The warning signs of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system. It's a condition that affects movement and mental ability, the symptoms of which develop slowly over years. Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and aid those stricken with the disorder in maintaining a good quality of life.

So, how do you know if you have Parkinson's disease, and what measures can you take to lessen its impact? Click through and learn more about Parkinson's disease.

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive nervous system disorder that leads to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.

Causes

The disorder is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This in turn leads to a deficit of dopamine.

What is dopamine?

Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. It's a neurotransmitter responsible for relaying signals between the nerve cells of the brain. Dopamine has a direct impact on our central nervous system.

Who's affected?

According to the European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA), about 10 million people worldwide have PD, with nearly one million of those living in the United States.

When do symptoms develop?

Most people with Parkinson's start to develop symptoms when they're over 50, although around one in 20 people with the condition first experience symptoms when they're under 40. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's than women.

What are the symptoms?

PD symptoms generally develop slowly over years, and can differ from from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. Generally speaking, the three main symptoms of PD are: involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body; slow movement; limb rigidity and stiff and inflexible muscles.

Psychological symptoms

Besides physical symptoms, PD can also induce psychological problems, typically depression, anxiety, and irritability.

Living with Parkinson's disease

A diagnosis of Parkinson's is quite devastating. But while there is currently no cure for the disorder, the condition can be managed.

Physiotherapy

As the disease progresses, supportive treatments will be required, specifically physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Mobility aids and assistance

A person in the later stages of Parkinson's disease can benefit from various aids and adaptations that can help enhance their independence and improve their quality of life. These include walking frames and household grab rails and handrails. As the condition worsens, a wheelchair may be necessary in order to assist mobility.

Keep a Parkinson's diary

Living with a life-threatening neurodegenerative disorder can be a frightening and bewildering experience. But as already mentioned, the symptoms of PD can vary among patients. It's therefore recommended that those diagnosed with the disorder keep a diary to monitor their own unique progression of the disease.

Specialist care

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. It's therefore vital to book regular appointments with your specialist so your condition can be monitored in a medical environment.

Relationships and support

Being diagnosed with a long-term condition such as Parkinson's disease will invariably place a huge physical and mental strain on you, family, and friends. So, what can be done to ease the burden on everybody concerned?

Daily support

Your loved one will require extra help and daily support to stay active and preserve their quality of life.

Get active

We've already touched upon how important it is to remain active. Exercise helps the brain use dopamine—the chemical involved in movement—more efficiently. So if your friend or loved one isn't staying active, encourage them to get moving by taking a walk together every day.

Help them feel normalcy

For PD sufferers, be open about how you feel, and let your friends and families know what they can do to help. Likewise, those in a position to assist should maintain a positive, optimistic air: there's no need to constantly remind them that they have a chronic disease.