Parkinson’s disease, a chronic movement disorder that can cause tremors, slow movements, and stiff muscles, is widespread. According to the National Parkinson Foundation, approximately 1 in 100 people aged 60 years or older have Parkinson’s. And although it’s most often diagnosed in people 50 or older, there are some cases of younger onset. In fact, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation Inc., about 2 percent of all people with Parkinson’s were diagnosed before age 40. Although this number may seem small compared to other diseases such as breast cancer or diabetes—which affect about 20 percent of women and 5 percent of men—people with young-onset Parkinson’s are still faced with challenges that can affect their quality of life over time if they’re not properly cared for. Parkinson’s patients with mood disorders need help from caregivers at memory care homes in Clayton, NC, to keep their emotions under control and their minds alert.
Effects Of Parkinson’s On Day-To-Day Living
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects movement, including motor control and coordination. People with Parkinson’s may experience tremors, stiffness or weakness in their muscles, slow movements, and problems with posture. While depression can occur as a result of Parkinson’s disease, it is not considered part of the disease itself; rather, depression is often brought on by symptoms of Parkinson’s, like lack of sleep or impaired memory.
A person living with this condition may have difficulty completing tasks related to daily life, such as eating or bathing—tasks they once found easy now become difficult because they are no longer able to perform them independently due to memory loss caused by depression (which makes it hard for them remember how). It’s important that families know these facts so they know how best to support loved ones at home when caring for someone else who suffers from this condition!
Some people with Parkinson’s disease may also experience depression or anxiety due to their illness. Talking about what is going on in their lives is important for these individuals because it helps them cope with their emotions and realize that they are not alone in dealing with these feelings of sadness or fear.
How Memory Care Communities Help With Mood Disorders
If you suffer from a mood disorder, the right memory care community can help you manage it. Whether it’s depression or another mood-related condition, the right combination of medication and lifestyle changes—along with social interaction—can be an effective treatment plan.
Stimulation Of The Brain: If a person has Parkinson’s, they will likely be in the later stages of the disease. In these cases, it’s important to keep their brains active to help prevent memory loss and other symptoms associated with Parkinson’s. Activities like music therapy and group activities can be effective ways of keeping patients engaged and stimulated.
Social Interaction: Social interaction is important for everyone, but it’s especially vital for people with Parkinson’s and mood disorders.
We’re all social creatures, so we need to interact with other people to thrive. And interacting with others can help you feel more alive, which can lead to improved health and wellness overall.
It’s no different for people with Parkinson’s or mood disorders: without proper socialization, they’ll likely experience the same kind of depression symptoms as those who lack social interaction altogether (think: withdrawal from friends or family members).
Proper Nutrition: Proper nutrition is essential for people with Parkinson’s. It’s important to avoid foods that can make your symptoms worse, including caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and tobacco. You should also limit salty foods and eat smaller portions at each mealtime.
Remember that Parkinson’s patients need special consideration when it comes to meals because eating properly can be challenging.
Conclusion
Memory Care communities are a great option for people with Parkinson’s who also have mood disorders. These communities provide the right level of care and support and special programs to address mood disorders. They can also help residents with social skills training, which is important for people with Parkinson’s who may struggle in this area due to their condition.
