Dealing With Parkinson's Disease: A Guide For Patients And Families

Related Diagnosis

Individuals who present with symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be diagnosed with a related disease. Progressive supranuclear palsy is a form of parkinsonism that starts with similar symptoms. However, it progresses faster than Parkinson's disease. Multiple system atrophy is an umbrella term for numerous disorders characterized by the deterioration of an individual's nervous system that may respond to medications used in Parkinson's disease.

Lewy body dementia is a neurodegenerative disorder that produces symptoms similar to those of Parkinson's disease. It may have a positive response to treatments used in Parkinson's disease patients. Corticobasal degeneration is a rare form of parkinsonism that is also known to progress at a more rapid pace than Parkinson's disease. Unlike Parkinson's disease, symptoms of corticobasal degeneration tend to be more prominent on one side of the body. The most common comorbidities that occur in Parkinson's disease patients include hypertension, chronic pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, and paralysis.

Support For Caregivers

Caregivers do not need to solely focus on providing support and help to the Parkinson's disease patient. A good caregiver to someone with Parkinson's disease needs to set aside time to be away from their caregiving duties. They must ask for and seek out help when necessary and maintain their social connections outside of caregiving.

Multiple resources can help caregivers, including community and local services like friends, synagogues, adult day health, meals on wheels, neighbors, churches, and door-to-door vans. A social worker from the loved one's hospital, healthcare provider, or healthcare plan can be a valuable asset in locating and connecting with other services that can be of assistance. Local support groups may benefit an individual acting as a caregiver for a loved one with Parkinson's disease. Caregivers can also benefit from attending medical appointments with their loved one to ask questions and address concerns.