Though the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are easy to see, there are a handful of non-motor symptoms that may affect seniors. If your senior loved one has Parkinson’s, he or she may be experiencing some or all of these hidden symptoms. To ensure you’re able to recognize and seek treatment for your loved one’s non-motor symptoms, here are five of the less obvious symptoms of the disease.
1. Fatigue or Difficulty Sleeping
Because sleeping can become difficult for seniors with Parkinson’s as a result of nightmares, sleep apnea, and frequently waking to urinate, they may also experience daytime sleepiness and fatigue. If your loved one frequently falls asleep while watching television, dozes during car rides, or is generally tired throughout the day, he or she may be experiencing difficulty sleeping.
2. Apathy
Because of chemical changes in the brain, seniors with Parkinson’s sometimes experience feelings of apathy. If your loved one begins seeming distant, cold, or disinterested, this change in attitude may be the result of cognitive changes caused by Parkinson’s. Medications that target other Parkinson’s symptoms may also aggravate these feelings of apathy.
3. Cognitive Challenges
Parkinson’s disease causes cognitive impairment in about 50 percent of cases, leading to memory problems, confusion, and slower processing. As seniors with Parkinson’s frequently have slowed speech, delayed processing time and responses can easily be overlooked. Many seniors in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s also experience some symptoms of dementia or other memory conditions.
Serious health and safety issues in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s can make caring for aging loved ones with the disease increasingly challenging. For many seniors in Orlando, FL, live-in care is an essential component of aging in place safely and comfortably. However, it’s important for them to have caregivers they can trust and rely on. At Prestige Home Care Orlando, we extensively screen all of our live-in and 24-hour caregivers and only hire those who have experience in the senior home care industry. Our strict requirements ensure seniors can remain in the comfort of home with a reduced risk of injury or serious illness.
4. Excessive Salivation
Difficulty with saliva control is a very common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. As the muscles in the throat deteriorate, seniors may find it difficult to swallow properly, leading to saliva buildup in the mouth. If your loved one experiences difficulty with saliva control and swallowing, he or she may also be at risk for food becoming stuck in his or her throat. To keep your loved one safe while eating, have a family member or caregiver prepare easy-to-swallow meals.
Families looking for top-rated elderly home care providers can reach out to Prestige Home Care Orlando. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
5. Urinary Problems
Urinary problems are a common occurrence for seniors with Parkinson’s. If your loved one reports frequently waking up during the night to urinate, a sudden and very strong urge to urinate, frequent trips to the bathroom during the day, or incontinence, he or she should visit a physician.
Early diagnosis is critical because Parkinson’s disease can be particularly challenging in its final stages, and family caregivers can easily get overwhelmed. If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Prestige Home Care Orlando, a leading provider of in-home care Altamonte Springs, FL, families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Whether your parent needs minor help with daily tasks or extensive 24-hour care, give us a call at (407) 604-0506 today.