Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

A condition that hampers the proper working of the brain is termed Parkinson’s disease. It is a neurological condition where symptoms related to movements evolve gradually. Movement issues are one of the early visible signs.

Dopamine is a chemical that exists naturally in the brain and coordinates the smooth muscle movements. “Substantia nigra” is the region where dopamine is created. When a person is infected with this condition, these cells deteriorate and as a result dopamine level decreases. When the dopamine level falls 60 to 80 %, the symptoms of this condition show up.

Who is Likely to Get Parkinson’s Disease?

The likeliness of this condition increases with age. 60 years is the average age when individuals develop this condition. Men are more prone to this ill-health.

Besides, young adults of 20 years can also acquire this condition. These type of cases are rare and some hereditary cases are also known to be a cause for this condition. When genes that are faulty and get carried from parent to child, it may develop this condition.

Causes

The following are the main causes of this condition that include:

1. Genetic factors: 

• Almost 10 to 20 % of Parkinson’s disease can be associated with hereditary factors.
• A first-degree relative increases the risk for this condition.

2. Aging: 

• People who are 50 years and above are at greater risk of acquiring this ill-health

Symptoms

Some of the most prevailing signs and symptoms of this ill-health include:

1. Movement that slows, also known as bradykinesea: 

• Muscle movement slows; that makes simple tasks tough. You may find difficulty in getting off a chair, showering or dressing. Blinking may cause some irritation

2. Tremor: 

• Hands and fingers start to shake. Small shaking may be visible in the jaw or foot. Rubbing the thumb and forefingers is a symptom known as pill-rolling tremor. It is common when you are stressed or at rest.

3. Hard muscles: 

• Stiff muscles that are tough and painful may show up in any body part.

4. Speech problems: 

• You may have difficulty in speaking that can include hesitation or slurring in speech.

5. Non-motor symptoms: 

• These include anxiety, depression, loss of sense of smell, and sleep issues.

Diagnosis

It is a clinical process. It means the healthcare will check your symptoms, ask you various questions and analyze your medical documents.

The different tests include:

• Genetic testing
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Neurological examination
• Alpha-synuclein test

Risk Factors

The perils for this condition include:

1. Age: 

• Older men beyond 50 years of age are more likely to get this ill-health. The average age of start is 70 years. 

2. Toxin exposure: 

• Exposing oneself to pesticide, herbicide increases the susceptibility for this condition.

3. Gender: 

• Men are more inclined to get this condition as compared to women.

4. Others:

• A history of melanoma
• An increased level of uric acid in the blood

Treatment Options

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by neurological disorders. And greatly affects the movement and balance of body parts. Some general options for treatment include:

1. Medications

• An enhancement in the dopamine levels in the brain is observed when suitable drugs are taken. 
• The drugs utilized will be based on the individual’s symptoms and medical history.
• This can help decrease symptoms like 
  • Tremors, 
  • Rigidity, and 
  • Slow movement. 

2. Deep brain stimulation (DBS)

• • It is a surgical treatment in which a tiny device is implanted in the brain. And electrical impulses are generated to help control various movements. This is recommended often to people when the patients with severe Parkinson’s disease do not adequately respond to suitable drugs.

3. Physical therapy

• Exercises, stretching, and strength training: all of these help in improvement of balance, flexibility, and mobility.

4. Occupational therapy

• These guide the patients in learning skills for handling daily activities. And slowly a positive response to changes in their physical condition is noticed.
• Speech therapy helps to improve speech and communication disabilities, which might be compromised by Parkinson’s disease.
• To assist in the control of Parkinson’s symptoms, behavioral changes may be advised, such as 
  • regular exercise, 
  • a nutritious diet, and 
  • stress reduction strategies.

Close collaboration with a healthcare provider will ensure you the best course of action needed for this condition.

Living With Parkinson’s Disease

By sticking to some guidance from the healthcare, you can take care of yourself.

1. Take your medication as per the prescription

• Taking the drugs on time and as directed greatly reduces the symptoms of this condition. Consult your doctor if you have any side effects or suspect that your drugs aren’t working as well.

2. Consult your provider as indicated

• Your healthcare professional will organize an appointment for you to see them. These appointments are very critical for managing your diseases and determining the appropriate drugs and dosages.

3. Do not ignore or avoid symptoms

• This ill-health can induce a variety of symptoms. Many of which can be treated by addressing the underlying problem or the symptoms. Treatment can significantly reduce the intensity of symptoms.