Blog

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder of unknown cause that affects movement and worsens over time. The nervous system is made up of a network of nerve cells that controls various body functions, including movement.

At what age does it occur

The average age of onset of the disease is 60-65 years.

First signs of the disease

Symptoms appear gradually. One of the first signs may be a slight tremor (shaking) in an arm, leg, or jaw. Although tremor is a common symptom, Parkinson’s disease can also cause:

• Muscle stiffness
• Bradykinesia (i.e. slowness in performing movements) is the predominant symptom of the disease
• Balance difficulty, which increases the risk of falls

In the early stages, you may notice:

• Decreased facial expression
• Lack of arm movement when walking. Reduced swing of the arms when walking
• Changes in speech, such as lower volume or difficulty in articulation
• Smell disorders

Disease progression & other symptoms

Over time, symptoms worsen and include:

• Trembling (tremor): Usually occurs in the fingers, foot, or jaw and may be more intense at rest or when stressed. The tremor is unilateral.
• Bradykinesia: Movements become slower, making daily activities such as dressing or bathing difficult.
• Muscle stiffness: Stiffness can affect any part of the body, causing difficulty moving and pain.
• Posture and balance disorders: Posture may become more stooped, and the knees may be slightly bent. Falls become more frequent. Over time, patients have difficulty resuming walking.
• Loss of spontaneous movements: Automatic movements, such as blinking, smiling, and arm movements while walking, may decrease.
• Speech changes: Speech may become more monotonous, slurred, or slow.
• Differences in writing: Writing may become more difficult, with letters appearing smaller and more densely packed.

Non-motor symptoms: The disease also affects other body functions, causing:

• Depression and anxiety
• Constipation
• Sleep problems
• Reduced sense of sense of smell
• Severe fatigue
• Difficulties with memory and concentration

Diagnosis & treatment options

Although Parkinson’s disease has no definitive cure, there are medications that can help control symptoms. In some cases, surgical treatment, such as deep brain stimulation, may be recommended to better manage the disease.

When to see a doctor

If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor. Early diagnosis can help in the proper management of the disease and improve your quality of life.

Approach to the disease in the Neurological Department of the P. Faliro Medical Center.

For patients with the above condition, at the Paliou Faliro Medical Center, the neurological clinic team provides a detailed neurological examination in the external neurological clinics and further control with necessary diagnostic tests.

There is also the possibility of further monitoring of the patient and full information for caregivers.