The human body is the majestic biomechanical system that needs timely energy, rest, and repair to function well. Energy is taken in the form of food, whereas the latter is done while we are asleep. But with time, some of its parts might malfunction and need maintenance.
While some of the issues with our body are 100% curable, thanks to advancing medical research, others can be tackled with specific therapy to relieve symptoms and maintain a quality of life. One such disease is Parkinson’s, named after the English physician who first described it in 1817.
It is a progressive neurological disorder that causes structural, biochemical, and electrical abnormalities in the brain and other nerves.
The initial symptoms may not lead conclusively to the disease as there is no specific test to diagnose PD. It may take months, if not years, and several examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, the diagnosis might be quick. The condition is typically diagnosed by a specialized doctor known as a neurologist.
Parkinson’s disease is an umbrella term for numerous conditions that may or may not have similar symptoms. There are major types of PD:
Types | Age Group | Occurrence |
---|---|---|
Idiopathic | 60 yrs. & above | Common |
Early Onset | 21 to 51 yrs. | Rare |
Familial | Genetic Mutation | ~ 15% |
Secondary | ||
Drug Induced | 60 to 80 yrs. | ~ 7% |
Vascular | 40 yrs. & above | ~ 3 to 6% |
Atypical | 40 yrs. & above | ~ 5 to 6 % |
Note that these are not the only types, as various medical sources also quote other subcategories as types.
The precise cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. However, some researchers suggest it may be due to a combination of factors like age, genetics, and other environmental factors.
PD is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain responsible for movement, chemical signalling, and cognitive functions.
Patients may not have all of these symptoms but are likely to have more than one. Some early symptoms are:
Non-motor symptoms can start a decade before motor symptoms start to show up. Primary motor symptoms are:
When PD gets worse with time, patients may develop the risk of getting dementia (memory loss). If you notice two or more primary symptoms, contact the doctor for advice promptly.
Men are twice more likely to get PD than women. Age is also a factor wherein older people, 60 years. And above, are likely to get Parkinson’s. In addition, those whose parents and siblings have PD are twice as likely to get Parkinson’s.
Some signs that are most common among Parkinson’s patients are tremors in hands, fingers, or other parts, slow movement, the sensation of pain or tightness in muscles, and sleeping issues.
Kindly do not conclude that you have any disease without a medical professional advice.
There is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease. Hence, as a doctor would say, ‘Prevention is better than cure.’ To reduce the risk of getting Parkinson’s disease, you can make a few adjustments to your lifestyle and eating habits. Some of them are mentioned below.
Based on your ability to tolerate anti-Parkinson medication and level of impairment, the doctor might suggest which medicine should be given. Remember, no two patients react to prescribed medicine in the same way. The most common medication, however, is Levodopa, which is converted into dopamine inside the brain.
Based on the severity of the condition, the doctor may advise you to undergo surgery. Some surgeries are
This includes physical, occupational, speech, etc., therapies that can help lessen and control the symptoms of PD.
Note: Your doctor will suggest the precise treatment based on your age, medical history, level of tolerance, and current condition.
A Parkinson’s patient has to deal with multiple symptoms at the same time. A professional physical therapist can help aid the recovery by providing regular assessment and guidance. A skilled physiotherapist can help Parkinson’s patients retain their functional abilities and independence. Let’s see some techniques below:
Self-management advice, which includes dos and don’ts, will boost patients’ willpower. It involves teaching how to take care, some exercises that help with motor skills, and improving sleep patterns.
Depending on the severity of PD, a physiotherapist can recommend several forms of aerobic exercises on a regular basis that will help improve mobility, relax muscle stiffness, and improve posture with time.
Various bodily movements are affected by Parkinson’s, which physiotherapy can reduce. The doctor will examine your current symptoms and suggest multiple forms of stretches to reduce motion instability.
Parkinson’s can’t be cured, but its prevailing symptoms can be reduced by suggesting patients a healthy diet along with a fitness routine that involves half an hour of aerobic exercise two to three times a week.
No patient has to be dependent on any other for regular life activity. A physiotherapist provides various methods & processes that help achieve a healthy lifestyle alongside disease. An experienced physiotherapist understands this profoundly and offers services that help you live an everyday life but also help maintain fitness, balance, speech, and posture.
Dr. Mrs. Surabhi Dhanwala, renowned for her 15+ years of expertise in physiotherapy, is known as the lady with the magic hand at Dhanwala Naturo & Physio Care. She recommends the best treatment to her patients while educating them to follow a lifestyle that can reduce symptoms by following a holistic approach to life.
It is hard to live alongside an incurable disease that affects your life deeply. Being dependent on others can be challenging and emotionally draining. But with little help from physiotherapy, patients can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
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