|  | Conditions Treatments | Neurological Disorders

Final Stages of Patients With Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a painful, degenerative neurological disorder that occurs mainly in the elderly. Although some cases involve younger people, research still continues on this disease, about which we really don't know a lot. However, patterns in patients have given researchers the ability to classify stages of Parkinson's. Parkinson's has five stages, and the final three are the most degenerative and, as such, carry the most severe symptoms.

  1. Symptoms

    • There is no pattern of symptoms in Parkinson's disease. The severity and depth of the symptoms vary from patient to patient. Even though they are variable, some common symptoms presented are warning signs. Tremors are the well known, restless, uncontrollable shaking that occurs. They subside when the patient moves. However, returning to rest causes the tremors to return. Additionally, rigid muscles accompany tremors and cause patients to be achy and tired in the affected area(s).

    Stage 3

    • Stage three of Parkinson's is when symptoms become severe and crippling. This is when the aforementioned tremors and stiff muscles start to develop. The weakness in muscles spread to areas like the face, throat, and other upper portions of the body. This symptom is especially dangerous since the uncontrollable muscle spasms and weakness in the throat can make it difficult for the patient to eat and swallow. Supplemental techniques like intravenous feeding tubes are sometimes needed to supply nutrition to the patient.

    Stage 4

    • Stage four is accompanied by symptoms that affect walking and motility. The patient might be able to walk, but very poorly, and bradykinesia is often present. Bradykinesia is difficulty in movement, characterized by slow, deliberate actions. For instance, a Parkinson's patient might have difficulty getting up from a sitting position or turning over in bed. After getting up, this stage of Parkinson's affects the patient's posture and gait. When walking, the patient can only achieve small steps similar to shuffling feet back and forth. Interestingly, the tremors that are present in earlier stages can become nonexistent at this stage of Parkinson's.

    Stage 5

    • Stage five of Parkinson's is the final stage, and it usually takes over all movement of the patient. Patients are no longer able to take care of themselves, and assisted living or an in-home nurse is needed. Walking is usually impossible at this stage, and supportive care is needed for basic living. At this stage, incontinence, trouble sleeping, and mood disorders are present. The patient becomes entirely reliant on others for care, and immediate medical situations may occur.

Neurological Disorders - Related Articles