Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the nervous system progressively. Once the first symptoms are detected, Parkinson’s disease progresses and is classified into several stages.
People suffering from Parkinson’s do not necessarily coincide in all symptoms, not all have the same treatments, therapies or need for care and drugs.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common pathology in the elderly after Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The importance of detecting it as soon as possible lies in the application of the different treatments available to treat the first symptoms and preserve, as far as possible, the patient’s autonomy.
The first symptoms of Parkinson’s in older people can be subtle, or almost imperceptible. However, symptoms tend to get progressively worse.
It is a very complex disease, so it can be a complicated task to find the diagnosis quickly. The first symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
1. Tremor
2. Muscle stiffness
3. Bradykinesia or akinesia: slowness or absence of movement
4. Impaired balance
5. Loss of automatic movements and movement problems
6. Loss of smell
7. Sleep problems
8. Voice and speech changes
9. Changes in the way you write
10. Constipation
Se os sintomas acima forem detetados no idoso, é essencial procurar ajuda profissional para ter um diagnóstico. Caso se confirme que se trata de Parkinson, o médico irá orientar o paciente e a família sobre os diferentes tratamentos e medicamentos que podem melhorar consideravelmente os sintomas, de forma a melhorar a qualidade de vida do utente.
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Stage 1
During this stage the symptoms are mild, so they do not usually affect the performance of daily activities, although those who live with the patient begin to notice some changes. Among these, a slight tremor may be noticed in a certain area, usually on one side of the body. Changes in posture, mental confusion, slowness in movements and rigidity in facial expressions.
Although it has been observed that Parkinson’s evolves differently in each patient, one of the big questions, after obtaining the diagnosis, is how the disease will evolve.
Stage 2
At this stage, the previous symptoms are aggravated and go on to affect both sides of the body.
Stage 3
At this stage, in addition to the motor symptoms in the upper and lower limbs, balance alteration arises, so falls are usually frequent.
Although patients at this stage may still have considerable independence, daily tasks such as eating, dressing, or walking, require increasing effort and become more complicated to accomplish.
Stage 4
One of the main changes during this phase is the appearance of non-motor symptoms, especially cognitive disorders. This is one of the advanced stages of Parkinson’s Disease. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, hallucinations, fatigue and body pain, as well as involuntary body movements and temporary behavioral or motor changes. That is, certain symptoms may appear or disappear for certain periods of time.
During this stage, medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease lose effectiveness. And the limitations make it necessary for the patient to have other people to help him carry out his activities of daily living, even walking may require a walker. More complex treatments and therapies, which may include operations, may be necessary.
Stage 5
At this stage the 24-hour service is necessary to perform all day-to-day tasks and move autonomously. In addition to motor problems, cognitive and behavioral symptoms also worsen.
Once the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is made, it is very important to start with treatment through drugs and rehabilitation from the beginning. However, not all patients comply with all stages of Parkinson’s disease. There are cases in which the disease can always remain at the same stage and it is impossible to predict the future of any patient, but the sooner the diagnosis is made and the treatment is started, the better and more controlled the evolution will be.
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