Parkinson’s is one of the many common degenerative disorders affecting millions of people around the world. It is a central nervous system disorder that affects the motor system of the body. Rigidity, immobility, imbalance, shivering, etc. are some of the major symptoms of this disorder. There is no complete cure for this disorder, but technology has helped reduce the pain and hassle while handling it.
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not known. The dopamine-producing cells in the human brain are affected due to some genetic factors which result in them dying. This, in turn, reduces the dopamine levels drastically. Dopamine is responsible for carrying the messages from the brain to the different limbs for movement and reduction in dopamine causes Parkinson’s.
There are a number of symptoms that could clearly indicate if a person suffers from Parkinson’s disease. They are divided into two broad categories, motor Parkinson’s symptoms and non-motor Parkinson’s symptoms.
Motor Symptoms
Tremors
Bradykinesia
Rigidity
Slowness of Movement
Postural Instability
Non-Motor Symptoms
Disorder of Speech
Disorder of Cognition
Disorder of Mood
Disorder of Behavior
Disorder of Thought
Insomnia is also a major symptom common among most of the people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
There is no complete cure to this disease but thanks to medical innovation we have come up with ways to increase or mimic dopamine in the body. This does not exactly cure the disease but slows the onset of the motor disabilities and hence helps in coping with it easily. Rehabilitation and other coping methods are common and can be put into use to reduce the difficulties faced due to Parkinson’s disease.
Dressing aids such as button hooks and zipper pulls are ideal for individuals who lack dexterity, undergo tremors and difficulty with coordination and balance. Apparels which contain hidden magnets are also a boon.
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| Mabis DMI Small Button Aid and Zipper Pull | Carex Button Hooks with Zipper Pull | Drive Lifestyle Essentials Dressing Stick |
Taking a bath can be a cakewalk with the right aids, from shower seats to long-handle sponge kits. Support handles can be installed in the bathroom so that there is minimal risk of slipping or falling down.
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| Drive Folding Shower Chair | Bath Sponge and Toe Washer | Carex Textured Wall Grab Bars |
Working in the kitchen can be a difficult task as many of the activities in the kitchen require dexterous movements. Cutting, chopping, etc can be easier using cutting boards and knives designed especially for people with Parkinson’s.
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| Buckingham CoolHand Hot Plate Holder | Lightweight Rocker Knife | One-Handed Deluxe Maple Cutting Board |
Walking, in general, can sometimes be a difficult task, and so supports such as canes, come in handy. They not only support the person while walking but can also be good gripping objects for when tremors occur.
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| Cardinal Health Offset Adjustable Height Cane | Essential Medical Designer Aluminum Offset Cane | Alex Orthopedic Tourist Handle Wood Canes |
Dining is another difficult task and can be easily accomplished using dining aids such as special grip fork and knives, scoop plates and dishes, special grip cups and mugs, etc.
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| Maddak Arthro Thumbs-Up Cup Replacement Lid | Maddak Eating Scooper Plate | Kinsman Parkinsons Deluxe Weighted Kit |
Living with Parkinson’s can be a challenge both for the patient and the caregivers. Having access to the right equipment and products can make life much less of a struggle than it could otherwise be. It is all about finding what could make your life easier!
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