Do your loved ones experience tremors, shakiness, lack of facial expressions, and difficulty initiating movements? It could be a sign of Parkinson’s Dementia, which develops in an individual after a year of Parkinson’s’ diagnosis. The abnormal microscopic deposits of alpha-synuclein called Lewy bodies cause brain abnormalities, ultimately affecting their thinking, behavior, and movement.
Check out our writing below to learn how to spot the key symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia — and how to help your family member with the right memory care in Brookings, or find a memory care community near me that facilitates a safe and structured environment.
What Does Parkinson’s Dementia Mean?
Parkinson’s Dementia is a neurodegenerative brain condition causing cognitive impairments and movement disorder. The disease affects an individual’s motor skills like balance, coordination, movement, and daily functioning.
Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Dementia
- Difficulty focusing on things.
- Memory decline.
- Difficulty planning, starting, or completing tasks.
- Misnaming objects or struggling with complex sentences.
- Trouble interpreting visual information, like spotting objects in cluttered spaces.
Apart from this, other symptoms due to behavioral disturbances include:
- Depression, irritability, and anxiety.
- Hallucinations
- Paranoid delusions.
What are the Causes of Parkinson’s Dementia?
Parkinson’s disease is caused by a buildup of proteins called alpha-synuclein. This protein buildup forms Lewy bodies in the brain and damages nerve cells.
- Initially, it affects the basal ganglia, which is responsible for controlling an individual’s movements.
- Over time, it affects an individual’s thinking and memory as Lewy bodies spread to other brain areas.
How is Parkinson’s Disease Dementia Diagnosed in Seniors?
A combination of tests can diagnose Parkinson’s Disease Dementia in seniors. The neurologists take a medical history, review the symptoms, and recommend physical examination to diagnose the condition. These include:
- Blood and Lab Tests
- Imaging Tests, like MRI, brain ultrasound, or PET Scan
- Dopamine Transporter (DAT) Scan
- Genetic Testing
- Alpha-Synuclein Test
Treatment Options for Seniors Living with Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
No treatment can slow down brain cell damage caused by Parkinson’s disease. However, certain medications can help in controlling the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease like:
- Cholinesterase Inhibitors
- Carbidopa-Levodopa
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
How Caregivers Can Care for Loved Ones with Parkinson’s Dementia?
Caring for loved ones with Parkinson’s Dementia requires a structured approach that offers them emotional support and improves their overall quality of life. Here are some considerations to follow when you are caring for your loved one with Parkinson’s Dementia.
- Establish a consistent routine for meals, bathing, and bedtime to help your loved ones feel capable of managing their day-to-day tasks.
- Promote physical activities such as walking, stretching, or gentle yoga for the physical and mental well-being of an individual. These activities improve flexibility and coordination in individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
- Assist individuals with Parkinson’s Dementia in daily tasks such as dressing, bathing, eating, or grooming.
- Parkinson’s Dementia often leads to speech difficulties in an individual. So, speak slowly and use simple words in communication.
- Seek professional healthcare consultation to address behavioral and psychological symptoms.
- Serve easy-to-swallow meals so that they do not have any trouble with eating and drinking due to motor difficulties and cognitive decline. You should also discover more about the key strategies to lower cognitive decline risk in individuals.
- Remove rugs, install grab bars in bathrooms and stairways, and ensure that walking paths are clear to prevent a higher risk of falls and accidents.
- Reach out to support groups or consider assisted living communities to provide your loved ones with the best support and care.
Conclusion
Living with Parkinson’s dementia affects every life aspect of an individual as the disease progresses. You will notice a decline in memory and problem-solving abilities in individuals living with Parkinson’s dementia. However, with appropriate care and support systems, individuals with Parkinson’s dementia can lead fulfilling lives.
If your loved one is suffering from Parkinson’s dementia, get assistance from Monarch Gardens, the best community for assisted living and memory care in Brookings. The community will ensure your loved ones receive the appropriate care and help them enjoy a high quality of life.
