What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a disease of the Nervous System, specifically a movement disorder in which dopamine secretion is gradually reduced.
This causes symptoms such as tremors, slowness of movement, stiff limbs, walking and balance problems.
PD gets worse slowly. Many treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
PD is common. Each year, about 50,000 people are diagnosed with PD. Worldwide, 4-6 million people develop the disease.
What causes PD?
Researchers believe that both genetic and environmental factors influence its occurrence. It is due to the loss of nerve cells in an area of the brain, the substantia nigra. Dopamine helps the brain communicate with each other. Without sufficient dopamine, movement decreases and loses its automation and plasticity.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptoms of the disease are:
- Smell disorder
- Stiffness or rigidity in the extremities
- Tremour often more evident when the affected limb is at rest
- Impaired balance and diadagokinesia
- Bradykinesia or slowness in initiating movement leading to an expressionless face, change in speech, tone and volume of voice
- Sliding steps
- Micrographia
- Disorder in fine finger movements (e.g. buttoning clothing)
Symptoms vary from person to person and usually appear progressively.
How is PD diagnosed?
A definitive diagnosis cannot be made with just a laboratory test or neuroimaging (brain scan). A clinical examination followed by appropriate laboratory and imaging tests are essential for a correct diagnosis. It is essential to be treated by a doctor experienced in treating this disease. Neurologists can diagnose the disease. Parkinson’s disease is a disease.
Neurologists are doctors who specialize in diseases of the brain and nerves.
What treatment options are available?
A great deal of research has recently been focused on finding treatments to slow or stop PD. Current treatments do not cure the disease, but they do help improve the patient’s daily functioning and some symptoms. The treatment of the disease is not only pharmaceutical but also requires the collaboration of many health professionals (psychiatrist, pathologist, cardiologist, speech therapist, physiatrist, physiotherapist, neuroimaging specialist, nutritionist) coordinated by the clinical neurologist.
Living with NP
In addition to medication, a balanced diet is required for health and strength. Active exercise improves the symptoms of NP. It maintains muscle tone and muscle strength and improves mobility. Walking is particularly helpful. The doctor can determine an exercise program. A healthy diet, constant activity and exercise improve and maintain a good quality of life.
Caregivers need supportive treatment and especially group psychotherapy.
