Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects the nervous system. It is a long-term condition that results in the degeneration of the nervous system. Once one has the condition, common signs include tremors, shaking, slowness of movement, and rigidity. Difficulties in walking as well as accompany Parkinson disease. This paper will highlight the life of a caregiver with a Parkinson’s disease patient, the process of managing the patient as well as the side effects associated with medications for the condition.
The nervous system is responsible for the coordination of all functions of the human body. Movements and cognitive functions are logically executed by communication within body systems that are enabled by the nervous system. Various conditions affect the nervous system, and each has its unique manifestations in terms of signs and symptoms. Parkinson’s disease is one of the diseases that affect this nervous system. The condition is also known as shaking palsy or paralysis agitans. The disease is common among those of ages 60 years and above. The cause is not known. However, various risk factors are known to be possible promoters for the development of the ailment, one of them is known head injuries in childhood. The condition is diagnosed based on the symptoms that a patient presents. Also, diagnosis is based on the fact that the illness is closely related with dementia and progressive supranuclear palsy and at times confused for these conditions.
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As of 2015, 6.2 million people had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. As demonstrated by its symptoms, it is noticeable that the condition has a far-reaching effect on the social wellbeing of the patient. This necessitates the need for a holistic approach to patient treatment. When one walks while shaking, there is unnecessary attention that they attract, and sometimes it comes with an aura of stigma. The longevity of the condition also makes it necessary for counseling to be included in the management of the condition.
Due to the age of the vulnerable group, the need for a caregiver who can be around the patient is necessary. The process of giving care has been thought-provoking, seeing the cycle of the condition from its mild to the now severe form has awoken my conscience on just how difficult management can be and the vast depth of understanding about the condition that is needed in order to offer valuable care. Bouts of forgetfulness were the initial signs, and it looked like a regular memory loss that would gradually fade away. Recovery seemed to be far from possible. When the diagnosis was made, it was a difficult time for the entire family. The patient was already a chronic hypertensive that had been on antihypertensive for the last 26 years, to therefore suggest another comorbidity; was too much for the family.
Counseling sessions that involved comprehensive health education for the family members and the patient was the beginning point. This segment of the treatment regime encompassed explaining the condition to the family, the management process, and the possible difficulties that may be encountered through the whole journey. Gradually, acceptance was noticed, and there was responsiveness towards the suggestions floated by the medical team for the healing process. While dementia was almost typical for such patients, movement difficulties began to manifest. The patient could no longer use the washroom on his own, this needed constant support by a family member. With no one available for the whole day, the patient was moved to our facility. The decision offered the patient a chance to meet others with similar nervous system challenges and the comfort that comes from the company helped through the healing process.
While the patient would be around during the day, the night at the family house has been one of the toughest time. Disturbed sleep patterns that have seen the patient not only get up but also insist that everyone else gets up and leave for work in the middle of the night has been one of the toughest challenges for the family. With one already exhausted from the day’s work and the emotional exhaustion that comes from having a sick relative has not been easy for the entire family. The patient has also had nights when they act in bed; the rapid eye movement depth of sleep where they have conversations and will even kick and shout in bed. While the patient insists on someone sharing the bed with them, it is difficult due to this. While many measures such as reduced day time naps, and avoidance of caffeine have been put in place, these instances are still there.
Whereas counseling, physical physiotherapy, exercises, and various supportive measures are in place, drugs also play a critical role in the management of Parkinson’s disease. Memory enhancers and neuromuscular junction blockers are critical drugs to help boost memory and reduce the shaking are used. Anticholinergics, Levodopa and Carbidopa, Catechol-o-methyltransferase inhibitors, Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors such as selegiline are used. Whereas they have a desirable therapeutic outcome, they have far-reaching side effects. Notable side effects are nausea, vomiting, hallucinations, sleep disturbances, and quickly form overdependence making it impossible for the patient to live without the drug. The administration of the drugs thus becomes a balance of probability between the desired outcome and the undesirable effects.
In conclusion, Parkinson’s disease presents a myriad of challenges when diagnosed. The caretakers must not only understand the condition but must be willing and ready to offer support throughout the journey of a recuperating person. Counseling and medications form a critical part of this management.
