Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complicated progressive disease whose causes are not well understood. When a person has PD, their movement is affected. Early on, they might experience symptoms like tremors in the hand, or a face that shows little expression. As the disease progresses, symptoms get worse. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease.
Parkinson’s Disease Risk Factors
Although doctors don’t know what causes PD, they have determined that certain things put a person at a greater risk of developing the disease.
Risk factors for PD include:
Age: Older adults are at a greater risk of developing PD. Usually, people are not diagnosed with PD until age 50 or older. However, the disease can occur at a younger age. As a person ages, their risk increases. Some experts think that age is a factor because of damage to the nervous system that is associated with genetics or the environment.
Family History: If someone related to the older adult has PD, their risk of developing the disease is very slightly elevated. However, if there is a history of PD in younger adults, the risk is a bit higher.
Gender: Men are more apt to be diagnosed with PD. Experts believe this may be due to several factors. Men are more likely to work in certain occupations that expose them to environmental hazards or that may cause trauma to the head. Some researchers also believe that in cases of familial PD, the disease may be associated with the X chromosome.
Environmental Toxins: Working in agriculture where one might be exposed to herbicides or pesticides increases risk because these toxins may prevent the production of dopamine and allow for more damage from free radicals.
Head Injury: Some studies indicate that having suffered an injury to the head, neck, or upper cervical spine may be linked to an increased risk of PD.
A diagnosis of PD means that the older adult will eventually need assistance to do many activities of daily living. Hiring a home care provider through an agency will allow the person to remain in their home longer, especially if they live alone. A home care provider can assist with household tasks, like cooking, laundry, and cleaning. They can also help with things like dressing, bathing or showering, and grooming. Home care providers can even transport people with PD to and from medical appointments.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring elderly care in Beaverton, OR, please contact the caring staff at Integrity In-Home Care.
Call today (503) 660-3755
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/definition/CON-20028488?p=1
http://www.parkinsons.org/parkinsons-risk-factors.html
https://www.webmd.com/parkinsons-disease/tc/parkinsons-disease-what-increases-your-risk