Parkinson’s Disease: Symptoms & Personalized Care

Parkinson’s Disease

A long term neurological condition that gradually affects one’s movement, coordination and daily activities is Parkinson’s disease. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential when it comes to improving the individual's life.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. When the nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement become damaged or die, this triggers Parkinson’s disease. These nerve cells are responsible for producing dopamine, which is a chemical that helps transmit signals that allow for smooth and balanced muscle movement. 

The decrease in dopamine levels disrupts communication between the brain and muscles. Tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movement, and difficulty maintaining balance are common symptoms. 

Although Parkinson’s disease commonly affects people over the age of 60, some cases of early onset Parkinson’s disease can develop in those at the age of 50. 

Causes and Risk Factors

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

A combination of genetic and environmental factors are suggested by researchers as a factor for the disease. The development of the disease may increase due to certain gene mutations, especially in individuals that have a family history of Parkinson’s. 

Exposure to toxins, pesticides or herbicides are environmental factors that may also play a role. Other causes can include repeated head injuries or traumatic brain injuries, which have also been associated with an increased risk to develop Parkinson’s disease later in life. 

Key Risk Factors

Several factors may increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Age is one of them; risk increases especially with individuals above 60. Having a family history may also affect a person's genetics. Another factor is gender, men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women. Certain chemicals and long term exposures to them may also increase the risk. Another contribution could be repeated head trauma, which can in turn cause traumatic brain injuries. 

Early Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Faster diagnosis and earlier intervention are the result of recognizing early signs of Parkinson’s disease. 

Primary Motor Symptoms

Motor symptoms are the most noticeable signs of Parkinson’s disease and may include:

The most noticeable signs of Parkinson’s disease are motor symptoms, this includes the following Hands or fingers shaking often while they are resting, these are known as tremors. Simple tasks becoming difficult due to slow movement, bradykinesia. The stiffness in the arms and legs are other symptoms. Having a poor balance and bad coordination which may cause falls are known as postural instability and is another symptom. These symptoms get worse over time even though they start mild. 

Non-Motor Symptoms

Non-motor functions such as mood, sleep and digestion can also be affected by Parkinson’s disease. Depression and anxiety are among those, and even sleep disturbances and constipation are some non-motor symptoms. Others include loss of smell and a cognitive decline with memory issues. 

(Disclaimer: Symptoms can vary between individuals and may progress at different rates.)

Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease Services at Vibhavadi Hospital

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Initial Consultation

A full neurological evaluation is conducted of individuals suspected of having Parkinson’s disease. Medical history, physical examination, and neurological examination are reviewed; additionally, the timeline of the symptoms are also assessed. 

Imaging and Laboratory Tests

At this time, Parkinson’s disease can’t be diagnosed with one single test. Imaging and lab tests can be used by doctors to rule out other neurological conditions. These include MRI or CT scans, DaTscan and blood tests. 

 

Observation Over Time

Monitoring symptoms over time may be recommended by healthcare professionals in some cases. The observation of how the symptoms progress can help doctors come up with an accurate diagnosis. 

Personalized Treatment Plans

Treatment plans can control symptoms and help an individual with their daily activities, however there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease at this moment. 

Medication Therapy

Parkinson’s symptoms can be treated through medication, and this is one of the primary treatments. Levodopa is a commonly prescribed drug, and it is often combined with carbidopa which helps improve its effectiveness. Dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, Anticholinergic, COMT inhibitors are other medications that can be used. Dopamine levels and an improvement in the functioning of the brain can be seen through these medications. 

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in maintaining mobility and independence. Physical and occupational therapy may include:

Maintaining mobility and independence is the result of rehabilitation playing an important role in an individual's daily life. These may include physical and occupational therapy like, balance and gait training, exercises to improve flexibility and strength, fine motor skills  development, and assistance with daily living activities 

Speech and Swallow Therapy

Speech clarity and the ability to swallow may be affected by Parkinson’s disease. The use of speech therapy can help improve an individual's communication skills, while reducing the risk of choking can be done through swallowing therapy. 

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Deep Brain Stimulation may be recommended by healthcare professionals for individuals with advanced Parkinson’s disease. This involves implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain to regulate abnormal nerve signals.

Multidisciplinary Care Team at Vibhavadi Hospital

Vibhavadi Hospital has a team of experienced healthcare professionals that can help patients with Parkinson’s care. These include neurologists specializing in movement disorders, physicians for rehab, psychiatrists and psychologists, speech and occupational therapists and nutritionists.

The treatment process also involves family members to ensure continuous support along with making treatment decisions.