7 Signs of Parkinson’s Disease You May Not Know

By: Shannon Hernandez, ATC, CPT, AEFP, PWR! Certified

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. The Parkinson’s foundation defines the disease as a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately dopamine-producing (“dopaminergic”) neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) usually develop slowly over several years and often vary from person to person, progressing at different rates. Symptoms of PD may include:

  1. Tremors at rest
  2. Bradykinesia – slow and small steps, movements or postural changes
  3. Gait and balance problems
  4. Stiffness and poor posture
  5. Instable posture
  6. Impaired kinesthesia – a diminished ability to sense the position of one’s body in space
  7. Soft and mumbled speech

Any one of these symptoms alone does not mean you have Parkinson’s, but a combination could be an indicator. Consult with your doctor for an official diagnosis if it has not already been confirmed.

The cause of PD is unknown and although there is no cure for the disease, treatment options are available, including exercise. Following a diagnosis, here are some recommendations to get the most out of your exercise plan:

  • Pay attention to which exercises you do and how you do them
  • Don’t go into autopilot to complete your exercises, really concentrate on body alignment
  • Focus on big movements in a safe environment
  • Place emphasis on each individual action to ensure proper form
  • As you become aware of your body and movements, you can challenge yourself with multi-task movements in a safe environment

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, exercising individually or in a group setting can help decrease many symptoms of the disease. If exercising on your own sounds overwhelming or is simply not motivating, group exercise is a great way to combat the common lack of enjoyment with exercise; receiving motivation from others increases enjoyment and helps you stick to an exercise plan.

Sheltering Arms offers a Parkinson’s disease care clinic and several fitness classes and programs specifically designed for people with PD. To learn more about these services, click the button below.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Try Before You Buy: Exploring Assistive Technology

From a simple magnifying glass to voice-activated smart devices, technology is everywhere, and the right tools can support daily routines, connectivity with family, and safety within the home. However, with all the options available, how do you know what technology is right for you? And, once you find a device, what type of model and features should you choose? See how Sheltering Arms Institute’s Assistive Technology Lab can help.

Caring for the Caregiver

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize and honor the dedication, compassion, and resilience of caregivers. Whether caring for a loved one recovering from trauma, illness, or injury, caregivers play an essential role in the healing process. However, caregiving can be overwhelming and emotionally demanding. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help caregivers take care of themselves so they may care for others.

Diet Tips to Lower Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health complications. A healthy lifestyle of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and diet can help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure. When it comes to your diet, the best one to follow is a dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, or similarly, the Mediterranean diet. Learn specific dietary changes you can implement to help lower blood pressure.

Heat vs. Ice – Which is Better for Your Pain?

Are you experiencing pain or swelling, but are unsure if you should reach for an ice pack or a heating pad to find relief? Choosing the right therapy can help relieve discomfort and promote healing. Learn when to apply cold or heat to get the best results.

Coping with Anxiety After A Stroke

It’s common for stroke survivors and their family members to feel anxious after a stroke. So much changes so suddenly. As a stroke survivor myself, I certainly experienced anxiety: in the hospital, at the rehab center, and after I returned home. Not only were my physical and mental abilities different, but my family had to adjust as well. From coping with uncertainty to rebuilding daily routines, learn how to manage post-stroke anxiety and regain a sense of control.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.