Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, neurodegenerative and movement disorder which affects one’s balance of movement. It can affect both men and women with an estimated average age of 61; however, it can start as early as 40 or even before. In an estimate, there are 5, 00,000 to 1 million Parkinson’s disease-affected individuals in United States alone. It is the 14th leading cause of death in US. Worldwide, this disease is seemingly growing. The treatment and medication cost towards its control are very high which results in financial burden to those affected and their families. The affected individuals need to get medical attention at all stages. There is no cure for this disease as such till date.
Causes
There’s no exact reason found to state why does Parkinson occur. However, it has been proved that it has a strong connection with the brain nerve cells. Most significantly, the loss of dopamine producing neurons in the substantia nigra is believed to be the main cause behind Parkinson’s movement loss or tremors.
Researches across the world accept that there is no single cause which triggers Parkinson but it’s a combination of genes and environmental factors that causes Parkinson. Only a small percentage of cases are hereditary but here also, there is no proven link.
Symptoms
This disorder may affect a person’s movement in one or both sides of the body. The immediate mild symptom could be tremor or stiffness and dragging of one leg or foot. People usually start to have symptoms between the ages of 50 and 60. But, in some cases, symptoms start earlier. However, it is very important to meet a prescribed medical practitioner to judge whether the individual’s symptoms are Parkinson.
The other major symptoms include:
1. Constipation
2. Difficulty swallowing
3. Drooling
4. Imbalance while walking
5. Muscle aches and pains
6. Loss of small or fine hand movements
7. Stooped position
8. Speech changes
9. Urinary problems
10. Dry skin
Other related symptoms in advanced stage:
- Anxiety, stress, and tension
- Lack of expression in the face
- Confusion
- Dementia
- Depression
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
- Memory loss
Diagnosis
Till date, diagnosing Parkinson is a challenge for doctors as there are no particular proven tests or examination to confirm its existence. However, there are certain physical and medical scanning which help doctors to prescribe medications to the affected. Physical examination includes past health history and current symptoms, motor skill movement tests, vision test etc. Medical scanning include a test named Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning which can produce the picture of chemical changes as they occur in brain. Using this, the researchers can examine the dopamine receptor and its level of functioning related to neurons that generate this chemical.
Treatment
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, medications and treatments are available to control the levels of dopamine in the brain and symptoms arising out of this disorder. None of the currently available treatments can halt or even slow the loss of neurons in Parkinson.
Medications used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are Levodopa (L-dopa), Pramipexole (Mirapex), Selegiline (Eldepryl, Deprenyl), Amantadine or anticholinergic medications, Entacapone. Lifestyle changes that may be helpful in tackling Parkinson’s disease are:
- Good general nutrition and health
- Regular exercising as instructed by doctors
- Taking good rest and avoid stress
- Physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy
- Special eating utensils
- Social workers or other counseling services to help the patients cope with the disorder and get assistance
In rare cases, surgery may be an option for patients with very severe Parkinson’s disease who no longer respond to medications. These surgeries do not cure Parkinson’s disease but may help the patients to cope with it.
Be aware that many medications cause severe side effects, including hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium. Hence, meeting the concerned doctor and reviewing the state of health regularly is very important. Any advanced symptoms should be immediately notified to the doctor.
Support groups
There are support groups for Parkinson affected individuals and their families. These groups provide necessary inputs and support to the Parkinson-affected individuals. Families of patients can ask their doctor for any support groups near their area.
Prevention
There is no reason found as to why this disorder occurs. Hence, preventing this disease is a challenge. However, maintaining healthy and stress-free lifestyle can be one of the best possible options. For some patients with mild symptoms doctors prescribe antioxidants. These help in controlling the radical damage which are believed to control the Parkinson. Some of the key medications, which are believed to naturally have antioxidant properties, include:
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
- Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
- Ginkgo Biloba
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this disease be prevented?
No, there is no proven theory for its prevention. However, taking antioxidant rich food including fruits and vegetables, high-fiber foods, fish and omega-3 rich oils and reducing the intake of red meat may help to prolong or avoid this disease in future.
2. What age group does it normally affect?
Parkinson’s disease symptoms begin when the loss of dopamine in brain reaches a critical point, typically when 50 to 80 percent of dopamine neurons have died. Normally, it affects in the old age with an estimated average age of 61 but also occurs even before 40 in some cases.
3. How fast does Parkinson’s disease progress?
The exact answer is unknown. If the treatment starts in the initial stages, he/she can control its symptoms and live with it. However, once the disease advances, the treatment loses its power.
4. Who can diagnose?
Family doctor or a neurologist can do the initial diagnosis. For later stages, physical therapist, occupational therapist and speech therapist can be reached. For counseling and support, professional social workers and counselors can help.
5. How to cope up with Parkinson’s disease?
Modifying your activities and your home, eating healthy foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, legumes, poultry, fish, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products, exercising and doing physical therapy, speech therapy, seeking help from loved ones and being positive are few ways to cope up and live with Parkinson’s disease.
6. What is financial cost towards its treatment?
The treatment cost is higher. As per Parkinson info Research lab – the cost for doctors’ visits, physical therapies and treatment for co-occurring illnesses are estimated at $2,000 to $7,000 for people in early stages of the disease, and is probably much higher for advanced stages. Surgical treatments for Parkinson’s disease can cost $25,000 or more. As the disease progresses, institutional care at an assisted-living facility or nursing home may be required, and these costs can exceed $100,000, per person annually.