Aging adults with Parkinson’s disease may experience what’s referred to as autonomic dysfunctions, meaning they have difficulty swallowing and efficiently completing the digestive process. These are among the most commonly overlooked symptoms of Parkinson’s. It’s important for family caregivers to be aware of these types of problems so they can ensure comfort and high-quality care for their loved ones with the disease. Common gastrointestinal problems associated with Parkinson’s may include the following.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. This symptom generally begins in the early stages of the disease. In some cases, constipation becomes an issue before the motor symptoms are diagnosed.
Problems with the autonomic nervous system caused by the progression of Parkinson’s disease may result in difficulty having a bowel movement. Parkinson’s can also cause the intestinal tract to become less efficient, which can create a “blocked” feeling. Possible solutions include:
- Increasing fiber intake
- Drinking more water
- Getting regular exercise (with doctor approval)
Many seniors in the early stages of Parkinson’s are able to live on their own, but they may need help with everyday activities, such as exercising and preparing nutritious meals. Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable home care service. Families trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Urinary Problems
Muscles affecting the urinary tract system may become weaker as Parkinson’s disease advances. The result may be having difficulty either urinating or holding the bladder before making it to the bathroom (urinary incontinence). Certain medications may be able to correct the problem.
In some cases, older adults are embarrassed about the problem and don’t share it with their family members. If this is the case with your loved one, it may be helpful to bring in a professional caregiver to assist your loved one with personal care activities such as addressing incontinence, bathing, and dressing.
Bowel Irritability
Some people with Parkinson’s may experience the sensation of having to go to the bathroom even when it’s not biologically necessary. Issues with the autonomic nervous system can also cause elderly people to have difficulty judging when to get up and go to the bathroom.
Difficulty Eating
Aging adults with Parkinson’s may experience difficulty chewing and swallowing, increasing the risk of choking. Food that’s not chewed properly can also make the digestive system work harder than it normally does, sometimes resulting in difficulty moving bowels.
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and you need respite care, Pearland, Texas, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help. Our home caregivers are trained to assist older adults with a wide variety of everyday tasks, including meal prep, physical activity, and personal hygiene. We also provide 24-hour care and specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and Parkinson’s.
Getting Help for Your Loved One
Parkinson’s disease is unique in that the symptoms of this condition don’t necessarily appear in a certain order. It’s also entirely possible for gastrointestinal problems to appear with little or no warning. For this reason, it’s important for family caregivers to carefully monitor their loved ones’ daily functioning to look for signs of digestive issues that need to be addressed. It may also be time for your loved one to see the doctor when:
- Significant weight loss occurs with no clear explanation
- Constipation suddenly becomes an issue (and it never was before)
- Blood appears in the stool
- Severe pain is experienced with bowel movements
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care Pearland families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Assisting Hands Home Care. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
