Parkinson’s disease people possess some recognizable symptoms that can worsen as they age and disease process. The neurologist has classified each symptom based on its severity by using a rating scale that can help people to understand the development of the condition. Research shows that early treatment of Parkinson’s disease can provide recovery for patients.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disorder or PD is a neurodegenerative disease that causes loss of neurons in the area of substantia nigra, the black substances. The cells associated with this area are responsible for dopamine production which regulates muscle movement. This decreasing level of dopamine leads to the condition of Parkinson in which people would feel abnormal muscle movement. Degeneration of neurons in some other brain parts also occurs which results in motor system dysfunction.
The research found that approximately 1% of old agers is suffered from Parkinson’s condition in which the initial stage would be very slow and becomes serious in the long teem
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include,
Motor-related symptoms
- Tremor
- Rigidity in limbs
- Slow movement
- Instability
- Difficulty in walking and gait
- Changes in the voice
Non-motor-related symptoms
- Sleep problem
- The problem with sensing smell
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Depression and anxiety
- Light-headedness
- Urinary issues
Remember, Not every person shares all the above symptoms. It differs from person to person. From the above, the neurologist has mentioned 5 symptoms that should be addressed seriously. They are as follows
Tremors and uncontrollable shaking – Tremor is the condition of rhythmic shaking over the body or a particular part. It normally starts from a particular part such as limbs, jaw, chin, etc. But later I can affect either side of the body or wholly which is known to be an action tremor. This also cause a major effect on facial expression, muscle rigidity, and difficulty in walking due to continuous uncontrollable shaking. People may also experience speech difficulties.
Slowed or reduced movement – This symptom doesn’t involve daily function instead it slows down working ability and takes more time to complete a task than usual and falling is more common.
Difficulty in balancing – If the person shows the symptom of difficulty in balancing, it proves the worsening condition, such kind of people always need support to do any function
Muscle rigidity – This condition begins in an advanced stage of this condition. In this, the people would feel rigidness in limbs where the legs become freeze and it makes standing impossible. People will need a wheelchair or crutches for their mobility.
CAUSES OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE
Injury – Injury in the brain is said to be the main cause of Parkinson’s especially in the brain region of substantia nigra.
Age – Age is the main risk factor for Parkinson’s. The statistical incidence clearly states that the incidence and prevalence rate of Parkinson’s becomes high specifically among the age group of 60 and above. But it doesn’t mean that all the agers would undergo this condition.
Gender – Men are more susceptible to Parkinson’s than women.
Gene – There are some genes that have been found to be associated with this condition. Parkinson’s disease is may be caused by heredity
TREATMENT
Most types cannot be cured but can avoid the worsening of Parkinson’s
MEDICATIONS
The following medicine can control Parkinson’s symptoms
- Levodopa,
- Dopamine agonists,
- COMT(catechol-O-methyl transferase) inhibitors,
- MAO (monoamine oxidase) Binhibitors,
- Anticholinergics and
- Other medications include amantadine.
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION
In this technique, the implantable pulse generator is inserted into the brain part by performing surgery. This device is helpful in suppressing symptoms including tremors, rigidity, etc.
THERAPIES
Occupational Therapy – This therapy teaches people how to be a home safer and coping behaviors. It helps in eating and dressing.
Physiotherapy – enhances mobility, muscle strength, exercise tolerance, etc. They teach some strategies to avoid falling down.
Modifying environment – Threatening things should be placed away from them. Placing a monitoring system can help caregivers to be alert.
Speech Therapy – It offers some vocal training which improves speech.
Adding to those, providing social support, proper diet, and offering counseling can help people with Parkinson’s disease.
