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Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the way you move. It occurs when there is a problem with the nerve cells in the brain that produce an important chemical called dopamine, which is responsible for motor function. As dopamine levels drop it leads to progressive deterioration of motor function in the person. Early signs of Parkinson’s disease include tremors in the hands, rigidity or stiffness in the body, difficulty while walking. The muscles of the person suffering from Parkinson’s disease gradually become weaker with time.
Parkinson’s disease affects different people in different ways. Not everyone will have the same symptoms at the same intensity, in the same order. Though there is a definite pattern of progression that has been observed in Parkinson’s disease. Broadly this disease has five stages.
During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Intermittent tremor and other movement-related symptoms may occur on one side of the body only. Slight changes in posture, walking and facial expressions may occur. In fact, the symptoms are so mild that the person may not seek medical attention or the doctor may not be able to make a diagnosis. The physician may ask the person to wait and see if the symptoms get any worse to be able to make a proper diagnosis.
During this stage, the symptoms may start getting progressively worse with symptoms affecting both sides of the body. Tremor, rigidity and other movement-related symptoms affect both sides of the body. Problems with walking may become apparent however, the person is still able to live alone and perform daily tasks, albeit with a little difficulty.
Some visible symptoms at this stage include:
It is possible for a person to not be diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease even at this stag, if the only noticeable symptoms at this stage are slowness or lack of spontaneous movement. It is quite possible to confuse this stage with general symptoms of advancing age.
Progressing from stage one of Parkinson's disease to stage two may take months or even years.
This is the mid-stage of Parkinson’s disease and the most noticeable symptoms are:
Generally, there is no doubt in the diagnosis during stage three. Even though a person is still able to live alone and independently at this stage, they become very slow in performing their day-to-day activities. During this stage, the doctor may prescribe medication combined along with occupational therapy which may help to decrease symptoms.
At this stage, a person may be able to stand on his/her own but may require aids to be able to move around such as a walker. Living alone at this stage could be dangerous for the patient.
This is the advanced and debilitating stage of Parkinson’s disease. At this stage, a person may require a wheelchair and be completely bed-ridden. At stage five, a person has the tendency to fall a lot or freeze while moving. Around-the-clock care is needed for a person at this stage.
At this stage, a person may hallucinate or suffer from delusions and paranoia.
Some people are more to Parkinson’s disease than others. They include:
The causes of Parkinson’s disease include:
People with Parkinson’s disease suffer from motor symptoms as well as non-motor symptoms.
Motor symptoms include intermittent tremors, slow and rigid movements. Non-motor symptoms include loss of smell, pain and even dementia.
In the initial stages of Parkinson’s disease a person may experience symptoms such as:
In the intermediate stage of Parkinson’s disease a person may experience symptoms such as:
In the advanced stage of Parkinson’s disease the symptoms include:
There are no specific diagnostic tests to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Your doctor who may be a general practitioner may refer you to a neurologist who can advise you to take certain tests such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms and MRI, ultrasound of the brain, SPECT and PET scans to help rule out other disorders.
A neurologist can diagnose Parkinson’s disease based on a physical examination, asking about your and your family’s medical history and a neurological examination to rule out other possibilities.
The complications of Parkinson’s disease include:
Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, though taking the medicines timely as prescribed by the doctor can control your symptoms, often dramatically. The doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, and exercises and physical therapy that focuses on balance and stretching.
Based on the severity of the patient’s condition the doctor may also suggest surgery.
Exercising is highly essential to manage Parkinson’s disease. A study shows that some people at an earlier stage of Parkinson’s disease who start exercising showed a slow decline in quality of life compared to those who start at a later stage of the disease.
To start an exercise regime first find out from your doctor which exercises will suit you best depending on other medical conditions you may suffer from apart from Parkinson’s disease.
Some forms of exercises that can be of immense help to patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease include:
Patients need to make sure their trainer is nearby while exercising.
Parkinson’s disease results from damage to certain brain cells that produce a neurochemical called dopamine. Dopamine is responsible smooth and coordinated muscle movements of the body.
Currently Parkinson’s disease has no known cure. With medicines and supportive care the symptoms of the disease can be managed, though as age advances the symptoms do tend to worsen.
Exercising can not only slow down cognitive decline and boost heart and lung function, but can also improve gait, balance, flexibility, grip strength and motor coordination in patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Exercises such as treadmill training, biking, dance, tai chi, yoga, and strength and flexibility training can be of immense help for the patients.
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