Honoring World Parkinson’s Disease Day
 Parkinson’s disease is characterized by four key motor symptoms: slow movement, rigidity, tremors, and balance issues. Other motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include walking issues, speech problems and swallowing issues. Dementia1, on the other hand, is usually associated with non-motor symptoms, primarily changes in cognition.
Yet, the symptoms of dementia are not exclusively cognitive. Lewy Body Dementia is characterized by fluctuating cognition, recurrent hallucinations and features of parkinsonism, an umbrella term that includes Parkinson’s disease.
Many people are surprised to learn that other dementias are also associated with motor symptoms. Gross motor decline, traditionally associated with the later stages of dementia, may occur in the early stage. A shortened stride and prolonged contact with the ground (stance phase) leads to an overall slower walking speed. Difficulties with fine motor tasks are common in the middle and late stage of dementia. Fine motor tasks that were once easy for the person, such as holding a pen, tying a knot or buttoning a button become challenging, if not impossible.
In the late stages of dementia, the motor symptoms of dementia become even more prominent. Paratonia and dysphagia are two lesser-known symptoms common in late-stage dementia (click here to learn about other symptoms). Attempts to provide care to a loved may be met with involuntary motor movements, known as paratonia. Difficulty swallowing, dysphagia is another common symptom, and it can be dangerous if left unaddressed3.
World Parkinson’s Disease Day may only be officially observed once a year, yet for so many families motor symptoms are a day-to-day reality. Whether you are wearing a grey ribbon for Parkinson’s Disease, a purple ribbon for dementia or wearing both ribbons, know that you are part of a broader community with countless opportunities to seek out support and/or be a source of support to others.
Looking for a support group? Looking to be a source of support to others? Feel free to reach out to RAFT for information about local support groups and non-profits.
1. Dementia is an umbrella term that is comprised over a hundred diseases. The most common dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. Other well-known dementias, include Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease dementia.
** A subset of people with Parkinson’s disease develop Parkinson’s disease dementia.
*Report these changes to your medical provider. A speech language pathologists may also have expertise in swallowing.
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