Parkinson’s disease can be a complicated condition. It can affect a person’s motor skills and cognitive capabilities, potentially leading to the need for professional support and care like that offered in memory care. It’s recognizable by tremors, shaking, and balance issues, all of which can affect a person’s life. But can Parkinson’s disease also cause seizures?
Older adults living with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to experience seizures. This is likely due to how Parkinson’s disease affects a person, causing the death and loss of brain cells in certain areas of the brain.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, meaning that it involves the progressive loss or death of nerve cells in the brain. This condition is widely known for primarily affecting movement and motor control, though these aren’t the only symptoms.
It develops gradually, often starting with subtle tremors in one hand. However, while tremors are one of the most recognizable signs of Parkinson’s disease, this condition also often causes stiffness or slow movements.
This is due to how Parkinson’s affects the dopamine-producing neurons in part of the brain. Dopamine plays an important role in smooth, coordinated movements. Think of it like a messenger chemical—it sends signals that help your muscles coordinate with each other to perform the desired actions simultaneously.
When your dopamine production is affected, it can lead to tremors, shaking, slower movements, and balancing difficulties—all the trademark signs of Parkinson’s. While this condition can be effectively treated, there currently is no cure.
Signs & Symptoms of Parkinson’s
When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, there are 2 primary categories of symptoms:
- Motor symptoms
- Non-motor symptoms
Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s
Motor symptoms refer to any symptoms that affect a person’s movement. These can include:
- Tremors
- Slow movement
- Limb stiffness
- Gait problems
- Balancing difficulties
Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s
While the motor symptoms are often considered a trademark sign of Parkinson’s, they aren’t the only effects of this condition. There’s a wide range of non-motor symptoms that can affect older adults with Parkinson’s, including:
- Chronic fatigue
- Sleep difficulties or insomnia
- Depression and axniety
- Cognitive decline
- Bladder or bowel problems
- Communication difficulties
- Swallowing problems
It’s important to note, though, that Parkinson’s disease is an extremely complicated condition and can affect everybody differently. While some people may experience none of these symptoms, others may experience most or all of them. If you have a loved one showcasing these symptoms, schedule a visit with your primary healthcare provider.
The Link Between Parkinson’s & Seizures
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. This disturbance can cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and levels of consciousness. There are many types of seizures, which can look very different from person to person, ranging from violent shaking to simply staring blankly into space. These typically last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.
While seizures aren’t typically a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, there is a potential link between them. Older adults living with this condition are almost twice as likely to experience seizures as a person without this condition.
However, it’s not entirely understood why this is. It could be due to chemical changes occurring in the brain, which can alter how the brain communicates with the muscles. Or, it could be due to the loss of brain cells, which could potentially contribute to the likelihood of seizures. It could even be due to certain medications used during Parkinson’s treatment.
It’s important to note that not everybody with Parkinson’s disease experiences seizures. If you have a loved one experiencing seizures frequently, it’s essential to visit a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis of the cause of their seizures.
How to Help a Loved One with Parkinson’s
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease can be extremely rewarding, but it can also pose unique challenges. From managing medications, scheduling appointments with a doctor, and helping your loved one with physical activity, it can be a lot. Remember: caregiver burnout is a real thing, and you should make sure to prioritize your own needs as well.
When a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, you may be able to find help with a nearby memory care community. These communities are specifically designed to help older adults living with conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s, and more. With a safe environment and a team of trained and friendly caregivers, memory care can be an excellent way for your loved one to get the care they need.
In memory care, your loved one can live in an apartment-style home and have round-the-clock access to medical care and trained caregivers. There are programs, therapies, and activities designed to improve your loved one’s quality of life, all while supporting them with the unique complications caused by conditions like Parkinson’s.
Senior Care in New Jersey
If you have a loved one with Parkinson’s disease and need support, contact our team here at Fox Trial Memory Care Living in Mahwah. Our team can help give your loved one the care they need, and we’re here to support you and your family. Request a visit with our community today, and let’s work together to help your loved one.
