CARE ASSISTANT
DEParkinson's Disease
A progressive neurological disease affecting movement and automatic functions.
Parkinson's disease results from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Known for tremor, it also affects the autonomic nervous system that governs the bladder and bowel.
Chronic constipation is often one of the very first signs, years before motor symptoms. Pressing night-time urges are also common.
More Informations
A disease that slows movement and can disturb the bladder and bowel.
Definition
Parkinson's disease is due to the progressive loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Besides tremor and slowness, it often affects the bladder (urgency, frequency) and the bowel (constipation).
Causes
The lack of dopamine disrupts the brain's control over the bladder, which contracts unexpectedly.
Diagnosis
- Clinical diagnosis: resting tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement.
- Specialised brain imaging in some cases.
Treatments
Dopaminergic treatments and, for some patients, deep brain stimulation. For the bladder, carefully chosen medicines, rehabilitation and practical organisation of toilet access. The neurologist and urologist coordinate the follow-up.
Parkinson's disease slows movement, so reaching the toilet in time becomes hard. Flexi absorbent underwear, easy to pull down, suits people who are mobile; the Combi brief with tabs is more practical when a relative helps.
Educational content written for families and caregivers. It does not replace a consultation: a doctor, a continence nurse or a physiotherapist makes the diagnosis and chooses the treatment.