When someone close to you gets told they have Parkinson’s, you might experience a rush of emotions. It can be daunting, frustrating and anxiety-provoking to hear this diagnosis, but knowing the facts and preparing yourself for the future can help manage the expectations of yourself and your loved ones.
Today, we’ll explore the stages of Parkinson’s, what you can expect from each and how professional care can assist with the progression of this disease.
Parkinson’s Affects People Differently
Parkinson’s impacts people in different ways, so not everyone experiences the same symptoms. Even if you share symptoms with another person with Parkinson’s, they might appear in a different order or affect you for a varied length of time. With over 40 symptoms of the condition, it’s not uncommon for people to have no overlapping symptoms.
This makes it difficult to accurately predict the progression of Parkinson’s. However, knowing the general way in which Parkinson’s affects the body can help you cope with changes as and when they occur.
The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s are:
- Tremors
- Rigidity
- Slow movements
- Memory and thinking problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Pain
- Mental health problems, including anxiety and depression
The Five Stages of Parkinson’s
Hoehn and Yahr developed the five stages of Parkinson’s framework in 1967. Doctors still use it to this day to describe the progression of Parkinson’s. This scale defines stages one and two as early-stage, three as mid-stage, and four and five as advanced-stage.
Stage One
The initial stage of Parkinson’s brings mild symptoms that don’t usually interfere with everyday life. Many people with early-stage Parkinson’s are able to continue living normally without assistance from loved ones or professional carers. You may only start noticing symptoms towards the end of this stage.
Common symptoms include:
- Mild tremors
- Movement symptoms on one side of the body
- Changes in posture and walking
- Difficulties with facial expressions
Stage Two
Your symptoms may start getting worse as you progress through stage two. While symptoms began only affecting one side of the body, you may find that they affect both. While you’ll most likely still be able to live alone, everyday tasks might start to get more difficult or take longer to complete.
Symptoms for stage two include:
- Worsening tremors or rigidity
- Movement symptoms affecting your midline
- Slower walking
- Poor posture
Stage Three
As you reach mid-stage Parkinson’s, falls are more common due to a lack of balance. Motor symptoms continue to worsen, potentially restricting functionality and making daily activities much harder. However, many people with stage-three Parkinson’s lead an independent life at home. Mild to moderate disability is expected.
You may experience:
- Unsteadiness and loss of balance
- Reduced reflexes
- Slower movements
- Fine motor difficulties, including a loss of coordination
- Speech changes
Stage Four
By the time you reach stage four of Parkinson’s, symptoms will be fully developed. Many people find this severely disabling, making activities of daily living difficult to complete alone. You might need the assistance of a full-time carer to help with cooking, cleaning and moving around the house. People in this stage of the condition can often still walk and stand independently, but may need a cane or walker for safety.
Possible symptoms include:
- Much slower movements
- Increased risk of falling
- Muscle stiffness and freezing
- Swallowing problems
- Cognitive decline
Stage Five
Stage five is the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s, and the most debilitating. People with advanced-stage Parkinson’s may find it impossible to stand or walk, spending all of their time in bed or in a chair. Daily tasks like eating, writing and bathing are extremely difficult without round-the-clock assistance from a loved one or professional carer. Severe symptoms may reduce quality of life if mismanaged.
Symptoms of stage-five Parkinson’s include:
- Debilitating stiffness in the legs
- Confusion, hallucinations and delusions
- Sleep disturbances
- Speech difficulties, including a complete loss
- Incontinence
What Is the Life Expectancy of Someone With Parkinson’s?
Studies suggest that Parkinson’s can reduce life expectancy in most patients–but as an underlying cause rather than the direct cause. At age 65, Parkinson’s reduces life expectancy by 6.7 years. However, for those over 85, Parkinson’s independently reduces life expectancy by only 1.2 years. Advanced Parkinson’s makes you more vulnerable to poor health and increased disability.
When the condition reduces life expectancy, it’s often as a result of complications rather than the disease itself. Complications related to Parkinson’s that can increase mortality rates include:
- Aspiration pneumonia
- Falls and resulting injuries
- Chest infections
- Weight loss
To avoid your life expectancy being influenced by Parkinson’s, managing symptoms as well as you can is essential.
How to Manage the Progression of Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, meaning symptoms get worse over time. There is currently no cure for the condition, but there are several ways to manage symptoms to improve quality of life while living with Parkinson’s. Your doctor should’ve already spoken to you about medications and therapies to manage symptoms.
There are several other ways you can manage the progression of Parkinson’s at home, including:
- Medication: Correct doses of dopaminergic medication and frequent medication reviews with your doctor can effectively manage symptoms like tremors, stiffness and slowness.
- Physical exercise: Many people find that increasing their daily activity makes it easier to live well with Parkinson’s by reducing muscle stiffness and improving mood.
- Strict routine: Sticking to regular medication timings and a dependable routine manages symptoms and avoids stress-related progression.
- Physio and occupational therapy: Therapy helps you manage daily tasks, keep safe at home and improve mobility despite Parkinson’s progression.
- Healthy diet: Focusing on nutritious whole foods helps boost strength, improve mood, aid cognitive function and prevent Parkinson’s-related weight loss.
What Does Advanced Parkinson’s Mean?
Advanced Parkinson’s is a complex form of the disease that involves a more significant impact on daily life. Parkinson’s medications might become less effective at managing your symptoms, leaving you to deal with more severe consequences without help.
When dealing with advanced-stage, it’s beneficial to have a Parkinson’s care plan outlined so your loved ones and carers know what to expect in the future. This makes sure your wishes are understood and listened to as your condition progresses, even if you begin struggling with speech or communication difficulties.
How Country Cousins Can Help
Country Cousins is committed to providing bespoke, compassionate care to our clients, including those with Parkinson’s. We’ll match you with a fully trained carer with experience of Parkinson’s Disease, no matter what stage you’re currently experiencing. They will remain your primary carer as your condition progresses, so you can become well-acquainted and form a trusting relationship.
Your personal care plan will depend on your current stage and personal preferences. However, as a general rule, our Parkinson’s Care at Home service includes:
- Assistance with daily living tasks, such as eating, bathing and dressing
- Planning and preparation of nutritious meals
- Encouragement to continue exercising, hobbies and social activities
- Companionship and emotional support
- Light housekeeping and pet care
- Transport to and from appointments
Choosing Country Cousins live-in care allows you to remain at home even as your condition progresses through each stage. We prioritise comfort, independence and dignity, so our clients feel valued and supported every step of the way.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959 – all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
