End Stage Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Parkinson's Disease (also known as PD) is a neurological disease that causes a number of issues concerning muscle movements. Those with PD develop tremors, muscle stiffness, trouble walking, a decrease in facial expression in addition to other concerns. As time passes, the symptoms of Parkinson's worsen. Occurring in stages, the changes that take place in the person's body continue to progress until the person passes on. There are certain motor abilities a loved one can expect to see in the most advanced stage of PD.

Eating Disorders

• PD patients in the most advanced stage have an decrease in their appetite, leading to weight loss. They also tend to have trouble swallowing at this stage of the disorder as well.

Mobility

• Final stage PD patients lose much of their ability to move. They are unable to walk or talk. They are unable to care for themselves due to the massive loss in their ability to function.

Therapy

• People with Parkinson's Disease do not improve in health or movement despite therapeutic intervention at this stage. Because of the loss in agitation, patients are likely to end up hospitalized or injured due to falling.

Altered Mental State

• End stage Parkinson's may cause the person to have an altered level of consciousness, sometimes this is related to the person being depressed. Patients have increased weakness, fatigue and drowsiness.

Death

• Because the overall control of the body diminishes, those with Parkinson's are more susceptible to getting infections, pneumonia or even choking due to the loss in being able to chew and/or swallow. Many times, these secondary emergencies lead to the person's death.