Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that worsens over time, with symptoms varying depending on its severity. According to the National Institutes of Health, it is typically diagnosed in people over the age of 60. However, about five per cent of patients develop the disease before the age of 50.
Parkinson’s is primarily caused by the degeneration of brain cells responsible for producing dopamine. Several factors may contribute to its development, including genetic predisposition, exposure to pesticides, and head injuries.
First symptoms of Parkinson’s
Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, said, “It is normally believed that Parkinson’s causes motor problems to individuals, but the truth is that the early symptoms of the disease are non-motor and they are usually experienced before a diagnosis is made.”
Such early warning signals include the following:
- Loss of smell (anosmia)
- REM sleep behaviour disorder
- Constipation is caused by a lack of dopamine in the gut
- Depression, anxiety, and exhaustion
- Facial immobility
- Verbal impairment and difficulty writing
Since the symptoms are usually not obvious, most of them are ignored and attributed to stress or ageing.
Signs of Parkinson’s disease
Here are the signs of Parkinson’s disease:
- As the disease advances, motor symptoms emerge. Some of the symptoms include:
- Tremors or ‘pill-rolling’ movement of the hands
- Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
- Muscle stiffness
- Balance problems, making patients likely to fall forward
All the symptoms could eventually make patients unable to do daily tasks. In that way, recognising the symptoms is necessary.
Is Parkinson’s just ageing?
Another assumption is that the disease is simply the effects of ageing. While it is true that age plays a crucial role, Parkinson’s is really a medical condition that requires care and attention. Stigma or fears of being discriminated could influence people not to speak out about their condition, medical intervention could actually help them live a normal life.
Importance of diagnostics and early treatment
Although there is no cure available yet, accurate diagnosis plays a crucial role in treating the disease. Doctors could recommend that a person undergo a DaTScan diagnostic. That procedure allows them to identify abnormality related to dopamine activity. In this case, a person can:
- Take medication that boosts the production of dopamine
- Participate in physical therapy to avoid mobility impairments
- Work with a therapist and enhance verbal communication
- Regularly exercise by cycling or dancing
- According to The Lancet, exercise plays a major role in controlling Parkinson’s progression.
- Recommendations related to lifestyle
You shouldn’t feel any embarrassment about this disease and hide the fact that you suffer from it. On the contrary, discussing the problem will be highly beneficial to you. This disorder doesn’t occur because of ageing processes only; it is actually quite complicated neurological disease that deserves attention.
Disclaimer: Dear readers, this article provides general information and advice only. It is not at all professional medical advice. Therefore, always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for more information.
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