The hallmarks of the Parkinson's disease are tremor, slowness of movement and rigidity. In addition, difficulties in coordination, even non-motor symptoms and other complications are common.
However, there are ways to manage many of these complications. Knowing how to manage them can ensure better Quality of life for a person with Parkinson's.
Learn more about the complications of Parkinson's disease And how to handle them.
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1. Talk
Speaking can become difficult over time. When Parkinson's affects the muscles, a person's voice can become weaker and harder to understand.
Over time, changes in thinking skills can make communication more difficult. This can further complicate social interactions.
A study published in the BMJ Open in 2017 notes that speech therapy is important for keeping people able to communicate effectively.
It can help improve or maintain a person's good quality of life.
2. Depression and anxiety
Other neuropsychiatric symptoms include:
- mood disorder
- anxiety
- sleep problems
- psychosis
- Changes in behavior and the way the person thinks
However, the symptoms of depression are treatable and it is possible to recover.
Seeking medical help when the symptoms of depression begin to appear can give the person a better quality of life, better function, and a chance to slow down symptoms.
3. Chewing and swallowing
Difficulties in chewing and swallowing may occur, especially during the later stages of the disease. These may be due to changes in function in both the autonomic nervous system and throat muscles, known as pharyngeal muscles.
These changes increase the risk of food getting stuck in the throat, leading to choking events, which can be life-threatening. If the person accidentally breathes food particles into the lungs, pneumonia could occur.
The person may also produce too much saliva or be unable to swallow saliva easily. This leads to the patient drooling, which can be embarrassing for the individual.
Some medications can improve symptoms. Again, a speech therapist can sometimes help a person retrain throat muscles so that they can swallow more effectively.
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4. Sleep
People with Parkinson's are more likely to have sleep problems than healthy individuals of the same age.
Some people have difficulty falling asleep while others fall asleep easily, but then wake up and cannot get back to sleep, according to the University of California Parkinson's Disease Clinic and Research Center.
Other sleep problems include:
- sleep apnea
- daytime sleepiness
- nightmares and vivid dreams
- talk during sleep
- Restless legs or jerky leg movements
- difficulty turning over in bed
- waking up to go to the bathroom
Possible reasons include:
- the effect of drugs
- physical discomfort
- change of the internal biological clock
It may help to establish a pattern of good sleep routines.
The suggestions are:
- Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day
- lots of natural light during daylight hours
- Avoid coffee and other stimuli, especially before bedtime
- Use the bedroom only for sleeping and do other activities-such as watching television or using cell phones and other devices-in another room where possible
- Avoid napping during the day, or napping at the same time every day
5. Sexual dysfunction
It is common to experience decreased libido, or sex drive, with PD, and it may be difficult to have an orgasm or erection.
Decreased sexual interest and physical functioning can occur due to decreased dopamine levels, according to the American Parkinson Disease Association.
The consequences of this are:
- a reduction in physical movement
- Reduced circulation, which affects the ability to have an erection
- a lack of climax
Vaginal dryness can also be a problem.
Depression and anxiety can reduce a person's energy levels and their interest in things they usually enjoyed, such as sex. Fatigue can be a factor.
Depression and mood change can also cause changes in behavior and attitude. A partner may feel that the loved one is not “the same” as before.
It is important to remember that instead it is the same person and both partners need to communicate how they feel. A counselor could help people find ways to find a new balance in the relationship.
In rare cases, drugs that increase dopamine levels in people with Parkinson's disease can increase the person's sex drive to an unusual level. This can also become a problem for some people.
Treatments are available for many of the symptoms that can give problems in sexual activity. Medications can improve a person's mood. Lubrication, for example, may help with vaginal dryness.
6. Urinary problems
Some people may experience small leaks while others have difficulty peeing properly. Sometimes this may be due to the medications they are taking.
A physician can help find a solution. Discrete surveys are available from a pharmacy.
7. Constipation
Statistics show that up to two-thirds of people with Parkinson's suffer from constipation.
The reasons may be:
- muscle weakness
- A possible reduction in fluid intake
- side effects of drugs
- The impact of the disease on the autonomic nervous system, which includes the digestive system
In turn, constipation could cause anxiety and further discomfort, and this can worsen the Parkinson's experience by further reducing the person's quality of life.
Possible solutions to this problem could include:
- Drugs, such as laxatives
- Dietary interventions, including probiotics and prebiotics
- Increase fiber and fluid intake
- Some physical therapy
People should talk to their doctor before taking any medication for constipation, as some medications and alternative remedies may interfere with other medications.
8. Dementia
Mutations to proteins in the brain, such as Lewy bodies, can lead to dementia in Parkinson's.
The Alzheimer's Association estimates that between 50 and 80% of people with Parkinson's eventually develop dementia. On average, this takes about 10 years from the onset of symptoms.
Common symptoms include:
- Difficulty remembering things, concentrating, and making judgments
- unclear speech
- hallucinations and delusions
- depression, irritability and anxiety
- difficulty sleeping and daytime sleepiness
Medications can help slow the progress of dementia, but symptoms usually become more severe over time.
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9. Pain
Pain is a common symptom of Parkinson's disease. Figures suggest that more than 60% of people with the condition experience pain. In the list of bothersome symptoms, pain comes third after tremor and stiffness.
People report that between 40 and 90 percent of Parkinson's pain is musculoskeletal, and they typically describe the sensation as burning, cramping, or pain.
Suggested ways to reduce pain include:
- Over-the-counter or prescription drugs
- Massage, music therapy, tai chi and other complementary therapies
- Spinal cord stimulation
Individuals should ask their physician to suggest ways to reduce pain that is proven safe and effective.
10. Blood pressure
The autonomic nervous system controls blood flow and blood pressure. This is part of the nervous system that people cannot control, unlike a hand or a foot.
Parkinson's affects this system, leading to changes in blood pressure throughout the day.
One problem is orthostatic hypertension, a drop in blood pressure that causes a person to feel dizzy or faint when standing up. It can also lead to falls and fainting.
Low blood pressure is more common with Parkinson's, but some people also have very high blood pressure at times. These fluctuations can lead to heart problems.
A doctor may be able to prescribe medication to stabilize blood pressure and prevent dramatic changes. Compression stockings may also help.
11. Sense of smell
Over 95% of Parkinson's people partially lose their sense of smell due to the impact of Parkinson's on the nervous system.
It is an early sign of the disease and can occur years before other symptoms appear. Doctors see it as a possible predictor of the disease.
Loss of sense of smell is one of the first five most common symptoms of the disease.
Conclusions
Parkinson's disease can lead to a wide range of related symptoms and complications.
In addition to these, a person may also experience side effects from the medications they use. It is important to keep in touch with a doctor to discuss any symptoms, complications, and changes as they occur.
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