What Are the Five Stages of Parkinson’s Disease?
The five stages of Parkinson’s disease are completely unique to the individual, as the side effects and symptoms can impact people in different ways. The main symptoms of Parkinson’s include uncontrollable shaking or tremors, slowed movement, balance difficulties and stiffness in limbs.
Not everyone will experience all Parkinson’s symptoms, yet these are the typical stages of progression that have been outlined by experts as the disease begins to worsen. Today, we’ll explore the five stages of Parkinson’s and how Trinity Homecare can help manage your condition.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease in which individuals experiencing symptoms don’t have enough dopamine in their brain, which is caused by the diminishment of the nerve cells that make it. According to Parkinson’s UK, there are around 166,000 people living with the condition in the UK alone. Someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes, making it one of the most common neurological conditions today.
Parkinson’s has over 40 symptoms, making it probable that two people will have very different experiences despite being diagnosed with the same stage. Common Parkinson’s symptoms include:
- Tremors, rigidity and slower movements
- Mild memory and thinking problems
- Sleep disturbances and night terrors
- Pain
- Mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression
We have a helpful guide on the symptoms of Parkinson’s if you want to learn more about the less common and early signs.
The Five Stages of Parkinson’s
The five stages of Parkinson’s can help doctors and other healthcare professionals evaluate the disease’s progression in their patients, enabling them to identify appropriate changes to their care and treatment plan.
The five stages feature various symptoms and degrees of severity. Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, meaning someone experiencing symptoms will typically progress through stages one to five.
Stage One Parkinson’s
Stage one is the mildest form of Parkinson’s that any individual can experience. During this stage, there may be slight symptoms, but these are not severe enough to significantly impact daily tasks and overall quality of life. In many cases, this stage’s symptoms can be so minimal that they are easily missed.
A common stage one symptom of Parkinson’s is tremors or other movement difficulties that only impact one side of the body. Some patients in this stage may notice changes in posture, walking and facial expressions. Different prescription medications can help alleviate symptoms effectively.
Stage Two Parkinson’s
The second Parkinson’s stage is a moderate form of the disease, as the symptoms are more noticeable than in the previous stage. Stiffness, trembling and tremors may be more severe (across one or both sides of the body), and changes in facial expression can become more apparent.
While stiffness in the muscles can prolong the amount of time taken to complete tasks, a person in stage two can often still live alone. The progression between stages one and two can take months or even years, and there is no way to accurately predict how long it will take for this to happen.
Stage Three Parkinson’s
Stage three is considered the ‘middle stage’ of Parkinson’s stages, marking a major turning point in the progression of the disease. The symptoms remain similar to those in stage two, but individuals are now more likely to experience decreased reflexes, loss of balance, and slower overall movement. General coordination begins to decrease considerably, increasing the risk of falls and hospital admissions.
A person in stage three can usually remain fully independent, but symptoms significantly impact daily activities, such as dressing, washing and eating. A combination of medication and occupational therapy can help decrease the symptoms.
Stage Four Parkinson’s
Stage 4 is where most Parkinson’s patients lose their independence and have to rely on care and assistance to live comfortably. During this time, symptoms become severe and frequently restrict movement, cognitive function and independence.
It’s possible to stand without any assistance, but walking from one place to another requires assistance from a carer or a device such as a walker. The individual will now require assistance with most daily tasks and activities, which may increase the risk of living alone.
Stage Five Parkinson’s
Stage five Parkinson’s is the most advanced of the stages. The legs can become so stiff that it becomes somewhat impossible to stand or walk. As balance and control of the body continue to decrease, round-the-clock assistance is often necessary to prevent injuries through falls.
Up to 30% of people with Parkinson’s experience confusion, delusions and hallucinations during stage five. As symptoms advance, dementia can also develop, making it difficult to concentrate, converse and think clearly. At this stage, full-time assistance is necessary, typically provided by a full-time carer.
Parkinson’s Care with Trinity Homecare
No matter what stage of Parkinson’s you or your loved one is currently experiencing, premium quality home care can make a huge difference. At Trinity, we’re committed to providing bespoke one-to-one care through specially trained carers, giving you more care and attention around the clock than you perhaps would receive in a care home.
Living in familiar surroundings can significantly reduce the risk of trips and falls, which can cause serious damage later in life, as the rate of recovery decreases substantially. Unfamiliar environments can also cause extreme confusion for patients when approaching stage five Parkinson’s, so remaining at home can boost mental awareness through familiar comforts and surroundings.
Our daily visiting care or live-in care options are entirely flexible and can be tailored to the stage of Parkinson’s disease you are currently within, allowing you to maintain the exact level of independence you desire until you require full-time assistance.
Talk to Our Team Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free, no-obligation quotation. If you are enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next business day.
