What is Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a complicated disease to treat. There are many symptoms and not all PD patients experience the same things. To make matters even more difficult, one of the main treatments for the disease can cause the appearance of a new symptom called dyskinesia. When family members are knowledgeable about dyskinesia, they can support the PD patient through the problem and seek help when needed.
Elderly Care in Jenison MI: What is Dyskinesia in Parkinson’s?What Does Dyskinesia Look Like?
Dyskinesia is uncontrolled movements of the body. The movements are abnormal and can occur in a single body part or the entire body. A PD patient with dyskinesia might look they are fidgeting, wiggling, or as though they are swaying. In some cases, dyskinesia can be so severe that it makes it hard for the person to go on with their daily activities. It can even be painful. But, for others, it can be milder. In fact, some PD patients say they prefer dyskinesia to being less mobile or stiff, as some PD sufferers are.
What Causes It?
Doctors don’t know exactly why a person develops dyskinesia. However, it is associated with long-term use of the drug levodopa, a drug that is commonly used to manage other PD symptoms. There are other factors that may play a role as well, such as being diagnosed with the disease at a younger age. Stress and excitement can also cause dyskinesia to be worse.
Researchers think that the appearance of dyskinesia has something to do with the levels of a chemical called dopamine in the brain. PD destroys the brain cells that make dopamine, so levodopa is used to restore levels, at least for a time. The problem is that as the drug wears off, dopamine levels fall, and when it is taken again, the levels rise. These constantly changing levels are thought to play a part in the development of dyskinesia.
How can Dyskinesia Be Managed?
If dyskinesia is affecting your aging family member’s quality of life, talk to a doctor about what can be done. Changes in medications or dosages may bring about improvements. There are other medical procedures that may help as well, including surgery.
An elderly care provider can help PD patients to live better, even with dyskinesia. Elderly care providers can help older adults to perform tasks that become too difficult due to PD symptoms. For example, if dyskinesia makes it hard to eat because food won’t stay on the silverware, an elderly care provider can help the person to eat. Or, if moving about the house becomes unsafe without assistance, an elderly care provider can be there to keep your family member safe.
If you or someone you know needs help with elderly care in Jenison, MI, contact Gauthier Family Home Care. We provide quality and affordable home care services in our community. Call us at (616) 258-2300 for more information.
Sources
http://www.bcmj.org/article/levodopa-induced-dyskinesia-mechanisms-and-management
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