Daily living and health
Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes movement problems. Its main motor symptoms are tremor, stiffness, slowed movement, and trouble with balance and coordination. It starts slowly and worsens over time. Doctors treat the symptoms. There is no cure.
Why it matters for your family
Parkinson's affects more than movement. People may also have sleep problems, constipation, mood changes, or thinking changes. Over time, tasks like dressing, eating, and walking can take more help, and falls become a risk. Medicine timing can matter a great deal, so families should follow the doctor's schedule. A common mistake is rushing the person, which can make symptoms worse. Caregivers can allow extra time, clear walking paths, and report changes. A doctor or therapist can suggest exercise and safety steps. Some people with Parkinson's later develop dementia. Occupational and physical therapists can teach safer ways to rise, walk, and dress.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: Dementia and chronic conditions
Related terms
- Fall riskFall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt.
- Mobility assistanceMobility assistance is help with moving around, such as standing up, walking, using stairs, and getting in and out of a bed, chair, or car.
- Medication reminderA medication reminder is a prompt that tells a person it is time to take a medicine they already have.
- Chronic conditionA chronic condition is a health problem that lasts a year or more and needs ongoing medical attention, limits daily activities, or both.
- DementiaDementia is a group of symptoms, not one disease.
- Rehabilitation careRehabilitation care is therapy that helps a person regain strength, movement, speech, or daily skills after an illness, injury, or surgery.
