According to a report by Deloitte Access Economics, Parkinson’s is the second most common neurological disease in Australia, with 1 in every 350 Australians affected and 30 new diagnoses each day. Despite this, there are still many misconceptions about the condition’s symptoms, causes, and treatments. The Perth Parkinson’s care experts at Home Care Assistance discuss some of these myths and the truths behind them.
Tremors Are the Only Symptom of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease affecting the nervous system, and the side effects can vary widely between seniors. While tremors are one of the most common symptoms, many seniors experience cognitive and emotional issues as well. This includes difficulty speaking, depression, anxiety, insomnia, sleepwalking, and hallucinations. If your elderly loved one exhibits any of these symptoms, he or she should schedule an immediate appointment with the doctor or a Parkinson’s specialist.
Parkinson’s Is a Genetic Disease
Researchers currently believe around 10 percent of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s have developed the disease due to their genetics. Studies also suggest environmental factors may play a role. Seniors who have been exposed to certain chemicals for long periods have much higher rates of Parkinson’s.
Levodopa Cures Parkinson’s
Also referred to as L-DOPA, levodopa was the first medication proven to be effective at combatting chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s. While this compound can help slow the rate of degeneration, the results are not permanent. Levodopa causes the side effects to become dormant. However, after a few years seniors must discontinue their Levodopa treatments due to the medication’s toxicity, and the tremors and other side effects then return.
A Parkinson’s Diagnosis Is Always Accurate
Just as with many other neurological disorders, diagnosing Parkinson’s can be incredibly difficult. In the earliest stages of this disease, a correct diagnosis is only made 25 percent of the time. It is not until the senior has been managing the symptoms for 5 or more years that a somewhat accurate diagnosis can be made. This is why it is so important for seniors and their Perth caregivers to begin tracking the symptoms as soon as they become noticeable.
Seniors with Parkinson’s face many challenges in daily life, but they can still enjoy healthy and happy lives with the help of a professional caregiver. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with mobility and exercise, provide medication reminders, and help with daily tasks like bathing, grooming, and laundry. For more information on at-home care Perth seniors and their families can rely on, call one of our qualified Care Managers at [hca_phone] to schedule a complimentary consultation.