Beware of Parkinson's Disease: Treatment Procedure & Cures Explained!

Parkinson's disease, also known as Parkinson's, is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterised by the impairment of movement. It is a progressive condition named after the English physician James Parkinson, who first described it in 1817. It is a movement disorder that affects the very core of movement and function and, thus, creates challenges both for the patients and caregivers. In this blog, we'll delve into Parkinson disease, its stages, symptoms, and the various treatment options available to manage the condition effectively.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that is progressive and neurological and mainly affects movement. It happens when the brain's nerve cells (neurons) that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger responsible for smooth and balanced muscle movement, get damaged or die. The real reason for Parkinson disease is still not known, but scientists think it is a mixture of genetic and environmental factors that are responsible for it.

Parkinson's Disease Symptoms

Parkinson's disease manifests through a range of motor and non-motor symptoms: 

• Tremors: Involuntary trembling, usually seen in the hands, arms, legs, or face, which leads to drooling.
• Bradykinesia: Slowed movement, making tasks difficult and time-consuming.
• Rigidity: Stiffness and inflexibility in muscles, which decreases flexibility and fluidity of movement. It makes a person incapable of changing facial expressions, blinking less than usual, and difficulty swallowing food.
• Postural Instability: Impaired balance and coordination, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Non-motor Symptoms: Cognitive changes, mood disorders, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction are the major Parkinsons symptoms.

Who Does it Affect?

The likelihood of Parkinson disease occurring naturally gets higher as one ages, and the average age at which it affects an individual is 60 years old. It's a bit more common in men than in women. Parkinson's disease is mainly age-related, but it can also happen in adults as young as 20 (although this is very rare, and usually, people have a parent, sibling or child with the same condition).

How Common is this Condition?

Parkinson's disease is very widespread. It is the second among the age-related degenerative brain diseases in the world. It is also the most prevalent brain and movement disorder. Experts say that it impacts at least 1% of the people over 60 years of age all over the world.

Parkinson's Disease Stages

Parkinson's disease follows a specific sequence of stages, each characterised by the severity of symptoms and functional impairment that differs from the other stages. Interpreting Parkinson's disease stages is vital for shaping treatment decisions and providing the necessary support to patients and caregivers.

1. Stage: Early Symptoms

• Characterised by mild symptoms that may be hardly noticeable and easily ignored.
• Inability to stand steadily, slight changes in posture and mild motion problems may occur.
• Symptoms may be ignored and considered as the normal signs of ageing. 

2. Stage: Moderate Symptoms

• The symptoms become more and more evident and start to disrupt the normal course of one's life. 
• Early signs, like tremors, rigidity, and slow movements, become more apparent.
• Patients might need help with writing, dressing, or eating tasks.

3. Stage: Mid-Stage

• Major loss of mobility and balance.
• Patients might fall often and find it hard to perform tasks requiring coordination.
• Independence is still possible, but some tasks may need help.

4. Stage: Advanced Symptoms

• Intense motor difficulties, seriously affecting the daily life of the person.
• Walking process becomes more complicated, and patients may need help to carry out their daily activities.
• Motor fluctuations and medication side effects could turn out to be more noticeable.

5. Stage: Advanced Disease

• People are physically disabled and therefore unable to walk or stand on their own and need constant care. 
• Cognitive involvement and other non-motor symptoms may become more intense.
• Life quality is heavily affected, and patients could be bedridden or wheelchair-bound as a result.

Parkinson's Disease Treatments

Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson disease. Still, numerous Parkinson’s disease treatments are available that can help patients cope with the signs and symptoms and enhance their life quality. These treatment methods include pharmaceutical, surgical, and rehabilitative interventions customised to the needs of the individual.

1. Medications
   Dopamine replacement medications, such as levodopa, help to reduce motor symptoms by increasing the dopamine level in the brain. Dopamine agonists and other drugs may be prescribed to the patients to complement or boost the effects of levodopa.
2. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
   The procedure consists of the surgical insertion of a device that delivers electrical impulses to specific brain areas. DBS is a treatment that decreases tremors, rigidity, and motor fluctuations in patients with advanced Parkinson's disease. 
3. Physical Therapy
   This focuses on the improvement of mobility, balance, and flexibility using exercises and rehabilitation techniques that are tailored to each individual. It aids in improving gait, posture, and physical function in general, thus increasing independence and quality of life.
4. Occupational Therapy
   It is concerned with improving daily functioning and independence through adaptive strategies and assistive devices. It assists patients in their daily activities, such as dressing, cooking, and grooming, to a great extent, thus allowing them to work with more ease and confidence.
5. Speech Therapy
   The problem of speech and swallowing difficulties, usually connected with Parkinson's disease, is solved by this. It aids in enhancing communication skills and swallowing functions, thus lowering the chances of aspiration and its related complications.

Conclusion

Parkinson disease is a progressive disease that has different stages of symptoms and functional decline. Although there is no cure for the disease, various Parkinson’s disease treatments are available to control the symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life. The stages of Parkinson's disease and the comprehensive treatment approaches can be understood by the patients and caregivers, which will help them cope with the difficult journey of Parkinson's disease with more resilience and hope for the future.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?
   
   Answer:- Parkinson's disease is typically diagnosed based on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and assessment of symptoms. Imaging tests and other diagnostic tools may also be used to rule out other conditions.
   
   
2. Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?
   
   Answer:- While genetics can play a role, Parkinson's disease is not solely hereditary. However, having a family history may increase your risk.
   
   
3. Can Parkinson's disease spread from person to person?
   
   Answer:- No, Parkinson's disease is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person through contact or exposure.
   
   
4. Can Parkinson's disease be prevented?
   
   Answer:- While the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, certain lifestyle factors such as regular exercise and a healthy diet may help reduce the risk.
   
   
5. What lifestyle changes can help manage Parkinson's disease?
   
   Answer:- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management techniques, may help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being for individuals with Parkinson's disease.