What is Parkinson's disease?
Understanding the basics
Welcome to Parkinson Pharos, your trusted companion on the journey with Parkinson's disease. Our vision here is to inspire and empower you and your loved ones by providing clear, reliable, and accessible information, helping you navigate this path with confidence and live fulfilling lives.
Today, we are going to explain what is Parkinson’s disease is, describe its most common symptoms, and outline what to expect when living with the disease.
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that mainly affects movement. It is called progressive because it develops gradually over many years. For many, it starts with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. While tremor is a common symptom, it does not affect everyone with Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is part of a group of conditions known as movement disorders, which directly affect how the body moves and functions.
How does Parkinson’s affect the brain?
In Parkinson’s disease, some cells in the brain (nerve cells) slowly lose their ability to function as well as before. These nerve cells are responsible for producing dopamine, an important chemical messenger that allows smooth and coordinated body movements. As these cells become damaged, dopamine levels decrease, leading to both motor and non-motor symptoms.
How common is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common progressive neurological disorder (also called neurodegenerative disorder) after Alzheimer’s disease. It affects over 6 million people globally. The number of people with Parkinson’s disease doubled between 1990 and 2016.
Parkinson’s is typically diagnosed around age 65. However, approximately 1 in 10 people are diagnosed before age 45, a condition known as young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD).
Common symptoms of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s symptoms vary for each person. Some people may have mild symptoms for many years, while others may find that symptoms progress a bit faster. Understanding these can help you better manage them. Symptoms can be categorized as motor (movement-related) and non-motor (not related to movement).
Motor symptoms:
Tremor: Shaking, often starting in one hand when resting. Tremor may decrease or disappear during sleep.
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia): Movements may become slower and smaller. Simple tasks like getting dressed or showering become difficult and time-consuming. Facial expressions may decrease, creating a “masked facial appearance”.
Stiffness (rigidity): Muscles remain tense and tight, causing aches, stiffness and jerky (sudden) movements.
Postural instability: This includes balance problems, changes in posture, a tendency to lean forward, and a shuffling walk with small steps. Difficulty starting and stopping movement may result in “freezing” in place while walking.
Non-Motor Symptoms:
In addition to motor symptoms, Parkinson's disease can cause various non-motor symptoms. These are sometimes called the “invisible” symptoms and can impact quality of life. They may occur at any time, even before diagnosis. Some common non-motor symptoms include:
Mental and emotional well-being: People with Parkinson’s might experience changes in mood, such as feelings of depression, anxiety, or apathy (lack of interest or motivation).
Sleep challenges: Many people with Parkinson’s experience difficulty sleeping, restless sleep, difficulty staying asleep, or feeling sleepy during the day. Nightmares and vivid dreams are also common.
Sensory changes: Parkinson’s can cause loss of smell, changes in vision, or sensations like dizziness, and even some pain.
Autonomic nervous system dysfunction: Parkinson’s can sometimes cause symptoms like orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure when standing), constipation, urinary problems, sexual dysfunction, increased sweating and changes in saliva production.
Thinking and memory (cognitive problems): Some people with Parkinson’s experience memory problems and slowed thinking. Dementia can develop in some patients in later stages.
Speech and swallowing difficulties: People with Parkinson’s may speak softly, slur their words, or hesitate before speaking. They may also experience difficulty swallowing and chewing over time.
Want to know more about the symptoms of Parkinson's disease? Read our article here.
Living with Parkinson's: What to expect?
Living with Parkinson's is a unique journey for each patient. While the disease progresses gradually over many years, it is important to understand the potential challenges and plan changes early on. Here are some practical tips to help navigate daily life.
Medication adjustments and therapies: Parkinson's is a progressive disorder. Motor and non-motor symptoms may gradually change over time. Medication adjustments and therapies will likely be necessary throughout the course of the disease.
Individualized experience: The rate of progression and the specific symptoms vary from person to person.
Focus on management: While a cure is not yet available, effective management strategies can help individuals maintain a good quality of life for many years.
Here are some suggestions for navigating life with Parkinson's
Exercise regularly: Physical activity can improve motor and non-motor symptoms and may even slow down disease progression. Finding an enjoyable activity can make it easier to stay consistent.
Eat a balanced diet: A nutritious diet can support overall health and may ease some non-motor symptoms, like digestive issues.
Learn about Parkinson's: Understanding the condition and available treatment options is empowering. Talk to your doctor and connect with others living with Parkinson’s.
Build a strong support system: Family, friends, support groups, and healthcare professionals can provide valuable assistance and emotional support.
Seek a movement disorder specialist: These neurologists have specialized training in Parkinson’s and can help create a personalized treatment plan.
Get involved in the Parkinson’s community: Participating in research, support groups, or advocacy can help you connect with others and contribute to advancements in the field.
Management and treatment options
While there is no cure for Parkinson's, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
While Parkinson’s is a lifelong condition, there is hope. Researchers around the world are working every day to better understand the disease and discover new treatments. Many in the scientific community believe we are on the brink of breakthrough therapies that could transform how Parkinson’s is treated in the near future. Advances in science and medicine continue to improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s. With the right care, support, and knowledge, many people live full and meaningful lives after diagnosis.
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