03 Feb Five Health Risks Linked to Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that has an effect on several functions of the body.  The changes that occur after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease can have a significant impact on both the physical and mental aspects of a person’s wellbeing. Listed below are five health risks that are linked to Parkinson’s disease. 

1. Most Common Physical Health Risks:

The hallmark signs of Parkinson’s disease are experiencing slow movement, tremors, rigidity and difficulty with balance and coordination. There are other physical functions that are affected by Parkinson’s disease, which include:

• Difficulty Eating and Swallowing
• Bladder Changes
• Decreased Sense of Smell
• Restless Legs
• Constipation
• Fatigue

2. Most Common Emotional Symptoms:

It is common for mood changes and for a change in behavior related to how a person thinks when they suffer from Parkinson’s disease. These emotions can range from anger or sadness to grief or even denial. These emotions can be helped with the right medical treatments or with counseling for patients and caregivers. Some individuals may slow further declining emotional functions at bay by finding a support group that can help them better understand their condition.

3. Other Neurological Symptoms;

Memory difficulties and depression are symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.  While these issues may differ amongst different individuals, it may also be ignored, thinking that it is a normal part of aging.  Additionally, some individuals may experience anxiety or even psychosis.

4. Sleeping Difficulties:

Sleep is essential to allow the body to restore and repair itself. The brain changes with Parkinson’s disease. It can affect sleep, making it more difficult and even creating sleep problems before Parkinson’s is diagnosed. Sleep disruptions can also be due to medications that are taken, making some individuals sleepy during the day and having interrupted sleep in the evening.  This disruption in sleep can affect your health, mood and overall quality of life. Some common symptoms of sleep difficulty include:

• Difficulty Falling and Staying Asleep
• Waking Up to go to the Bathroom
• Excessive Daytime Sleeping
• Talking in Sleep
• Vivid Dreaming
• Restless Legs Syndrome
• Difficulty Rolling Over in Bed

5. Speech Difficulties:

Parkinson’s disease can affect speech in numerous ways. It is common for individuals with Parkinson’s to speak quietly and without much emotion. Sometimes their speech can sound hoarse or wheezy.  Sometimes they may mumble, slur their words or trail off at the end of a sentence. This is likely due to the decline in motor functions, such evidenced by= slowness, decrease in facial expression or even a stoop posture.  There are also non-motor functions that can contribute to speech disturbances. Cognitive issues such as memory or thinking problems can also affect speech.  This may be due to being unable to find the right words because of slower speech in a conversation.  Speech problems affect socialization interactions.

Palm Beach Neurological Center treats Parkinson’s disease and other neurological ailments.  Our doctor is dedicated to providing our patients with the utmost care and support. We can help you understand the symptoms of Parkinson’s or we recommend contacting the Parkinson’s Foundation for additional support.  You can reach Palm Beach Neurological Center at (561) 694-1010.