Parkinson's is a chronic neurological disease that affects the bodily movements by the deterioration of nerve cells in the brain. Usually, the nerve cells produce dopamine, a chemical that sends signals to the brain to control movements. In Parkinson's disease, these nerve cells break down and the brain doesn’t get enough dopamine, leading to difficulty moving.
Muscle rigidity, tremors, impaired coordination and balance, and slow movement can manifest Parkinson's disease. These symptoms can also be a result of some other movement disorders that are often mistaken for Parkinson's disease. Philadelphia Home Care providers discuss some movement disorders that often mimic Parkinson's.
1. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy
Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a brain disorder affecting balance and walking that causes fall. PSP can also deteriorate the vision and movement of the eyes. This condition usually doesn’t respond to medication.
2. Multiple System Atrophy
This a rare but chronic nervous system disorder. Multiple System Atrophy can easily be mistaken for Parkinson's due to some common symptoms like slurred speech poor coordination, difficulty swallowing, trouble to breathe, and constipation. Parkinson's medication may help in this condition.
3. Viral Parkinson's
Viral diseases like encephalitis lethargica (sleeping sickness), Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, Western equine encephalomyelitis, and Japanese B encephalitis, which are all brain infections, can show Parkinson's-like symptoms.
4. Essential Tremor
Essential tremor causes uncontrolled shaking in the limbs and sometimes in the head, which increases over time. The shaking is not related to other Parkinson's-like symptoms. Some drugs can help in managing the tremors, but Parkinson's medications may not be effective.
5. Drug- and Toxin-Induced Parkinsonism
Taking certain drugs like Haldol (haloperidol), Thorazine (chlorpromazine), Reglan (metoclopramide), and reserpine can cause symptoms of Parkinson's. Exposure to toxins like carbon disulfide, manganese dust, and carbon monoxide can also contribute in mimicking the disease. Symptoms may normally go away once a senior has stopped taking the medication and stay away from the toxins.
6. Post-Traumatic Parkinsonism
Frequent or severe head injuries can lead to post-traumatic parkinsonism. This condition can be related to dementia. Boxers and people whose profession includes an increased risk for head injuries are vulnerable to this condition.
7. Arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism
Sometimes, the brain damage caused by small strokes can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms. In this case, Parkinson's medications may not stave off the symptoms.
8. Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex of Guam
This disease usually affects the natives of Guam and the Mariana Islands. Unlike seniors with Parkinson's, who are not life-threatened by the disease, people with Parkinsonism-Dementia Complex of Guam typically don’t achieve longevity.
9. Lewy-Body Disease
Lewy bodies are abnormal proteins that deteriorate neurological functions and lower dopamine levels in the brain. They can also cause mimic Parkinson's as well as Alzheimer's disease along with causing delusions, hallucinations, and depression. Some Lewy-body disease symptoms can be managed by Parkinson's medications but may make delusions and hallucinations more severe.
10. Normal-pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
A build-up of fluid in the brain may lead to challenges with balancing and walking that may be mistaken for Parkinson's disease. Typically, the signs of loss of bladder control and dementia may also be found in this disorder. NPH can be cured by the placement of a shunt for draining excess fluid.
If your elderly loved one shows symptoms of these health conditions and disorders, consider getting a diagnosis right away. You can also consider professional home care. Philadelphia families should opt for a reputable senior care agency in their area.
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