First documented by English surgeon James Parkinson in the early 1800s, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that can produce a wide range of physical symptoms. These symptoms are collectively termed parkinsonism, and parkinsonism is often further broken down into two more specific types of Parkinson’s disease, sometimes called idiopathic parkinsonism and atypical parkinsonism.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional Home Care. Milwaukee families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Idiopathic Parkinsonism
Approximately 80 to 85 percent of people with the disease have idiopathic Parkinson’s. There’s no clear cause associated with it, yet it often responds well to medications that replace reduced amounts of dopamine molecules in the brain. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, these are the signs and symptoms typically associated with the disease:
- Slowness (bradykinesia)
- Stiffness (rigidity)
- Tremors
- Imbalance (postural instability)
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality home care. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to help your elderly loved one age in place safely and comfortably.
Atypical Parkinsonism Disorders
About 15 percent of those with symptoms that suggest Parkinson’s have one of several conditions called “atypical parkinsonism disorders.” These conditions are typically more difficult to treat than Parkinson’s and include:
- Drug-induced parkinsonism – This atypical parkinsonism is linked to the use of certain medications, including antipsychotic drugs. Parkinson’s symptoms such as tremors and instability usually go away a few weeks after the medication is stopped.
- Vascular parkinsonism – A series of small strokes is the cause of this type of atypical parkinsonism. More common in older individuals and people with diabetes, it often results in Parkinson’s-like symptoms that affect the upper body before the lower body is affected.
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) – The source of this type of atypical parkinsonism is problems with spinal fluid. Treatment often involves a lumbar puncture to divert spinal fluid.
- Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) – This is a common atypical parkinsonism that often develops later in life. Once symptoms appear, they tend to progress rapidly.
- Multiple system atrophy (MSA) – Overproduction of a protein found in the brain called alpha-synuclein is the cause of this type of atypical parkinsonism. What this does is damage multiple areas of the brain, which results in symptoms very similar to what’s experienced with idiopathic parkinsonism, except disease progression is much faster.
- Corticobasal degeneration (CBD) – An accumulation of tau proteins is the reason this type of atypical parkinsonism develops. One side of the body is typically affected first before symptoms move to the other side.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of Senior Home Care Milwaukee families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. To schedule a no-obligation consultation, reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today.
