With such an astounding number of new Parkinson’s disease cases diagnosed each year (50,000 to 60,000 in the U.S. alone, according to the National Parkinson’s Foundation), recognizing the warning signs and seeking early intervention is crucial.
A proper diagnosis for Parkinson’s disease requires a battery of tests to rule out other conditions that often mimic Parkinson’s symptoms. However, early diagnosis and treatment can help patients improve their overall condition and experience a higher quality of life in the long run. The following are warning signs of Parkinson’s disease:
- Mild tremors – usually the symptom causing people to seek medical help.
- Difficulty getting out of a chair.
- Speaking too softly.
- Handwriting is slow and looks cramped or small.
- Losing track of a word or thought.
- Feeling tired, irritable or depressed for no apparent reason.
Friends or family members may be the first to notice changes:
- Person’s face lacks expression and animation (known as “masked face”).
- Person does not move an arm or leg normally.
- Person seems stiff, unsteady or unusually slow.
At Live Free Home Health Care, a provider of home care in Laconia and the surrounding areas, we know firsthand the challenges associated with caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s. To find out more about how we can help your loved one with Parkinson’s in the Lakes Region and Central New Hampshire, call us at 603-217-0149.