Index
- Knowing the complications of Parkinson's disease to deal with them.
- Complications of Parkinson's disease through the progressive stages
- Other signs to know to avoid complications of Parkinson's disease
- Rehabilitation to avoid complications of Parkinson's disease
- Treatment side effects, other complications of Parkinson's disease
Knowing the complications of Parkinson's disease to deal with them.
Parkinson's disease is characterized by a gradual alteration of dopaminergic neurons. It is a degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that ensures communication within the nervous system and affects behaviour. This disorder of the nervous system causes tremor at rest, slow movement and muscle stiffness. Tremor is the most common sign: sometimes it's one side of the body, sometimes it's the upper limb. Its evolution is very variable according to each individual and many factors.
Complications of Parkinson's disease through the progressive stages
There are 4 main phases of Parkinson's disease.
- The first phase is determined by the appearance of the first symptoms. This is a worrisome stage because knowing that you have Parkinson's is not always easy. The complications of Parkinson's disease are not yet apparent.
- The second phase of the disease is called the therapeutic balance phase. A dopaminergic treatment is prescribed to the patient. Its effectiveness makes the patient feel better, but the symptoms do not disappear. The patient's life is reorganized from a professional and family point of view. The patient has to take his medication at specific times and several times a day.
- The third phase is that of motor complications that are part of the complications of Parkinson's disease. They are due to dopaminergic drug treatments. There are alternating ON and OFF phases. The patient feels well and immediately afterwards experiences various disorders such as dyskinesia with abnormal involuntary movements.
- The forth phase is the advanced It is characterized by swallowing problems, falls or loss of balance, commonly known as axial signs. Intellectual difficulties may affect the patient's behaviour. This is the time when various measures are applied to make life easier for the patient, such as adapting housing.
Other signs to know to avoid complications of Parkinson's disease
In the advanced stage of the disease, there are different disorders. Impaired motor coordination promotes many changes in behaviour in the later stages of the disease. The patient is prone to :
- Sleep disturbances: Cramps appear during the The person feels unable to move, may have nightmares or become restless in their sleep.
- Disturbances of balance: Sometimes the individual may fall backwards or forwards when moving or falling straight down.
- A change in writing: His handwriting becomes smaller than usual.
- His speech pattern may also change. The rate of speech becomes faster and more discontinuous. Constipation and urinary incontinence may be common. These are all complications of Parkinson's disease that must be taken into account. Relatives must make sure to take all possible precautions for the well-being of the patient.
- A tightening of the jaw
- A paralysis
Rehabilitation to avoid complications of Parkinson's disease
Physical rehabilitation is a complement to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It helps to improve motor symptoms. Combined with medication, it promotes the patient's well-being. Indeed, it allows him to maintain his autonomy.
It consists in particular of :
- Specific exercises
- Learning movement strategies
The purpose of these various exercises is to reduce the effects of the disease by working on flexibility, balance, endurance and strength. The complications of Parkinson's disease will be reduced.
Speech therapy is essential to correct difficult speech and swallowing. Otherwise, physiotherapy helps to boost dopamine production. Exercise will also help protect neurons and oxygenate the brain.
Treatment side effects, other complications of Parkinson's disease
Increased dopaminergic stimulation promotes abnormal involuntary movements. Behavioural disorders are peculiar in many cases. They are impulse control disorders (ICDs) that can be considered complications of Parkinson's disease. The patient is unable to resist an impulse. He or she is also tempted to do something that could be dangerous for him or her and for those around him or her.
These include:
- Hyperactivity
- A hyperphagia
- A hypersexuality
- Excessive generosity
- Compulsive buying
- An addiction to treatment
- Risky behaviours
- Do-it-yourself
Nocturnal hyperactivity can be a sign that should be taken into consideration. A sudden urge to bake in the middle of the night should alert family and friends. So is getting involved in various night-time activities on the Internet.
