If your parent is living with Parkinson’s, his or her doctor will develop a treatment plan based on the severity of your loved one’s symptoms. There are also things you can do at home for your loved one to augment the physician’s medical treatment plan. Here are some good treatments for older adults with Parkinson’s.
Therapeutic Massage
Muscle spasms in the extremities are common with Parkinson’s disease. While antispasmodic medications can quell the spasms, they can also cause side effects, such as sleepiness, dizziness, and balance problems. Therapeutic massage performed by a professional who has experience in caring for seniors with Parkinson’s can relax the muscles to decrease spasticity and pain.
Antidepressant Medication
Both depression and anxiety are common in those with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. If your loved one demonstrates signs of anxiety or depression, such as frequent crying, aggression, isolating behaviors, or changes in sleep habits or appetite, make an appointment with the doctor, who may prescribe antidepressant medications. These medications can often help with both depression and anxiety because anxiety may sometimes be caused by depression. Before the physician prescribes psychotropic medications, he or she may refer your loved one to a neurologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and treatment.
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with the everyday tasks of life, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior home care green valley. Families trust Embrace In-Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Magnesium-Rich Foods
Magnesium relaxes smooth muscle tissue, which can prevent cramps, spasms, and pain in the arms and legs of those with Parkinson’s disease. Offer your loved one magnesium-rich foods such as bananas and nuts, and consider giving him or her a multivitamin and a mineral supplement containing magnesium. Many seniors with Parkinson’s are unable to tolerate highly textured foods such as bananas or hard foods such as nuts, so supplementing with vitamins and mineral tablets ensures your loved one gets the recommended daily allowance of magnesium and other essential minerals such as potassium. In addition, people who have Parkinson’s disease may experience constipation, so if your loved one is often constipated, bananas and nuts may worsen the condition. On the other hand, magnesium supplements may have a laxative effect, especially when taken in higher doses.
Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Green Valley seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctor’s office, medication reminders, and much more.
Propranolol
Propranolol is a medication in the beta blocker category. It’s typically used to manage high blood pressure, migraines, and cardiac arrhythmias. However, it can be prescribed to relieve essential tremors of the head, hands, and legs in people with Parkinson’s disease. Propranolol is typically well tolerated, but it can cause fatigue, numbness, tingling sensations, high serum potassium levels, and exercise intolerance. Another common side effect of propranolol is low blood pressure. If your loved one has blood pressure problems or currently takes medications to manage hypertension, propranolol may not be recommended. In addition to relieving essential tremors, propranolol may also lessen anxiety associated with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Green Valley elderly home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Embrace In-Home Care is here to help. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Embrace In-Home Care today at (520) 625-2050.