Parkinson’s disease is common worldwide among older adults. It is degenerative brain diseases that affects motor control. Men and women both can develop Parkinson's disease. The most common signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when nerve cells an area of the brain (basal ganglia) that controls movement, become impaired or die. In normal situation these nerve cells, or neurons, produce dopamine an important brain chemical, that is reduced when the neurons become impaired, which causes the movement problems. Researchers have uncovered that Parkinson’s disease causes a major shift in the brain chemistry.
There are some symptoms most often noticed by patients or their family members or friends that make them upset. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time as the disease progresses.
Symptoms
• Tremor in a hand or foot or leg that happens when the individual is at rest and typically stops when he or she is active or moving. The resting tremor of Parkinson’s disease can also occur in the jaw, chin, mouth, or tongue.
• Slowness of movement in the limbs or overall body
• Trouble with balance and possible falls.
• Decreased facial expression.
• Gradual loss of automatic movement, which may lead to decreased blinking, decreased frequency of swallowing chewing, drooling and speaking
• Depression and other emotional changes or dementia.
• Urinary problems and constipation.
Diagnosing Parkinson's disease is mostly a clinical process. A doctor trained in nervous system conditions (neurologist) examine patient`s symptoms, asking questions and reviewing medical history. There isn't a specific test to diagnose Parkinson's disease.
During the initial stage, the person has mild symptoms. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only changes in posture, walking and facial expressions occur. In the earlier stage one can keep living independently. Most of the effects and symptoms are manageable with treatment. Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition, the effects on the brain get worse over time. Previous symptoms become severe, tremor and movement problem affect both sides of the body or neck and trunk. Tremor in particular tends to worsen when a person is anxious or under stress. Living independently will also become more and more difficult as the disease worsens. Falls are more common; motor symptoms continue to worsen. The person is functionally restricted. Hallucinations, and dementia are also quite common in the last stages of Parkinson’s disease. However, this condition usually takes time to get worse.
Parkinson’s disease is not curable and lifelong condition. However, it is treatable with medications and many treatments are highly effective. There are multiple ways to manage its symptoms. The treatments can also vary from person to person, depending on their condition. A secondary treatment is a surgery. In deep brain stimulation (DBS), surgeons implant electrodes into a specific part of the brain. There are also some other options, such as Neuron-repair treatments and Stem cell transplants. Because Parkinson’s disease leads to the death of brain cells, researchers are trying to use stem cells to replace brain cells in the affected areas. experts believe this would only be a treatment for Parkinson’s disease and not a cure.
Taking medications on time can make a difference in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The patient should talk to his/her health care provider if they notice side effects or start to feel like their medications are not effective.
Medications that treat Parkinson’s disease can dry out the patient. There is need to drink plenty of water and other fluids the whole day. Dehydration can also lead to confusion, balance issues, weakness and kidney problems. The drug most commonly used to treat Parkinson’s disease, is absorbed in small intestine. Eating protein-rich foods too close to the time of medications can interfere, which may cause them to work less quickly or less effectively. It is best to take medicines either 30 minutes before meal or an hour after eating.
Individuals with PD may need to avoid processed foods and foods high in saturated fat. Eating plenty of whole foods, such as fruits and vegetables, lean protein, beans and legumes, whole grains, nuts and staying hydrated are key ways to stay energized and healthy overall. Many patients with Parkinson’s disease experience constipation due to a slowdown of the digestive system. Drinking plenty of water and a diet rich in fiber and exercising can help avoid constipation. Exercising may increase patient`s muscle strength, flexibility and balance. Exercise can also reduce depression or anxiety.
Globally, disability and death due to PD are increasing faster than for any other neurological disorder. The prevalence of PD has doubled in the last 25 years. More than 10 million people worldwide are living with PD. The incidence of Parkinson's disease increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with PD are diagnosed before age 50. The highest rate of PD is 11.73 percent in the Kiribati. In Pakistan PD ratio is 5.79 percent.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic, disease Patients' inability to move freely and to perform everyday tasks restricts their independence and leads to increased reliance on caregivers and assistive devices. Parkinson’s disease imposes a significant economic burden on the family and healthcare system.