While dementia is prevailing throughout the world, Parkinson’s Disease is what is causing a concern in aged care providers in Sydney. It is a progressive neurological syndrome that affects older adults mostly. The age of diagnosis is usually around 65 years, and it does not discriminate.
Parkinson’s is caused by inadequate levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine being produced in the brain, which means the messages usually being relayed around the brain are not able to be transmitted properly. This can impact upon an individual’s ability to speak, movement control, cognition, mood, senses and other bodily functions such as bladder and bowel control.
Early signs of Parkinson’s Disease can be hard to detect but may include some, or all of the following.
- Tremors
- Difficulty with and/or changes to handwriting
- Difficulty sleeping due to uncontrollable movements
- Difficulty walking or moving normally
- Constipation
- Changes to voice modulation
- Fainting and/or dizziness
- Slouching or stooped posture when standing
- Unusual (rigid) facial expression
- Loss of or dull sense of smell
- Weight Loss
- Psychological changes such as developing anxiety and/or depression
The symptoms of Parkinson’s generally develop slowly and over time. They can be subtle at first, but if you do notice any of the warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please consult a medical practitioner. Early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s disease can improve quality of life. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but there are treatment options available for the management of symptoms, so it’s important to seek medical help as early as possible.
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