Parkinson’s disease is a common, slowly progressive disease of the central nervous system. It manifests itself in damage to the brain stem structures, accompanied by disorders in the synthesis of a special neurotransmitter – dopamine. Unfortunately, there is no cure. Refers to sluggish and is typical for older people. Approximately predicting life expectancy in the presence of Parkinson’s disease is possible only by the symptoms, taking into account the treatment used.
In 1967, scientists found out how many separate stages of development of Parkinson’s disease and what their dynamics are, which made it possible to develop a scale that includes 5 stages, taking into account the duration of the disease and impaired motor activity. Later it was finalized and included three more transitional steps, reflecting the boundary conditions. The detailed information collected has helped doctors understand how to treat Parkinson’s disease at an early stage and whether it is treated at all.
The first rung in this chart is stage zero, which refers to an apparently healthy person with no symptoms of Parkinson’s. Detected by examining the level of dopamine.
First stage
Parkinson’s disease at stage 1 only begins to imperceptibly manifest itself and is subject to treatment. In the initial period, symptoms appear:
- stiffness in one hand;
- slight tremor of one hand during excitement;
- depressed mood;
- insomnia;
- bouts of unexplained fatigue.
A little later, if treatment was not started at the first signs of the first stage of Parkinson’s, the disease will develop to stage 1.5. The tremor of one limb will become permanent and will stop only during sleep.
Also a sign of the onset of the transition stage 1.5 is a feeling of stiffness in the cervical region and upper back. The trembling spread throughout the hand affects the handwriting. Activities that require fine motor skills also suffer.
For many, it is easier to ignore the ailment than to begin treatment for Parkinson’s disease at an early stage. Grade 1 Parkinson’s disease usually lasts up to 3 years if left untreated.
Second stage
Grade 2 Parkinson’s disease is characterized by symptoms that affect both sides of the body and complicated treatment.
The disease gradually intensifies and new symptoms appear:
- decreased joint mobility;
- tremor of both hands;
- decreased mobility of facial muscles;
- speech worsens, the person speaks more slowly and quietly;
- trembling lower jaw or tongue;
- swallowing function is impaired;
- saliva flow is not controlled;
- sweating problems: the skin becomes either very dry, like parchment, or too oily.
As with stage 1 Parkinson’s disease, stage 2 has a good prognosis. The patient is still able to control changes in the body, but begins to move much more slowly. He needs extra effort to perform simple operations.
Treatment at stage 2 of parkinsonism, like stage 1, is carried out with the help of physical education, medications and a special diet. It allows you to slow down the development of pathological phenomena and prolong the working capacity of a person. Also, with proper treatment, a noticeable improvement in the condition is possible.
Stage 2.5 is characterized by a deterioration in motor activity. There are problems with balance during sudden movements, walking speed slows down. However, people are able to resist a push to the chest, which is a good sign for possible rehabilitation.
Depending on age and physical condition, it can last from 2 to 10 years.
3 stage
At stage 3 of Parkinson’s development, a person is still relatively independent.
But already disabled, disabled. He copes with daily needs, spending much more time on it than usual. Sometimes he needs help in maintaining himself.
Most often this applies to dressing, since it is difficult for a person suffering from parkinsonism to get his hand into the sleeve or deal with small fasteners.
Signs of the onset of the 3rd stage:
- Severe slowing down of speech. There is a tendency to constantly repeat words.
- The muscles of the face are very limited in movement, which brings the face closer to the frozen mask.
- Mincing gait, slow movement in small steps with the location of the feet parallel to each other.
- Marked constant twitching of the head.
- Joints work slower and worse.
- Changing posture. A person moves with his head constantly tilted forward and limbs half-bent at the joints.
Life expectancy at stage 3 of Parkinson’s disease does not suffer, with similar symptoms a person can live for decades.
The average life expectancy with grade 3 Parkinson’s disease, with the necessary treatment, care and training, stretches to 15 years or more.
Older adults experiencing Parkinson’s degrees 2 and 3 are quite capable of living on their own with a little occasional help from others.
4 stage
With Parkinson’s disease of the 4th degree, all the symptoms described above are noticeably intensified. The person loses independence. Fulfillment of simple household needs now requires the help of loved ones.
The main symptoms of stage 4 Parkinson’s:
- Postural instability develops. The patient easily loses balance even with slow movements. Falling when trying to get up from a sitting position or quickly turn around becomes a very real threat. However, a person is still able to walk independently and even take small walks on good days.
- Mental changes are inevitable. This is partly a consequence of dementia, partly a psychological reaction to the physical condition. A patient with parkinsonism at stage 4 thinks about suicide, becomes depressed, often cries.
During this period, it is necessary that someone close is constantly next to the sick person. The goal is to protect from injury and moral support, as well as help to adhere to the right diet, monitor the intake of medications.
The duration of stage 4 of Parkinson’s disease, subsequent life expectancy and what will happen next, even in relatively young and strong people, does not exceed 3 to 5 years.
5 stage
A typical sign of the late, end-stage Parkinson’s disease is severe immobility, but other symptoms also occur.
The person is no longer able to move independently. Even in getting up or sitting down, he needs help. As a rule, the patient spends the remaining time in bed or chair.
Typical symptoms of stage 5 Parkinson’s:
- rapidly developing dementia;
- problems with defecation and urination;
- speech becomes slurred;
- swallowing function is disturbed;
- depression intensifies.
At the 5th stage of Parkinson’s, what happens to people is what many consider torture for both the patient and others. Often the intellect during this period is almost completely lost, the person suffers.
Life expectancy at 5, the last stage of Parkinson’s disease, is difficult to accurately predict, how long people will live will depend on lifestyle-related diseases.
How long a person with Parkinson’s disease of stage 4 or 5 lives depends on the symptoms and signs, the dynamics of their progression. As well as treatment.