CPD – The Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a common illness in older people. It’s a brain disorder that makes it harder for someone to move, stay balanced, and do everyday tasks. Over time, the symptoms get worse even up to stage 5 Parkinson's disease, so it's important to understand the disease and how to help people who have it.

In this course CPD – The Stages of Parkinson’s Disease, you will learn from stage 1 to stage 5 Parkinson's disease and how to manage or help someone navigate each stage effectively.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that affects how the brain controls movement. It happens when certain brain cells stop working properly and making enough dopamine, a chemical that helps muscles move smoothly. As a result, without enough dopamine, people may shake (tremors), move more slowly, feel stiff, and have trouble keeping their balance.

To this day, the cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown, which also makes finding a cure challenging. However, while there is no cure, various treatments are available to help patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

5 Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease gets worse over time, and doctors divide it into five stages. From stage 1 to stage 5 Parkinson's disease progresses, and symptoms become more noticeable and impact daily life in different ways. This progression impacts the individual’s physical and mental health. Aside from that, it also affects their social life and relationships, as daily challenges make it harder to engage in social activities.

1. Stage 1 Parkinson’s Disease (Mild) – At first, symptoms are small and usually affect just one side of the body. The person might have a slight tremor or stiffness, but they can still do normal activities without much trouble.
2. Stage 2 Parkinson’s Disease (Moderate) – Over time, symptoms get worse and affect both sides of the body. Movements become slower, and it’s harder to do things like write or walk normally.
3. Stage 3 Parkinson’s Disease (Mid-Stage) – At this point, balance problems start, and people may fall more often. Daily tasks take more effort, but they can still do some things on their own.
4. Stage 4 Parkinson’s Disease (Severe) – As the disease continues to progress, moving becomes very difficult, and the person usually needs help with walking and daily activities.
5. Stage 5 Parkinson's Disease (Advanced) – Finally, this is the most serious stage. The person may not be able to walk or get out of bed without help. They need full-time care and may have trouble swallowing or thinking clearly.

How long do people live in stage 5 Parkinson's disease?

In reality, stage 5 Parkinson's disease does not cause death on its own. But, it can increase the risk of death. Now, life expectancy in this stage varies from person to person. Some individuals live for several years with proper care, while others experience rapid decline. Moreover, common complications like infections or breathing difficulties can impact survival. Ultimately, quality medical support and symptom management play a crucial role in extending and improving life.

Class Info

The course CPD – The Stages of Parkinson’s Disease helps you understand Parkinson’s disease and how to care for people who have it. This course is for caregivers, nursing home staff, healthcare workers, and anyone who wants to support someone with Parkinson’s.

First, you will learn what Parkinson’s is, from stage 1 to stage 5 Parkinson's disease, what causes it, and how it affects the body. Then, you will discover how to help with daily tasks like eating, moving, and taking medicine. You will also learn how to support mental health and communication. Next, the course will show you the best ways to care for people in nursing homes and introduce useful resources like Parkinson’s UK. Finally, you will explore ways to improve your caregiving skills. By the end of this course, you will know how to care for people with Parkinson’s with confidence, provide the right support, and make a real difference in their lives.

Course Outline

This course explains stage 1 to stage 5 Parkinson's disease and how to care for people at each stage. Through simple lessons, real-life examples, and useful tips, you will first learn how Parkinson’s changes over time. Then, you'll understand what kind of help is needed along the way. Each part of the course focuses on a different stage. So, you'll gain the knowledge and skills step by step to support someone with Parkinson’s and improve their daily life.

• Understanding Parkinson’s Disease -  Understand what causes Parkinson’s, and how it affects the body, and recognise common symptoms like shaking, slow movement, and balance issues.
• Needs and Care for People with Parkinson’s - Help with daily tasks like eating, exercising, and taking medicine on time. Support communication, manage swallowing difficulties, and care for mental health challenges like anxiety and depression.
• Providing Care in a Nursing or Residential Home - Help people move safely, prevent falls, and assist with personal care. Provide comfort, involve families, and support end-of-life care when needed.
• Resources and Support for Parkinson’s Care - Connect with Parkinson’s UK for support. Use assistive tools to improve daily life, work with healthcare professionals, and access financial and legal help.
• Evaluating and Improving Care Practises - Assess your caregiving approach, learn best practices, and apply real-life examples to improve care. Continue learning to provide the best support possible.

Application Requirements

This course is open to anyone who would like to learn more about stage 1 to stage 5 Parkinson's disease and how to care for individuals at different stages. There are no specific qualifications required. However, it may be especially beneficial for caregivers, nursing home staff, healthcare workers, and family members of those with Parkinson’s. A willingness to learn, an interest in providing care, and a desire to make a positive difference in someone’s life are all encouraged.

Harbour Knowledge and Compassion with CCM

Understanding the stage 1 to stage 5 Parkinson's disease is important for taking care of people who have it. Knowing their struggles helps caregivers be more kind and patient. We may not have a cure yet, but we can still face the disease with courage by learning about it and giving support to those who need it.

The College of Contract Management offers the course CPD – The Stages of Parkinson’s Disease to support both individuals with Parkinson’s and their caregivers. This course will provide you with valuable knowledge and essential skills to help navigate the challenges of the disease with confidence and care.

The course schedule for CPD – The Stages of Parkinson’s Disease is yet to be finalised. However, should you have any other enquiries, feel free to contact us via live chat or email. Our support team will answer any questions you may have.