Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the presence of tremors and accompaniment of a shuffling gait. There is no cure for PD and this disease is progressive. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation reports that an estimated 1 million Americans are currently living with the diagnosis and 4 million individuals are affected around the globe.
Physical Manifestations of Parkinson's
Physical signs and symptoms accompanying early PD listed on the Parkinson's Disease Information website include digestive problems (slowing down of digestive processes, lack of energy and constipation), low blood pressure (resulting in dizziness, light-headedness and fainting spells), temperature sensitivity (which can include hot flashes and excessive sweating), akinesia (rigidity of the muscles), Bradykinesia (frozen or slowed muscle movements) and the beginnings of tremor activity (likely occurring in the fingers, face, and feet and extending to entire limbs and abdomen) leading to the appearance of drunkenness and shuffling gait.
Behavioral and Personality Changes
Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that individuals with PD can experience a host of symptoms indicative of behavioral or personality changes. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation posits that these can manifest via anxiety, fatigue, depression, dystonia (involuntary twitching motions, awkward positioning, odd movements), delusions and/or hallucinations, speech problems, masking (flat facial expressions), difficulty swallowing (which could produce disordered eating), poor concentration on tasks, impulsive behaviors, sleep disturbances, and sexual dysfunction. Changes of this nature paired with physiological changes taking place can create a host of problems with coping and can definitely impair activities associated with daily living.
Coordination of Movements in Decline
Balance, body composure and the coordination of movements, posture, and the ability to walk without assistance are all compromised activities which may occur from the onset of PD. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine and Parkinson's Disease Information website, the tell-tale signs of disease progression is the increasing shakiness, tremor activity, leg discomforts and shuffling gait, which eventually arrive at the point of dependence and very justified fears of falling.
