Gladys’ Health Part C: Parkinson’s
One morning Glady’s is having difficulty controlling her motor movements and requires extensive assistance to enter the washroom. Paul is confused regarding Gladys’ moderate change in mood and mobility and notifies their family physician of her symptoms of; muscle rigidity, stiff movements, tremors of the extremities, and frequent crying.
Gladys was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s is based on the severity of a client’s symptoms, there is no cure and no specific diagnostic test available for this disorder.
What new onset disorder may Gladys be presenting with?
Gladys has developed Parkinson’s, this is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the Basal Ganglia of the brain and motor movements resulting in bradykinesia and akinesia. In contrast to Alzheimer’s which typically affected the neural fibres resulting in tangles impairing cognition and resulting in poor judgement making persons at risk for injury.
Stages of Parkinson’s Disorder
- Mild motor difficulties but able to complete ADLs with minimal issues, typically only one side of the body is affected with rigidity
- Moderate symptoms with Bilateral movement and muscle stiffness, often ADLs take longer to complete and the client may begin demonstrating signs of depression
- Mid stage where the risk for injury is prevalent due to loss of balance and higher risk for falls
- Severe and debilitating symptoms requiring a mobility aid for assistance and often require supervision/ assistance to live at home
- Advanced stage that immobilizes a client and prevents them from completing voluntary movements, may require a wheelchair or be bed bound with 24/7 assistance at this stage cognitive impairment is present
Gladys gets help to perform ADLs
- Ensure that the client has an appropriate mobility aid and footwear to reduce their risk for falls to stabilize their balance
- Review if the client has support system at home or living in an accessible area
- May need kitchen utensils with specialized grip to handle devices independently
- Do not rush the client when completing activities to enhance their autonomy
What forms of living accommodations can be made to support the client at home?
