowness in speech.  Many patients develop a stooped posture and an unsteady gait.  For some patients, the progression of PD greatly affects quality of life and interferes with basic skills to the extent that they are not able to manage their own daily care.  

There is no cure for Parkinson’s but doctors treat the disease with medication, exercises, and physical therapy.  In very severe cases of PD, surgery may be an option.  Many patients with PD can experience depression which is thought to be an underlying symptom and should be addressed by a doctor along with the treatment for the PD. 

*This is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice.  Please consult your physician or health care provider with any concerns and questions you may have.

When the time comes to start looking into Phoenix retirement communities, Bethesda Gardens is the ideal choice for assisted living and short term care in a comfortable, home-like setting.   Trying to find ways to alleviate your aches and pains?  Please read our next post on how massage therapy can benefit seniors.