Nerves have a protective covering known as the myelin sheath. For unknown reasons, multiple sclerosis (MS) damages the sheath and creates plaque-like lesions. When this occurs, the normal transmission between nerves becomes disrupted or short-circuited, similar to what might happen when the rubber coating on wiring deteriorates. People with MS experience a wide range of symptoms that differ in severity…
Your senior loved one has reached the point where you know he or she needs help. Yet your loved one may refuse to listen to your concerns. Seniors who prize their independence may refuse to accept help out of sheer pride. Others may fear what could happen if people they don’t know come into their homes. Getting your parent to…
Some foods boost brain function, but others can cause memory loss and lead to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Family caregivers need to educate their aging loved ones about the importance of healthy eating and create a list of foods to avoid. Take a look at some of the most common foods that increase the risk of dementia in older adults.…
Seniors can experience balance issues as a result of preexisting medical conditions, side effects from prescription medications, and even psychological disorders. While balance issues in seniors aren’t unusual, they need to be addressed because they can lead to accidents and injuries. Here are several balance issues older adults commonly experience and tips on how you can reduce your aging loved…
High blood pressure can raise the risk of heart attack and stroke in seniors. While the risk of high blood pressure may be greater in those with family histories of hypertension, other things such as lifestyle factors can also play a role. Here are five things that can raise your senior loved one's blood pressure. 1. Obesity The risk of…
![Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that can impact almost every facet of a senior’s life. Luckily, seniors can do quite a bit to minimize the symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life as long as they come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. Here’s a closer look at the average life expectancy of a senior with Parkinson’s and some of the leading treatment options for this pervasive disease. Parkinson’s Disease Prognosis The first thing seniors and their caregivers need to understand is that there isn’t an exact formula for figuring out the life expectancy of a senior with Parkinson's. That being said, the vast majority of seniors live between 10 and 20 years after being diagnosed with this disease. It’s also important to note that most seniors develop this disease around the age of 60, but some may notice a few early warning signs before that time. Seniors who are able to identify this disease in its earliest stages can sometimes delay or reduce the symptoms for many years. In-home caregivers can be a fantastic asset for seniors with Parkinson’s who want to stay as healthy as possible. When considering elder care, families should make sure their senior loved ones have the resources they need to maintain their independence and remain healthy. Trusted in-home care professionals can assist seniors with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, and exercise, and they can also encourage them to focus on healthier lifestyle habits. Early Warning Signs Tremors are the most common symptom of Parkinson’s, and almost everyone who is diagnosed with this disease will experience this issue at some point. In the earliest stages of this disorder, seniors might find it difficult to write legibly or hold on to small objects because of their tremors. Some also have difficulty with ongoing discomfort and cramps deep in their muscles. Another unusual symptom to keep an eye out for is sleep problems. As this disease progresses, many seniors find it difficult to sleep through the night. Others experience daytime fatigue or extreme nightmares. If you have an aging loved one who has recently noticed any of these issues, contact a neurologist for further testing. As Parkinson’s disease advances into later stages, safety issues can make caring for seniors increasingly challenging. Aging in place can present a few unique challenges for older adults. Some only require part-time assistance with exercise or meal preparation, while others are living with serious illnesses and benefit more significantly from receiving live-in care. Green Valley, AZ, Embrace In-Home Care are leaders in the elderly in-home care industry for good reason. We tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual needs, our caregivers continue to receive updated training in senior care as new developments arise, and we also offer comprehensive care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s. Treatment Options for Parkinson’s There currently isn’t a cure for Parkinson’s, and the goal of most treatments is to minimize the worst symptoms. To reduce tremors, most seniors are prescribed levodopa, which helps the body produce and regulate the vital brain chemical dopamine. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is another popular treatment for Parkinson’s, and recent studies have revealed it might delay many of the worst symptoms. DBS is a minimally invasive treatment that requires no incisions or anesthetic. Enhancing Quality of Life After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s, seniors can live long and fulfilling lives as long as they focus on boosting their mental and physical health. The first thing they should do is come up with a comprehensive exercise plan that strengthens their muscles and increases their balance. They should also stick to a nutrient-dense diet that gives them energy and helps the body produce vital chemicals and hormones. Many seniors with Parkinson’s benefit from speaking with mental health specialists as well. Being diagnosed with a progressive disorder can take a toll on the psyche, and a mental health specialist can help a senior work through those emotions. A professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support for seniors with Parkinson’s who need help with adopting healthy lifestyles, exercising safely, and completing daily tasks. Families looking for top-rated Green Valley in-home care providers can reach out to Embrace In-Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones. To create a comprehensive in-home care plan for your loved one, call us at [hca_phone] today.](https://embraceinhomecare.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Is-a-Long-Life-Possible-for-Someone-with-Parkinsons-Disease.jpg)
Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder that can impact almost every facet of a senior’s life. Luckily, seniors can do quite a bit to minimize the symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life as long as they come up with a comprehensive treatment plan. Here’s a closer look at the average life expectancy of a senior with Parkinson’s and some…
Aging is a part of life, and it can cause significant changes to the organs, tissues, and cells, affecting the way the body functions. Although aging cannot be stopped, the process can be slowed down when seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips your senior loved one can use to stave off the effects of aging. Exercise Seniors…
Aggression is a behavior most people don’t encounter often in life. However, family caregivers sometimes find themselves on the receiving end of their senior loved ones’ anger. Seniors with dementia may lash out for a variety of reasons, and your loved one’s actions could cause one or both of you to get hurt. Handling aggressive behavior as soon as possible…
Diet is important for seniors with Alzheimer's, since proper nutrition may offset neurological changes going on in the brain. However, meeting nutritional requirements is sometimes challenging for older adults who have cognitive decline coupled with other age-related issues. Here's what to keep in mind as you put together a meal plan for an aging loved one with Alzheimer's. Balance Plates…
Whether you help your senior loved one with errands a few hours after work each day or provide around-the-clock care in your own home, being a family caregiver can be an overwhelming and stressful responsibility. If you experience feelings of guilt, anxiety, or stress related to your role as a caregiver, here are a few healthy habits that can relieve…