New Delhi: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a globally widespread neurological disease, including India, and has the fastest growth in terms of incidence. The aim is to raise awareness about global efforts in the fight against Parkinson’s disease, highlight the significance of comprehending the illness, help those who are impacted, and promote research. Empowerment through awareness encourages those affected by the disease to stand up, speak out, and unite to put an end to Parkinson’s. It also revolves around educating the communities about the disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Shivakumar R, Head and Senior Consultant Neurology, Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, answered all FAQs about Parkinson’s disease and shared tips on its management as well.
PD is the leading cause of Parkinsonism, a disease characterized by tremulousness (tremors) of the hands and legs, usually asymmetrical (one-sided) and progressing to the other side over time. In addition to tremor, stiffness of the limbs (rigidity) and slowness (bradykinesia) are seen along with postural instability. PD is one of the major causes of neurologic morbidity and mortality in India as well as the world.
The exact cause of PD continues to be uncertain. But, loss of dopamine and other neurotransmitters producing neurons in the brain is considered an established cause. There are a few risk factors that are known to increase the chances of PD development:
- Increasing age
- Male gender
- Genetic predisposition
- Exposure to pesticides
- Exposure to air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter
- High consumption of dairy products
- Living in urban or industrial areas with high release of copper, manganese, or lead
- Exposure to hydrocarbon solvents, particularly trichloroethylene
- Living in rural areas
- Farming or agricultural work
- The use of well water
- Consuming a diet high in iron content, particularly in combination with high manganese intake
- Reduced levels of dietary and sunlight-derived vitamin D
- Medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, and head injury
- Constipation is a risk factor and early symptom of PD
- Depression and stress
- Exposure to long-term and irrational use of medications for vertigo, gastric issues, psychiatric medications and certain anti-seizure medications
Certain factors reduce the risk of PD:
- Exercises
- Statins
- Smoking
- Caffeine
Early diagnosis and treatment of PD play a significant role in reducing the risk of disease progression, minimizing the impact of PD on quality of life (QoL), and possibly lowering the long-term treatment costs. Disease progression in PD is variable, with few good predictors. Atypical Parkinsonian disorders generally progress more rapidly than PD, but as with PD, the lifespan of individual patients is difficult to predict.
Sometimes PD can be misdiagnosed and can be over-treated. Medications are available for controlling the symptoms and improving the quality of life. Uncontrolled symptoms with medications can benefit from Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) by implanting electrodes in the brain stimulated by a battery.
Management of the motor, non-motor, and autonomic symptoms of PD and related disorders is complex. It requires careful assessment and involvement of the multidisciplinary team to help the patient, family, and caregivers maintain the best quality of life and to uphold their wishes and aims.
Interdisciplinary palliative care for PD and related disorders optimally involves a movement disorders specialist, a palliative care clinician, a social worker, a spiritual advisor, and services where appropriate, including a nutritionist and physical, occupational, and speech therapists.
Caregivers are at risk for significant emotional, physical, social, and financial stress. Specific measures that may provide caregiver relief include providing day care programs for patients that allow the caregivers to socialize and meet their own needs, engaging multiple family members to assist in patient care, offering respite care, and ensuring that patients sleep well.
PD is the leading cause of Parkinsonism, a disease characterized by tremulousness (tremors) of the hands and legs, usually asymmetrical (one-sided) and progressing to the other side over time. In addition to tremor, stiffness of the limbs (rigidity) and slowness (bradykinesia) are seen along with postural instability. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
