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Parkinson’s Disease

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.

What is Parkinson’s Disease (PD)?

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.

Types

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.

Current Known Causes

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.

What Happens In Parkinson’s?

PD is caused by the loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain responsible for movement, chemical signalling, and cognitive functions.

Symptoms

Patients may not have all of these symptoms but are likely to have more than one. Some early symptoms are:

  • Tremors (especially in hands)
  • Stiffness in muscles
  • Loss of smell
  • Decrease in hand’s swing (one or both) while walking
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Slow movement
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Posture instability
  • Balance issues
  • Small handwriting
  • Urinary issue
  • Vision issue

Non-motor symptoms can start a decade before motor symptoms start to show up. Primary motor symptoms are:

  • Tremor
  • Stiffness
  • Balancing issue
  • Slow movement
  • Cognitive issues

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.

Who Are More Likely To Get It?

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.

Warning Signs That You Must Not Ignore

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.

Prevention | Cure For Parkinson

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.

  • Practice regular aerobic exercises such as walking, jogging, running, hiking, swimming, and even dancing.
  • It has been found that people who consume caffeine get PD less than those who don’t. Some common sources of caffeine are coffee beans, cacao beans, tea leaves, guarana berries, etc. However, avoid over-consumption of coffee/tea as it may interfere with your sleep pattern.
  • Consuming whole foods and maintaining a healthy diet can decrease the chances of PD.
  • You can incorporate vitamin D (egg yolk, mushrooms, milk, canned tuna, etc.) and omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseeds, walnuts, fish, fruits like kiwifruit, oranges, etc.) in your diet. Indian clarified butter, also known as Ghee, is a good source of vitamins A, D, and K and essential fatty acids like omega 3 and 9.

Common Treatments Available

Medication

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.

Surgery

Based on the severity of the condition, the doctor may advise you to undergo surgery. Some surgeries are

  • Lesion surgery (also known as ablative surgery) involves targeting lesions and destroying them to disrupt defective neural networks.
  • Neural Grafting (also known as tissue transplant) – A fresh batch of neurons will replace the defective area to perform brain activities. This is, however, an under-research technique.
  • Deep brain stimulation (or DBS) is a minimally invasive surgical process where electrodes & neuromuscular electrical simulations are used to treat movement disorders. It is one of the most common surgery for PD.

Therapy

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.

How Physiotherapy Can Help In The Treatment Of Parkinson’s Disease?

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:

Educating

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.

Developing Routine

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.

Assessing movement

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.

Fitness & diet

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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