What Does End Stage Parkinson's Disease Look Like?
In the final stage of Parkinson's disease, patients are unable to perform basic movements without assistance and require one-on-one care, according to Healthline. Quality of life rapidly declines as sufferers become bedridden or wheelchair bound and experience worsening memory and speaking problems. Infections become more common and incontinence worsens. Sadly, medications and treatments provide little or no relief to patients in this stage of the disease.
The progression of Parkinson's disease is divided into five stages, with the disease increasing in severity as the number of the stage increases, explains Healthline. The speed of progression of the disease and specific symptoms vary from patient to patient.
In stage one, Parkinson's patients experience mild symptoms that affect only one side of the body, such as tremors or shaky limbs, notes Healthline. In stage two, motor symptoms begin to affect both sides of the body, and patients may start to experience difficulty walking and maintaining balance. Stage three is considered moderate Parkinson's disease, and patients in this stage typically have difficulty performing basic physical movements, but can still function on their own without assistance. In stage four Parkinson's disease, patients begin to experience severe, disabling symptoms and often cannot live on their own without a caregiver. Stage five is the end stage of Parkinson's disease.
