What are the 5 Phases of Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinsonism [Parkinson’s Disease] is a neurological condition having some recognisable signs/symptoms. These symptoms are speaking difficulties, uncontrollable tremors or shaking, and lack of coordination.

But the symptoms of this condition vary and might worsen when it progresses. The primary symptoms of this condition are slowed movement, problems standing up, and stiffness in the limbs.

To provide an effective parkinsonism treatment, physicians have diagnosed this condition by relying on the “Yahr” and “Hoehn” rating scales. This particular scale can tell the severity of the symptoms.

Let us learn more about the various phases/stages of Parkinsonism through this post in detail.

The 5 Stages of Parkinsonism [Parkinson’s Disease]

There are five different stages of this condition, which helps physicians to learn how much the disease has progressed in an individual. So, what are these stages?

1st Stage

It is the mildest phase/ stage of Parkinson’s disease. In the 1st stage, you will experience some symptoms that are not severe enough to impair your daily activities.

The symptoms of this condition are minimal, and you might not notice them initially. But close friends and family members might notice changes in your facial expression, walking, and posture.

One distinct sign of this stage is that you feel tremors and experience difficulties only in one portion of your body. But opting for the apt parkinsonism treatment can reduce the symptoms effectively.

2nd Stage

At this stage, you will start to notice the symptoms/signs of this condition when compared to the 1st stage. It is the moderate form of the condition where you feel trembling, tremors, and stiffness.

Changes in your facial expression might also take place in the 2nd stage. Muscle stiffness can prevent you from completing your work on time, but Stage 2 of the disease will not impair your balance.

You might experience difficulties when walking, and notice changes in your posture. In the 2nd stage, you will feel the symptoms/signs on both sides of your body and struggle to speak properly.

People in the 2nd stage of Parkinsonism can reside independently, even when they might take longer to complete their work. It can take several months or years to reach the 2nd phase of Parkinson’s disease from the 1st one.

3rd Phase

In the 3rd phase of this condition, people will start to experience the symptoms, such as losing their balance when walking. But the symptoms of 3rd stage are the same as the ones in 2nd stage.

But apart from that, the 3rd stage is where you will witness a reduction in the reflexes. The movements will become much slower than before. Falling and tripping are common in this stage.

You will find it difficult to complete your activities on time but still get to finish them. One of the best Parkinsonism treatment options is opting for occupational therapy with medication. It can help lessen these symptoms.

4th Stage

In the 4th stage, it will become impossible for you to live alone. You will not be able to do your daily activities without assistance.

You will be able to stand up on your own but need help to move around. You can opt for a “walker,” which can allow you to make movements so that you don’t trip or fall.

5th Stage

It is the final phase of Parkinson’s Disease. It’s also known as the advanced stage, where you will experience stiffness in your legs. It might make you freeze while you’re standing, and it will become challenging for you to make any movement.

You have to use a wheelchair to move around. Since you might lose your balance, you will need 24×7 assistance so that you don’t fall or trip and hurt yourself.

People who are in the 4th or 5th stage of this condition will hallucinate, feel confused, and experience delusions.

Hallucination happens when you see things that are not real. Delusions will also occur when you believe in things that are not true, even when you get to see the evidence. Besides that, the side effects of Parkinsonism treatment during these stages can, at times, outweigh the advantages.

Final Thoughts

To ensure you do not experience severe signs/symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, you should opt for the appropriate treatment in the early stages. Please speak to your doctor and learn about the various stages of Parkinson’s disease. Doing so can help you receive a treatment that lessens the symptoms of this severe ailment.

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