What Does Your Parent’s Handwriting Have to Do with Parkinson’s Disease?

As a family caregiver, your parent’s health and well-being are at the top of your priority list.

This means paying attention to their daily functioning and symptoms so that you can identify any changes that might indicate that they are suffering from health conditions or challenges. If your parent is at increased risk of suffering from Parkinson’s disease, this likely means that you are looking for signs and symptoms of this progressive condition. You may be watching for tremors, changes in their facial expressions, or increased difficulty with balance and mobility. But what about changes in their handwriting? Though this might not be something that immediately comes to mind when thinking about Parkinson’s disease, changes in handwriting are actually considered one of the early warning signs of the disease.

Homecare in Fair Lawn NJ: Parkinson’s & Handwriting

Those who are at the beginning of the progression of Parkinson’s disease often show distinct changes in their handwriting.

Handwriting tends to get smaller and the words tend to be written more closely crowded together. This is all a part of a larger symptom of the disease called Micrographia. Pay attention to how your parent writes when they are writing a note or a letter, filling out forms, or jotting down a grocery list. Even their signature might change due to this symptom.

Be aware that changes in handwriting are not always an indication that is senior has developed Parkinson’s disease. Physical changes that come along with aging can result in differences in a person’s handwriting. Stiffness a, loss of strength, or poor mobility in the hands, as well as vision changes, can result in handwriting that looks tighter or smaller.

If your aging parent has developed new needs or challenges, you are no longer able to give them the care that they need, or you simply feel that they would benefit from more diversified care, now may be the ideal time for you to start elder care for them.

Integrating an elderly home care services provider into your care routine with your aging parent can be an exceptional way to ensure that your aging parent always has access to the care, support, and assistance that is right for them. This means that they are able to pursue a lifestyle that is as independent and fulfilling as possible while keeping in mind their health and safety needs. For you as their family caregiver, this can offer you tremendous stress relief. Knowing that your aging parent has these highly personalized services allows you to take a step back, focus on other aspects of your life, take care of yourself, and utilize your time, energy, and resources in the ways that are most effective and beneficial.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Homecare in Fair Lawn, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC.  In-home senior care servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today (973) 427-3553.

Sources:

http://parkinson.org/