Did you know?
One person in every 500 has Parkinson’s. That’s about 127,000 people in the UK (Parkinson’s UK). Most people who get Parkinson’s are aged 50 or over but younger people can get it too.
How does Parkinson’s affect the body?
One of the first symptoms in around 70 percent of people is a tremor usually in one hand. Over a period of time movements become slower and initiating movements becomes more difficult. The body becomes more stiff and rigid. As well as affecting movement, people with Parkinson’s can find that other issues, such as tiredness, pain, depression and constipation can have an impact on their day-to-day lives.
People with Parkinson’s don’t have enough of a chemical called dopamine because some nerve cells in their brain have died. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease and we don’t yet know why people get the condition.
Without dopamine people can find that their movements become slower so it takes longer to do things. The loss of nerve cells in the brain causes the symptoms of Parkinson’s to appear. Parkinson’s doesn’t directly cause people to die but symptoms do get worse over time.
Drugs are the main treatment used to manage Parkinson’s while research into finding a cure continues. Every person suffering with Parkinson’s disease has a different experience of the condition. Your GP, specialist or Parkinson’s nurse will aim to find the treatment that is best for you as an individual.
How can Adaptawear help?
Parkinson’s presents a number of difficulties with dressing but some of the more common problems are associated with balance, dexterity, and tremors.
In which case, garments that have buttons or are very fitted should be avoided. Instead, opt for clothes that have elasticated waistbands or easy attachments such as Velcro© or magnets.
If you have balance problems or tremors, try getting ready whilst sitting.
Our Elasticated Trousers are ideal to slide on and off easily. Also, you may find our Fasten-Free tops and shirts comfortable and easy to put on.
For assisted dressing our Back Wrapped dresses are ideal for women.
Visit our Ladies and Menswear adaptive clothing range with discreet fastenings.
To find out more information on Parkinson’s visit the Parkinson’s UK website