Medicine, therapy, and support from family and friends can help people with Parkinson’s live better and stay active.
Parkinson’s awareness is important because it helps people understand this disease. Parkinson’s is a brain disorder that makes it hard to move, causing shaking, stiffness, and slow movements. Many people do not know much about it, so they may not help those who have it. Awareness teaches people to be kind and support patients. It also encourages early diagnosis, which can make treatment more effective. More awareness means more research and better medicines in the future. By talking about Parkinson’s, we can help patients live better lives and find a cure one day.
Risks and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that affects movement. It happens when certain brain cells stop working properly. This disease mostly affects older people, usually after age 60, but it can happen earlier.
Risks of Parkinson’s
The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, but some things increase the risk:
Symptoms of Parkinson’s
The symptoms start slowly and get worse over time. The most common signs are:
Parkinson’s cannot be cured, but initial treatment can help manage symptoms and improve life. Raising awareness helps people understand and support those with Parkinson’s.
How to Try to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease
There is no sure way to prevent Parkinson’s, but some healthy habits may lower the risk. Taking care of the brain and body can help.
Early Symptoms:
Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts helps keep the brain strong. Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries and spinach, protect brain cells. Avoid too much sugar and unhealthy fats.
Staying active helps keep the brain and muscles working well. Walking, dancing, yoga, and stretching can improve balance and movement. Exercise may also protect brain cells from damage.
Head injuries may increase the risk of Parkinson’s. Always wear a helmet when riding a bike and use seatbelts in cars. Avoid falls by keeping your home safe and well-lit.
Some pesticides and toxic chemicals may harm the brain. Wash fruits and vegetables well and try to avoid exposure to strong chemicals.
Keeping the brain active with reading, puzzles, and learning new skills may help. Social activities and hobbies also keep the mind strong.
Living a healthy life may not fully prevent Parkinson’s, but it can lower the risk and keep the brain healthier for longer.
Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatments can help manage symptoms and improve life.
Challenges Faced by a Person with Parkinson’s
Living with Parkinson’s disease is difficult because it affects movement and daily activities. One big challenge is shaking (tremors), which makes it hard to eat, write, or hold things. Slow movement can make walking and getting dressed take much longer. Stiff muscles can cause pain and make it difficult to move easily.
People with Parkinson’s also have balance problems, which can lead to falls and injuries. Speaking may become soft or unclear, making it hard for others to understand them. Tiredness and sleep problems are also common.
Emotionally, Parkinson’s can cause sadness or depression because daily tasks become harder. Some people may feel lonely if others do not understand their struggles.
Since there is no cure, managing Parkinson’s is a lifelong challenge. However, medicine, therapy, and support from family and friends can help people with Parkinson’s live better and stay active.
How Society Can Support Someone with Parkinson’s
People with Parkinson’s need support from family, friends, and the community to live better lives. Here are some ways we can help:
Parkinson’s affects movement and speech, so we should give them time to walk, talk, or do daily tasks. Kindness and patience make a significant difference.
Simple tasks like shopping, cooking, or buttoning a shirt can be difficult. Helping with these tasks can make life easier for them.
Physical activity and social interaction help improve their mood and health. Invite them for walks, games, or gatherings to keep them active.
Teach others about Parkinson’s so people understand their struggles. Schools, workplaces, and communities can spread awareness and reduce stigma.
Donating to Parkinson’s research or supporting organizations that help patients can lead to better treatments and a future cure.
With love, patience, and awareness, we can help people with Parkinson’s feel valued and live fulfilling lives.
Long Term Care and Kindness
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. In the initial stages, people may have mild symptoms like small tremors or slow movement, but as the disease advances, everyday tasks become harder.
However, not all Parkinson’s patients need to be institutionalized. Many can live at home with the right support from family, caregivers, and treatments. Some may need home care services or special equipment to help with movement and daily activities.
In the later stages, some patients may struggle with severe mobility issues, difficulty swallowing, or dementia. If their care becomes too difficult for family members, a nursing home or specialized care facility may be needed. But with proper treatment, therapy, and a dedicated support system, many people with Parkinson’s can live comfortably at home for a long time.
CONSULTANT – NEUROLOGY
MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), DM (NEUROLOGY), PH.D