ance, but still no loss of balance.
The "pull test" is usually performed
to see the extent to
which your balance has been
affected. The test involves a doctor
standing behind you and asking
you to maintain your balance
when he pulls you back. Taking
three or more steps to recover
your balance when you are
pulled backward is indicative of
having reached this stage
Stage 3
In this third stage, Parkinson's
disease significantly advances,
and it is often considered midstage
in the entire progression of
the disorder. Loss of balance is
finally experienced and the pull
test is performed to check. If you
don't regain your balance and the
doctor has to catch you to prevent
a fall, it is said that your
balance is impaired. Your body
movements also start to slow
down noticeably during the third
stage—a manifestation medically
referred to as bradykinesia.
Your doctor will find it easy to
make a definite diagnosis when
you have gotten to this stage of
Parkinsons disease. Disability is
apparent at this stage, and you
may find it more difficult to perform
basic tasks like dressing
and eating. It is, however, still
possible to be able to carry out
your daily activities without external
help. Depending on the
kind of work you do and how
much physical dexterity it requires,
you may also still be able
to remain employed.
Stage 4
Your symptoms become severe
in this stage. You become unable
to perform your daily tasks without
assistance, or if you can, it
will be very challenging, making
independent living almost impossible.
Your body parts and
the slowness of movement becomes
significantly worse. It is
still possible to stand and walk
by yourself, but it may be difficult
and using a walker may
make it easier.
Stage 5
This is the most advanced stage
of Parkinson's disease, as most
(or all) other symptoms previously
experienced worsen. It becomes
impossible for you to
move around unaided and a
wheelchair is necessary. Youll
also be unable to perform your
daily living tasks such as eating,
dressing up, and bathing by
yourself. Due to this, constant
nursing care is necessary to prevent
falls and other accidents
from happening. Some people
also experience delusions, dementia,
hallucinations, and confusion
at this stage. It is important
to know that Parkinson's
disease, unlike some other conditions,
is a highly individual
one, and the way people experience
its symptoms can vary
wildly. For example, some people
may never reach stage 5 of
Parkinsons disease. In uncommon
cases, a persons symptoms
may become severe but still be
limited to just one side of the
body.
There are many therapies that
exist to slow down the progression
of the disease and ease its
symptoms, so be sure to explore
your options extensively with
your doctor. Although Parkinson's
disease can be a very debilitating
disorder patients can do a
variety of treatments to help
manage the symptoms. The patient
and their family will experience
many challenges and may
want to consider joining a support
or community group with
other people affected by Parkinson's.
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