Can You Reverse Parkinson’s Disease?
According to the medical researches, as of now there is no official way to reverse Parkinson’s disease. It is said to be progressive disease in which Patients often suffer from cognitive decline. The treatments which exist can help ease the symptoms but never reverse the disease completely.
What is the Treatment Protocol for Parkinson’s Disease?
The treatment protocol varies along with the stage of Parkinson’s disease the patient is undergoing-
Initial Medicines: In the initial stages medication may be provided to ease out the symptoms experienced by the patient.
Occupational Therapy: As the stage progresses, occupational therapy may be required. This may help the patient reduce the stiffness of the muscles. The occupational therapy helps with both the fine and gross motor abilities of the patient.
Physical Support: Walkers and wheelchairs may become essential, as the patient gradually becomes unable to even walk or stand alone.
Caregiver: It may become very difficult for a patient with Parkinson’s disease to live alone as the stage progresses. Thus a caregiver’s assistance is equally important along with the medication.
Support Group: Apart from this, support groups help the patients talk about their depression and anxiety which are very commonly experienced in Parkinson’s disease.
What is the Role of Caregivers for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that demands proper care for the patient. Since it adversely affects the motor abilities of the patient, a caregiver is extremely important who can take care of the patient. The major aim of the caregiver should involve-
Role of Caregiver: The caregiver plays an important role in maintaining the quality of life of the patient with Parkinson’s disease.
Appointment Tracking: The caregiver should be responsible for keeping a track of all the appointments with the doctor.
Timely Medication: The caregiver has to make a note of all the medications prescribed to the patient by the doctor and give him those medicines time to time.
Healthy Diet: The caregiver should be aware of the general health of the patient. The patient should have a balanced and healthy diet and exercise regularly. This should be checked by the person who takes care of the patient.
Caregiver Education: The caregiver should make attempts to educate himself about the signs and symptoms of the Parkinson’s disease along with the treatment protocol and the progression of the disease.
Emotional Support: The love and care offered to the patient by the caregiver can help him deal better with the mental turmoil accompanying the disease.
How to Cope Up with Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is progressive and eventually affects every aspect of life from social engagements to work and normal life routines. The gradual loss of independence may be difficult but being well informed about the disease may reduce the anxiety to a large extent. There are various support groups that offer valuable information to patients with such disease and how to cope with the same. These groups provide emotional support and also advice the patients with regard to finding experienced doctors, therapists and other related information.
Why is Proper Follow-Up Required for Patients with Parkinson’s Disease?
A person with Parkinson’s disease is supposed to go for regular checkups to his health care professional for the following reasons-
Checkup: The check-ups help the health care professionals to check if the treatment procedure is working or not and also provides an insight about the necessary adjustments to be made.
Regular Follow-ups: Regular follow-ups help in detection of new problems with cognition, behavior or mood which might need special treatment.
Analysis: The follow-ups provide a platform for caregivers to discuss the problems with respect to the patient’s care.
Presence of Dementia: It can also be known if the patient is susceptible to dementia with the help of regular checkups.
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