FAQ's
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, progressive movement disorder resulting
from a depletion of dopamine in the brain. To date there is no cure for this
disease and no consensus as to what causes it. Managing the disease is
complex as symptoms fluctuate and are unpredictable. Medications can cause psychological, emotional, and cognitive symptoms.
Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
The Hoehn and Yahr scale is commonly used to describe the broad
stages of the disease as follows:
• Stage Zero: No signs of disease
• Stage One: PD symptoms on one side of the body only
• Stage Two: PD symptoms on both sides of the body. No impairment of balance
• Stage Three: Balance impairment, mild to moderate disease, physically independent
• Stage Four: Severe disability, still able to walk or stand unassisted
Some common Parkinson’s symptoms:
• Tremor – shaky limbs while at rest or during activity
• Rigidity – stiffness, muscular pain and cramping
• Slowness of movement – a shuffling gait, sudden stopping
• Postural instability – impaired balance and coordination, abrupt movements, increased chance of falling
• Secondary motor symptoms – fatigue, stooped posture, speech problems, diminished handwriting, drooling, lack of expressions or “facial masking.”
• Non-motor symptoms – dementia, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, compulsive behaviors
Why does Washington State need a supportive living residence for people
with Parkinson’s Disease?
There are 30,000 Washington State residents with Parkinson’s Disease and no two of them
have the same symptoms. A needs assessment survey sent to 750 individuals identified either as patients with Parkinson’s or caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s in 2003 indicated a significant need for specialized housing and care services for this patient base.
Managing Parkinson’s is complex; symptoms fluctuate and are unpredictable, making it very difficult for individuals to find the quality care they need and deserve. Typical assisted living facilities lack flexibility, resources and understanding necessary to interpret and respond to the many and varied challenges associated with the illness. Others deny access due to medical liabilities. Most are not physically designed so that individuals can successfully perform daily tasks or have access to things they enjoy doing. This leaves individuals feeling frustrated and misunderstood, which can lead to depression and an inability to thrive.
Dignity and compassion are not enough. Research shows that individuals of chronic illness live longer and feel happier when they maintain their privacy and have a sense of purpose. A supportive community environment encourages them to stay engaged, and ultimately fulfilled.
The Parkinson’s Project aspires to be the answer.