Five Stages of Parkinson’s and How AAging Better In-Home Care Can Help
A Parkinson’s diagnosis can be overwhelming and intimidating when you’re trying to determine what effects the disease will have and what resources are available to help as the disease progresses. When you begin researching, you may become overwhelmed by reading about a wide range of symptoms that you or your loved one with Parkinson’s may or may not experience. To make it easier to understand the progression of the disease, here is a simple list of the five main stages in the course of Parkinson’s:
Stage 1: During the first stage of the disease, also known as early-stage Parkinson’s, a person typically has only mild symptoms that may present as follows:
Symptoms are only on one side of the body
Symptoms are inconvenient, but not disabling
The person will usually have uncontrolled tremors or shaking in one limb
Friends and family can usually detect changes in the person's posture, balance, and facial expressions
Stage 2: During the second stage of Parkinson’s, inability to perform normal physical tasks may become more apparent:
Symptoms will affect both sides of the body
The person has minimal disability, and usually encounters ambulatory or balance problems
Posture is affected
Stage 3: This stage is considered moderate Parkinson’s disease, and more significant disability will begin to develop:
There is a significant slowing of the body movements
Early impairment of equilibrium may result in the inability to walk straight or stand
There is generalized dysfunction that is moderately severe
Stage 4: Stage four represents advanced Parkinson’s disease and is accompanied by severe symptoms:
Rigidity and bradykinesia, or slow movements are often visible
The person can usually not complete daily tasks and typically cannot live alone
Tremors may lessen or disappear for unknown reasons during this time
Stage 5: The final stage of the disease usually takes over the patient's physical movements:
The person usually experiences a general reduction in vitality and strength of the body and mind
The person may not be able to walk or stand
Requires one-on-one care
We understand that caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be very difficult as the disease progresses, but families or loved ones don’t have to go it alone. A compassionate and well-trained professional caregiver can be the difference between the healthy spouse or family member being able to go on about their daily life knowing their loved one is being well cared for, or being consumed with the duties and responsibilities of taking care of the patient at home.
Our caregivers know how to care for increasing disability and stand ready to help you and your loved one every step of the way, providing around-the-clock care if necessary or just coming in and helping with meals, housekeeping, laundry or assisting the loved one with bathing or dressing. Call us for more information or with any questions you might have if you or your loved one has Parkinsons and is becoming challenged with carrying on the activities of daily living because of the disease. We're here to help in any way we can.
