CARE OF THE OLDER PERSON (NURSING TOPIC)
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
[ ⬇️dopamine ]
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressively debilitating disease that grossly affects motor function.
· It is characterized by four primary symptoms – tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and
postural instability.
· These symptoms occur due to overstimulation of the basal ganglia by acetylcholine.
· The secretion of dopamine and acetylcholine in the body produce inhibitory and excitatory effects on the
muscles respectively.
· Overstimulation of the basal ganglia by acetylcholine occurs because degeneration of the substantia nigra
results in decreased dopamine production. This allows acetylcholine to dominate, making smooth, controlled
movements difficult.
· Treatment of PD focuses on increasing the amount of dopamine or decreasing the amount of acetylcholine in a
client’s brain.
· As PD is a progressive disorder, there are 5 stages of involvement:
Stages (PARKINSONS)
a. Stage 1 – Unilateral shaking or tremor of one limb.
b. Stage 2 – Bilateral limb involvement makes walking and balance difficult.
c. Stage 3 – Physical movements slow down significantly, affecting walking more.
d. Stage 4 – Tremors may decrease but akinesia and rigidity make day-to-day tasks difficult.
e. Stage 5 – Client is unable to stand or walk, is dependent for all care, and may exhibit dementia.
DATA COLLECTION
Risk Factors
· Onset of symptoms between age 40 to 70
· More common in men
· Genetic predisposition
· Exposure to environmental toxins
Subjective Data
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
[ ⬇️dopamine ]
- Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressively debilitating disease that grossly affects motor function.
· It is characterized by four primary symptoms – tremor, muscle rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and
postural instability.
· These symptoms occur due to overstimulation of the basal ganglia by acetylcholine.
· The secretion of dopamine and acetylcholine in the body produce inhibitory and excitatory effects on the
muscles respectively.
· Overstimulation of the basal ganglia by acetylcholine occurs because degeneration of the substantia nigra
results in decreased dopamine production. This allows acetylcholine to dominate, making smooth, controlled
movements difficult.
· Treatment of PD focuses on increasing the amount of dopamine or decreasing the amount of acetylcholine in a
client’s brain.
· As PD is a progressive disorder, there are 5 stages of involvement:
Stages (PARKINSONS)
a. Stage 1 – Unilateral shaking or tremor of one limb.
b. Stage 2 – Bilateral limb involvement makes walking and balance difficult.
c. Stage 3 – Physical movements slow down significantly, affecting walking more.
d. Stage 4 – Tremors may decrease but akinesia and rigidity make day-to-day tasks difficult.
e. Stage 5 – Client is unable to stand or walk, is dependent for all care, and may exhibit dementia.
DATA COLLECTION
Risk Factors
· Onset of symptoms between age 40 to 70
· More common in men
· Genetic predisposition
· Exposure to environmental toxins
Subjective Data
