How Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect You Physically?
Parkinson’s disease is a condition that develops when the brain becomes damaged progressively over the years, where nerve cells in the substantia nigra part of the brain start to die off, leading to a drop in dopamine.
This particular chemical has an essential role to play in regulating how we move, which is why symptoms of the disease include tremors (involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body), slow movement, and stiff/inflexible muscles.
The tremors you will experience are usually a rhythmic sort of shaking that starts in a finger or hand. Bradykinesia (slowness of movement) can make tasks like getting dressed, getting out of bed or getting up from a chair more difficult. Muscles can also feel more tense and painful, with short and jerky movements becoming more commonplace.
You may also experience problems with your balance and a stooped posture may develop, making you more prone to slips, trips and falls.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s but there are treatments out there that can help you manage and potentially reduce your symptoms, helping to maintain your quality of life for as long as you can.
Physiotherapy and occupational therapy can both help you manage your condition, although you may not require any specific treatment early on as the symptoms are typically mild.
What can be beneficial is making home adaptations as soon as you can to ensure that you’re able to continue living within the comfort of your own home for as long as possible.
Home adaptations for Parkinson’s
Make your home more accessible by decluttering and clearing any walkways and thoroughfares so that it’s safe to navigate your way around.
In the bathroom, one of the most hazardous parts of the house, consider installing grab rails and other such supports, as well as walk-in shower baths, bath lifts, shower seating and so on. Installing a downstairs bathroom is another potential idea, or you could transform your current space into a wetroom to make it easier to use.
Elsewhere, ramp installation can accommodate wheelchair access, while you could lower worktops and countertops in the kitchen to account for this change in height. Also potentially consider adjusting your furniture so that it’s easy to use, with frequently-used items within easy reach.