Patient/caregiver was educated on findings to watch for and report to the doctor for Parkinson’s Disease as follows:
- The chemicals dopamine and serotonin play a significant role in promoting a healthy sleep pattern and a regular sleep-wake cycle. Proper levels of and balance between these chemicals also plays an important role in stabilizing the mood. Deficiency of these chemicals and imbalance in their levels in Parkinson’s patients lead to disturbance in the sleep patterns, unstable mood, and consequently lead to restlessness, anxiety, and depression. Low dopamine also can contribute to low motivation levels, contributing towards depression. Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers must maintain a close watch on the patient’s sleep patterns and mood. Report to the physician regarding any new or progressively increasing difficulty with falling or staying asleep. Also, report to the physician regarding any growing restlessness & exhaustion, worsening anxiety, and poorly controlled depression, which could all be due to poorly managed Parkinson’s.
- The stiffness and rigidity of muscles involving the face and jaw in Parkinson’s patients could progressively lead to difficulties with activities like speech. The tremor and jerky hand movements compromise the fine hand movements needed for writing, thus limiting the patient on expression. Difficulty with speech and writing in Parkinson’s patients could contribute to problems with patient expression, thus affecting their quality of life. Individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and caregivers must maintain a close watch on the patient’s ability to speak and write. Report to the physician regarding any new or progressively increasing difficulties with speech and writing for further follow-up and needed interventions.
