Parkinson’s disease was named after James Parkinson who wrote an essay on the unknown disease at the time called Shaking Palsy in 1817. Now we know that Parkinson’s disease is caused by loss of neurotransmitters that produce dopamine causing out of control behaviour in the brain. This produces instability of balance and other physical symptoms. Symptoms like instability of posture or balance, gait difficulty, stiffness or rigidity if the arms, legs or neck, general slowness of movement and tremors or trembling. Other symptoms include depression, mental confusion, difficulty writing and speech problems.(Stanford Parkinson's Community Outreach)
These symptoms create a need for care either by loved ones or caregivers aid especially in late stages.. This can place significant burden on families of Parkinson’s disease individuals. Parkingson’s Disease can remain in early stages for many years. In the late stages though Parkingson’s Disease individuals take a decline in the ability to move, speak, or participate in daily living activities. Here are the five stages of Parkinson’s Disease:
Stage 1: Mild symptoms appear, often affecting only one side of the body. There may be slight tremors, changes in posture, and a decrease in facial expressions.
Stage 2: Symptoms become more pronounced and affect both sides of the body. Daily activities may start to become more difficult, and balance issues may arise.
Stage 3: This stage is characterized by significant impairment. Falls become more common, and movements are noticeably slower. Daily activities require more assistance.
Stage 4: Patients may become largely dependent on others for care. Symptoms are severe, and it’s challenging to stand or walk without help. Some may require assistive devices.
Stage 5: The final stage, where individuals may be unable to walk or stand and require round-the-clock care. Other complications, such as cognitive decline, may also arise.
(ChatGPT, 2024)
According to Corssroads of Hospice & Palliative Care stage five of Parkinson’s Disease or late stage Parkinson’s Disease incude other symptoms like difficulty breathing, rapid progression to wheelchair or bed bound, unintelligible speech, and inability to perform activities of daily living without assistance. More symptoms inlude inability to eat or drink, complications during other illnesses and comorbidities.With these symptoms there can be many things that can help. Medications like Levodopa/Carbidopa, Dopamine Agonists, and Anticholinergics can help with some of the symptoms. (ChatGPT, 2024) Therapies are availablle like physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy can help as well. Finially there are palliative care and supportive services that can be used to comfort, aid, and monitor individuals with Parkinson’s Disease.
Citation:
Stanford Parkinson’s Community Outreach. (n.d.). History of PD. https://med.stanford.edu/parkinsons/introduction-PD/history.html#:~:text=First%20described%20in%201817%20by,of%20cells%20that%20produce%20dopamine.
Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. “End-Stage Parkinson’s: What to Expect.”Www.crossroadshospice.com, 4 Apr. 2018, www.crossroadshospice.com/hospice-palliative-care-blog/2018/april/04/end-stage-parkinson-s-what-to-expect/.
ChatGPT. (2024). What are the 5 stages of Parkinson's disease? [Personal communication].