What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative pathology, the second most common after Alzheimer’s disease, affecting several systems, but identified by the presence of certain motor disorders:
- Rigidity
- Slow movement
- Alteration of postural control
- Tremor
Parkinson’s disease causes a progressive loss of neurons responsible for producing dopamine, in which formations known as Lewy bodies accumulate. These accumulations end up affecting other neuronal circuits, causing various problems (and not exclusively motor).
Which people can suffer from Parkinson’s disease?
It is estimated that approximately 1 to 2% of the population over 70 years of age suffers from Parkinson’s disease. It can also appear at younger ages: up to 5% of cases are identified before the age of 40.
The cause of the pathology is unknown, although in some cases specific genes have been identified that could cause it, and it affects men and women to a similar extent.
What symptoms can we identify?
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease may vary in each patient and, initially, they are usually mild, so it is facial that they go unnoticed. They usually originate on one side of the body, which tends to worsen even after appearing on both sides.
The motor signs that can be highlighted are the following:
- Tremors: the most characteristic is the resting tremor.
- Slow movement
- Alteration of posture and balance
- Loss of automatic movements
- Muscle stiffness
- Speech changes
- Changes in handwriting
Likewise, the disease also presents symptoms that affect more than just motor functions:
- Cognitive problems, which usually occur in more advanced stages.
- Emotional changes, anxiety or depression, more common in early stages of the disease.
- Swallowing difficulties, which may occur as the disease progresses.
- Sleep disorders or difficulty sleeping.
- Sexual dysfunction.
- Constipation and bladder problems.
- Behavioral disturbances, especially in advanced stages and sometimes due to medication.
- Orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon rising.
Is there a treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
Although great efforts have been made, there is only a small percentage of treatments that have a small impact on the evolution of the pathology. For this reason, the treatments currently offered to patients are symptomatic, i.e. they are indicated to alleviate symptoms without affecting the evolution of the disease.
The most effective drug known is levodopa which, together with other compounds, prevents dopamine from being transformed outside the brain, reducing side effects. Also, as indicated, the disease has a wide variety of symptoms that may require the help of different professionals and treatments, among which the following stand out:
- Physiotherapy specialists, to avoid complications and maintain a good range of motion.
- Speech therapy, both for speech and swallowing.
- Occupational therapy, to maintain maximum functionality.
- Individual and/or group exercise, to improve mobility and quality of life.
- Emotional support and counseling, both to the patient and family members.
- Drugs for depression or sleep disorders.
- Experts in Neurology or Psychiatry in case of behavioral disorder.
- Treatment to improve cognitive functions, if necessary.
- Sexual problems or urinary symptoms may also be treated, usually by a urologist.
For more information about Parkinson’s disease, contact a specialist in Neurology.