New Delhi: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a chronic degenerative condition of the central nervous system that impairs mobility and, in the majority of cases, advances slowly. The neurological disorder affecting millions across the globe generally strikes people in the sixth or seventh decade of their lives, however, it can manifest in people younger than 50 years as well. In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Rajas Deshpande, Consultant and Director – Neurology, Jupiter Hospital, Baner, Pune, explained the many effects of Parkinson’s.
The condition damages the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. Although the disease’s etiology is unclear and there is currently no cure, treatment options such as medication and surgery can help manage the symptoms and help to keep the condition under control to some extent.
Individuals may experience a range of symptoms that precede the onset of Parkinson’s disease by many years. Loss of smell, or diminished smell sensibility, is a noticeable symptom that occurs many years before Parkinson’s disease. Constipation is another typical symptom that might precede PD and confuse people. Patients frequently consult gastroenterologists and utilize natural or over-the-counter drugs to alleviate Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Rapid eye movement RBD, also known as sleep behavior disorder, is a type of sleep disturbance in which you vocalize and make abrupt, sometimes violent, arm and leg movements as you sleep.
Other early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease, which should not be taken lightly, include decreased facial expression, monotonous speech, and decreased eye blinking. Additionally, patients may experience tremors or shaking in the fingers, hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face. These tremors are generally noticeable when the person is at rest and may worsen with stress or anxiety.
Additionally, over time, a person with PD may tend to move more slowly than usual or feel like their feet are stuck to the ground. This may cause difficulty in getting up from a seated position, walking, or turning around. Stiffness in the limbs, neck, or torso that limits range of motion. The condition can also cause problems with balance, resulting in instability, difficulty maintaining balance, and coordination when walking. Changes in speech and writing: people with Parkinson’s disease may have softer, slurred, or slower speech. Also, patients experience changes in writing, such as letter sizes becoming smaller and words being crowded together.
Importance of early detection
Parkinson’s disease has no known cure, but early detection and therapy can help control the symptoms and enhance quality of life. It is important to remember that symptoms can differ significantly from person to person and that not everyone with Parkinson’s disease has the same symptoms. It is difficult to detect the condition early on since certain symptoms may appear years before others, he added.
Patients are advised to take charge of their health and report any concerns to their healthcare provider. Parkinson’s patients can manage their condition in a better way by staying vigilant and seeking care early on. If you or anyone you know shows any of these symptoms, you should reach out for medical help. A neurologist can help you in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and offer suitable treatment choices to manage your condition.
World Parkinson’s Day: Individuals may experience a range of symptoms that precede the onset of Parkinson’s disease by many years. Loss of smell, or diminished smell sensibility, is a noticeable symptom that occurs many years before Parkinson’s disease. Constipation is another typical symptom that might precede PD and confuse people. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
