More widespread in men, and more frequently diagnosed than muscular dystrophy, ALS and MS combined, Parkinson’s disease is clinically diagnosed in up to 7 – 10 million individuals throughout the world, with an additional 600,000 U.S. citizens diagnosed every year. And even while each person’s encounter with Parkinson’s may differ in level of severity, there are five main stages of development that are normally experienced by all.

In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, San Diego Home Caregivers provides the details below to help you better understand the stages of Parkinson’s disease:

• 1st Stage: Described as early-stage Parkinson’s, this phase impacts the individual with mild signs or symptoms that could present as follows:
  • Evident on just one side of the body
  • Effects are problematic, but not disabling
  • Tremors or uncontrollable shaking in one limb may be apparent
  • Family members can often pick up on deviations in the individual’s balance, facial expressions, and posture
• 2nd Stage: In the second stage of Parkinson’s, the individual begins to present an inability to complete common physical tasks:
  • Symptoms now have an impact on both sides of the body
  • The person is experiencing minimal disability, but in most cases ambulatory or balance problems are observed
  • Posture begins to be affected
• 3rd Stage: This phase is regarded as moderate Parkinson’s disease, and a more significant level of disability will begin to become obvious:
  • There is a recognizable slowing down of the body’s movements
  • Equilibrium deterioration may lead to the inability to stand or walk straight
  • There is a moderately significant overall dysfunction
• 4th Stage: This stage is indicative of advanced Parkinson’s and involves significant effects:
  • Stiffness and bradykinesia, or slow movements, are now at play
  • The individual can no longer complete daily tasks and commonly is unable to live independently
  • Trembling may begin to lessen or go away altogether for unknown reasons during this stage
• 5th Stage: This final stage of the disease generally takes over the person’s physical movements:
  • The person usually encounters a general decline in vitality and strength in both body and mind
  • The individual may potentially now be no longer able to walk or stand
  • One-on-one care is needed

The team at San Diego Home Caregivers, the experts in providing the highest quality La Jolla elder care and care throughout the surrounding areas, can help those with Parkinson’s disease and other conditions of aging to experience a higher quality of life, right in the security of home. Whether the need is for help with daily personal care, accompanied transportation to doctors’ appointments, running errands, light housework and meal preparation, or merely a friendly companion to brighten up each day, each of our care plans is individualized to each person’s unique needs and choices. Contact us online or call us any time at (619) 487-9000 to discover how our care services can help your family. To learn more about all of the areas we serve in San Diego County, please visit our Communities Served page.