A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease can be scary and it is a lot to come to terms with. It is a degenerative disease and understanding the Parkinson’s Disease stages can help patients plan for their future and understand the disease’s progression. Dr Paviour provides patients support and treatment for Parkinson’s Disease. He can also support patients through diagnosis.
Let’s look more closely at the defined Parkinson’s Disease stages.
Stage One
The initial stage of Parkinson’s Disease is usually characterised by mild symptoms. These symptoms may not interfere with daily activities. Patients may experience their first tremors and similar movement symptoms. However, at stage one, these tremors only occur on one side of the body. Patients may also experience some change in posture, walking and facial expression differences.
Stage Two
During Stage Two the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease begin to get worse. Patients often experience increased tremors, rigidity in the body and other movement symptoms which spread to both sides of the body. Walking problems and significant changes in posture are usually apparent too. People with stage two Parkinson’s Disease can usually live independently but daily tasks may take longer and be more difficult.
Stage Three
The mid-stage of stage three of Parkinson’s Disease is characterised by a regular loss of balance and slowness to movements. Falls become much more common but the symptoms are pronounced and can make it difficult to get dressed or eat independently.
Stage Four
Symptoms become severe and limiting by stage four of the disease. Patients may be able to stand without assistance but many need a walker to comfortably move independently. By stage four patients cannot live alone and day to day activities require the support of family or professional carers.
Stage Five
Stage five is the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s Disease. The condition can become debilitating at this point and patients may find it impossible to stand or walk. Most people are either bedbound or use a wheelchair at this point of the disease’s progression. Patients require round-the-clock care and support to ensure they can look after themselves and to meet their basic needs. Patients may also experience non-motor symptoms such as hallucinations which can be frightening.
Support with Parkinson’s Disease
Dr Dominic Paviour is a consultant neurologist who supports patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders at his clinics in London. You can book an appointment at one of his clinics across London if you are concerned about Parkinson’s Disease stages or symptoms. Get in touch today to book an appointment.
Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blausen_0704_ParkinsonsDisease.png
