Shedding Light on Parkinson’s Disease: Parkinson’s Awareness Month

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that impacts the brain’s cells responsible for producing dopamine neurons and other nerve-controlled body parts. Generally, it begins around age 60, with the risk rising as one age. Since Parkinson’s symptoms progress overtime, the initial impact is witnessed in a person’s balance, slowing of body movement, and muscle stiffness.

Parkinson’s is an individualized disease, so the more one knows about it, the more empowered they’ll be when dealing with it. With that, let’s get into the specific details of Parkinson’s disease and the key takeaways one must know about it.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Around 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year in the United States. It is the second most common age-related degenerative brain disease. However, its specific cause is yet unknown. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown; there are several possible causes, such as:

• Genetics: Approximately 10%-15% of individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease have relatives who also have the condition. How genetic variations affect the likelihood of developing the disease is still unknown.
• Environmental factors: Chemical exposure may increase the risk of PD. Exposure to pesticides and herbicides and industrial pollution is believed to raise the chance of getting Parkinson’s disease (PD). Still, the results for these factors have been inconsistent.

What are the Risk Factors of PD?

Common risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include:

• Age and Gender: The older you get, the higher the chances of PD. It is primarily diagnosed in people over the age of 60 and rarely diagnosed in adult youths. In terms of gender, males are more likely to get the disease compared to females.
• Heredity: Having a family member with Parkinson’s disease raises your risk of getting the disease. However, it’s still low unless multiple relatives have the condition.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Every patient may face different kinds of symptoms. PD’s early signs of Parkinson’s are frequently subtle and unnoticeable. Some of the Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:

• Tremor: This is a rhythmic trembling of muscle­s, even when you are not using them. It is a common symptom seen in more than 80% of people with PD. People with the condition experience less shaking while doing physical tasks.
• Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia (slow movement) is one of the cardinal symptoms of PD that may slow your movement because of muscle control problems. It makes it hard to perform simple tasks and also takes more time. However, there is no loss of strength while moving the muscles.
• Rigidity or stiffness: Rigidity is when your muscle­s become stiff and contract without your control. Muscle stiffne­ss can happen in different are­as of your body. Rigidity occurs in 90% of Parkinson’s patients at some stage throughout their Parkinson’s progression. It can affect your neck, back, limbs, arms, and even the tiny facial muscles.
• Erratic posture and balance: In Parkinson’s disease, the gradual onset of slowed movements and muscle stiffness often results in a noticeable stooped posture. This typically becomes more noticeable as the condition progresses. When observing someone with Parkinson’s walking, you’ll likely notice them taking shorter, shuffling steps and exhibiting reduced arm movement. It is often hard for them to maintain their body balance.
• Change in the way of speaking: Changes in speech may include alterations in tone, speed, or clarity. This might involve speaking softly or quickly, slurring words, or hesitating before speaking. You can notice that speech seems more monotonous and lacks typical rhythm.

Diagnosis And Treatment

There is no specific test to diagnose Parkinson’s disease, and the process of diagnosis can be pretty lengthy. Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease is primarily based on a comprehensive evaluation of a person’s medical history, symptoms, and physical examination. Supportive tests such as an MRI brain, DaT scan, or blood work may be used to either confirm or rule out other conditions. Due to the­ intricate process of diagnosis, people­ frequently seek the advice of a movement disorder specialist, a neurologist who specializes in Parkinson’s and associated illnesses. Early diagnosis is essential for initiating appropriate treatment for Parkinson’s and enhancing the management of the disease.

• Medications: Medications like carbidopa-levodopa help replenish dopamine levels and reduce tremors and stiffness. Dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors manage specific symptoms like bradykinesia and dyskinesia. However, the medications should only be consumed after receiving a diagnosis and consulting with a qualified healthcare professional.
• Surgical Procedures: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a medical procedure in which electrodes are implanted into specific brain areas. This mitigates symptoms like tremors and improves motor function. Moreover, MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) uses focused ultrasound waves to reduce tremors. It’s a noninvasive procedure that doesn’t involve any cutting or surgery.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular ae­robic exercise and targe­ted physical therapy can boost mobility, flexibility, and balance. They enhance the general quality of life for Parkinson’s disease patients. Speech therapy helps people with this disease improve their speech clarity and swallowing function, enhancing their ability to interact and socialize.

It is essential to raise awareness and educate people regarding Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s Awareness Month is a chance for everyone to unite in generating a greater capacity for understanding, affection, and support for those who are struggling with Parkinson’s disease.

We can make a significant impact by spreading awareness, donating to research, and providing compassionate care to those impacted by Parkinson’s disease. Join hands with Premium Health Care, and let’s work towards a brighter future for all, with a steadfast determination to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson’s disease.