What is Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops gradually, usually starting with minor tremors in one hand. Over time, the symptoms worsen and can include stiffness or rigidity of muscles, Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), impaired balance and coordination, and difficulties with speech and writing.
What causes Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease primarily affects the brain’s nerve cells responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and coordinated muscle movements. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals experience a variety of symptoms, including tremors, stiffness, slowness of movement, and impaired balance.
There are several types of Parkinson’s disease, with the most common being idiopathic Parkinson’s disease, which has no known cause. Other types include Parkinsonism, which refers to conditions with similar symptoms to Parkinson’s disease but with different underlying causes, such as drug-induced Parkinsonism or vascular Parkinsonism.
Is there just one type of Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s is just one condition that falls under the Parkinsonism umbrella. This is a term that covers a wide range of conditions with symptoms like Parkinson’s.
Idiopathic Parkinson’s
Meaning the cause is unknown, this is the most common form of Parkinson’s and accounts for the vast majority of instances.
Young-onset Parkinson’s
Typically, Parkinson’s occurs in individuals over 50 however when it occurs in a person under 50, this is called Young-onset Parkinson’s. Young-onset Parkinson’s differs from Idiopathic Parkinson’s in several ways:
- Slower progression over time
- Less frequent cognitive problems such as Dementia
- More frequent dyskinesias (involuntary body movements)
- Earlier and more frequent dystonias (cramping and abnormal postures)
Vascular Parkinson’s
Also known as Arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism, this is when the blood supply to the brain is restricted. This may develop in individuals who have had a mild stroke.
Comprehensive Support at Empowering U
Empowering U is dedicated to empowering individuals with Parkinson’s to live fulfilling and independent lives. Our team of experienced care managers and healthcare professionals provides personalised support tailored to each individual’s unique needs.
Holistic Care Approach:
We understand that Parkinson’s impacts every aspect of a person’s life, from physical health to emotional well-being. That is why we take a comprehensive approach to care, addressing not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological and social aspects of the disease.
Not everyone with Parkinson’s has the same set of symptoms; at Empowering U, we take a person-cantered approach to helping those in our care. People with Parkinson’s are experts in their own condition, and we encourage and assist them in advocating for their needs, emphasising what they can do rather than what they can’t.
Rachel Cox, Clinical Lead
Specialised Services
Our range of specialised services includes:
- Care Coordination: We work closely with healthcare providers to ensure seamless communication and coordination of care, including medication management and therapy sessions.
- Symptom Management: Our team develops personalised care plans to address specific symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, and gait disturbances, utilising a combination of medication, physical therapy, and other therapeutic interventions.
- Education and Support: We provide educational resources and support groups to help individuals and their families better understand Parkinson’s and learn effective coping strategies.
- Assistive Technology: We offer guidance on the use of assistive devices and technology to enhance mobility, communication, and overall quality of life.
- Emotional Support: Living with Parkinson’s disease can be emotionally challenging. Our compassionate team provides support to help individuals and their families navigate the emotional ups and downs of the disease.
Why Empowering U?
- Expertise: Our team consists of experienced healthcare professionals with specialised training in Parkinson’s management.
- Comprehensive Support: From symptom management to emotional support, we offer a comprehensive range of services designed to address the diverse needs of individuals living with Parkinson’s disease.
- We Empower U: We believe in empowering individuals with Parkinson’s to take control of their health and well-being. Through education, support, and access to resources, we help our clients live fulfilling and meaningful lives despite the presented by Parkinson’s.
We are committed to providing individuals with Parkinson’s, and their family, the resources, guidance, and support they need to live their best lives.
If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, contact Empowering U today to learn more about how we can help
Call: 0330 128 1722 or email: hello@empoweringu.co.uk
