Parkinson's disease progresses into its late stages after an average of seven years. Advanced Parkinson's disease is not pleasant to think about because of the limitations associated with it. However, a strategy for the later stages of Parkinson's disease can help you have less "off" time and less discomfort. We hope this article helps you shift some of the discomfort time to satisfactory "on" time. We also want your caretakers to be able to handle their responsibilities, as well as get enough rest and relaxation.
When Am I in the Advanced Stage of Parkinson's Disease?
Late stage or advanced Parkinson's disease includes these noticeable signs:
- Complete reliance on others for food, bathing, dressing, and other basic activities.
- Difficulty speaking or communicating
- Severely compromised hand-eye coordination
- Severe memory loss
- Only being able to swallow soft food
- Falling daily
- Freezing frequently
- Walking only with assistance
- Experiencing unexplained pain
Strategies for late-stage Parkinson's disease
You will rely on your neurologist more than ever during this stage of Parkinson's disease. The expertise of a movement disorders specialist will be valuable for matching your needs with the treatments most likely to reduce your symptoms. Medications wearing off, deep depression and frustration, freezing, tremors, disorientation, dementia, and dystonia are all problems that can crop up in this stage. To address these issues your physician will likely adjust your medications. This is a time when you must be willing to test different medications at different doses and in different combinations.
COMT inhibitors are often effective in late-stage Parkinson's disease, and the new dopamine agonist patch, Neupro, has also shown some encouraging results in recent clinical trials. Apokyn (injectable apomorphine) can be effective at arresting severe Parkinson's symptoms, especially if you find your medications suddenly wearing off in a public place like a grocery store or restaurant.
Managing Life
This is a challenging time in life. You have to rely more on other people than you can on yourself. You may get discouraged that your family time, yard work, hobbies, work, travels, and other activities diminish. Your caretaker and your physician can help you come up with strategies that help you. We also encourage you to create a relationship with a social worker experienced with Parkinson's disease.
A social worker can help you bridge some of the emotional gaps and address many of the practical issues of living. Your social worker will be able to suggest apparatuses for your home to help you and your caretaker. They can coach your caretaker in the challenges of being responsible for a person with Parkinson's disease. You may be surprised to find that your social worker can address many of the financial challenges of living with Parkinson's disease, too.