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Parkinson’s disease affects your nervous system. With age, it degenerates parts of your brain. You may not notice them in the initial stages because they show the slightest signs. It may just cause little tremors. While that is not a very uncommon occurrence, Parkinson’s disease may slow your movements and cause stiffness. That is when you must understand that the condition is getting worse. You may even face uncontrollable movements and behavioural changes.
Most of the time, the reason for Parkinson’s disease stays unknown. However, you are more susceptible if you have a family history of this condition.
Synopsis
What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. It affects your nerve cells. A part of our brain, the basal ganglia, controls our movement. It releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for our movements and coordination. This disorder kills or impairs that part of our brain, decreasing dopamine levels. Thus, it impacts our movements, causing motor symptoms.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from one person to another. The progression of these signs also differs. At first, the symptoms may not be very serious, with minor movement disruption. This usually includes slow handwriting, difficulty getting out of the chair, etc. The family members are responsible for looking out for the warning signs. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is for an expert neurologist to start the treatment.
Parkinson’s disease shows both motor and non-motor symptoms.
Motor Symptoms
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Tremors - Uncontrolled shaking or trembling of the hands, fingers, or other body parts. This especially occurs when you are resting. The muscles start shaking in a rhythmic manner. This is a major warning sign for 80% of the cases.
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Bradykinesia - Slowness of movement. It usually occurs because of your inability to control your muscle movement. This makes even simple tasks more time-consuming and difficult.
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Muscle Rigidity - Cogwheel stiffness and lead-pipe rigidity are very distinctive symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. If there is an unchanged stiffness in your body, despite movements, it is lead-pipe rigidity. When this gets combined with tremors, that condition is cogwheel stiffness. So, this muscle resistance often restricts movement.
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Postural Instability - Once the disease worsens, the affected person starts leaning forward. They start taking small and shuffled steps to walk. They take several steps even while turning around. Their balance gets compromised. It also involves the risk of falling down.
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Impaired Coordination - The sync between your body parts is reduced. This affects simpler movements on a daily basis.
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Speech Changes - Your speed and way of talking start changing. You may slur, talk quickly, softly, or hesitate before simple conversations. There is a higher chance that your tonal variation will diminish, and you talk more like a straight line.
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Facial Expression Changes - Reduced facial expression. This is often referred to as a "masked face" or hypomimia.
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Micrographia - Muscle control issues affect your handwriting. The letters will become smaller and more difficult to read.
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Freezing - Brief, involuntary stops in movement, often when transitioning from one activity to another.
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Others
- Blinking less than usual
- Drooling
- Trouble swallowing
- Unusually soft voice
Non-Motor Symptoms
Parkinson's disease can also cause non-motor symptoms. This includes:
- Mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Cognitive changes and
- Autonomic dysfunction.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood. It is probably a combination of genetic and environmental issues. Some contributing factors include:
- Genetics - Specific genetic mutations increase the risk of Parkinson's disease. Although relatively rare, only 10%, it is the only confirmed and known cause.
- Age - The risk of this disease increases with age, especially over 60 years.
- Environmental Factors - Exposure to certain toxins may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease. This includes manganese dust, certain pesticides, carbon monoxide, etc.
- Brain Changes - Abnormal accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein forms specific structures in the brain. They are called Lewy bodies. This can result in Parkinson's disease.
Other triggers may include medications, encephalitis, or repetitive head injuries. Only an expert neurologist can rightly detect your condition. So, consult them as soon as you are doubtful.
Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Currently, there is no absolute cure for Parkinson's disease. However, various treatments aim to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Medications - Drugs such as levodopa, dopamine agonists, etc., can act as an aid to alleviate motor symptoms by increasing dopamine levels or mimicking its effects.
- Physical Therapy - Exercise and physical therapy can improve flexibility, strength, and balance, helping to manage motor symptoms.
- Occupational Therapy - It focuses on adapting the environment and daily activities to enhance independence and functionality.
- Speech Therapy - Speech therapy can address speech and swallowing difficulties associated with Parkinson's disease.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) - In advanced cases, DBS may be considered. It involves surgically implanting electrodes in your brain to modulate abnormal signals.
- Lifestyle Modifications - Healthy lifestyle choices, including adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet, can assist you in managing the condition.
- Supportive Care - Emotional and social support, as well as counselling, can be important for managing the emotional impact of Parkinson's disease.
To receive the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s disease, visit Manipal Hospitals, Hebbal, Bangalore. Consult the top neurologist there to manage your condition.
FAQ's
No, as of now, there is no permanent remedy for Parkinson’s disease. However, neurologists can help manage them with lifestyle modifications, brain stimulation, medications, and therapy.
In 1967, the Parkinson’s disease staging system was curated by two experts. Now, the classification is based on the Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS). This examines the disease in four different aspects to determine its severity.
Yes, other than checking the symptoms, your doctor may do the following tests to determine if you have Parkinson’s disease.
- CT scan
- MRI
- Genetic testing
- PET scan
- Blood tests
- Skin biopsy
- Spinal tap.
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