Are any elders in your family having tremors and stiffness? How to find if this could be Parkinson’s Disease

A person with Parkinson’s disease may have shaky hands or a slow, stumbling walk. However, Parkinson’s disease covers much more than only issues with movement. Both the body and the mind are affected by this progressive neurological condition, which affects a person’s quality of life in ways that go beyond just their physical symptoms. As a neurologist, I’ve treated a lot of patients with Parkinson’s disease, and while it’s an incurable condition, it can also be well managed with the right kind of treatment. 

Parkinson’s disease affects around 1 in 1200 people, and its incidence increases with age. It’s a progressive disease, meaning symptoms worsen over time, but with proper care, many people with Parkinson’s can live fulfilling active lives. In this article, I’ll walk you through the key symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatments, and how we can manage Parkinson’s disease to improve the lives of those affected.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease typically begins with subtle signs and progresses gradually. While the hallmark symptom of Parkinson’s is shaking or tremors, there are other, often less obvious symptoms that can affect daily life. Here’s what to look for:

Motor Symptoms:

● Tremors (Shaking): This is the classic symptom people often associate with Parkinson’s disease. It usually starts in one hand and can occur when the hand is at rest.

● Bradykinesia (slow movement): Over time, the ability to initiate and control movement slows down. This can make even easy tasks like walking or getting dressed feel like a chore. 

● Muscle rigidity: As the muscles become stiff, movements become difficult and can cause discomfort. Your posture and ability to move smoothly can also be affected due to this.

●  Postural Instability: Balance becomes more challenging and patients may experience falls, which can be a serious concern.

Non-Motor Symptoms:

●  Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, and irritability are common in Parkinson’s disease. These can often be more debilitating than motor symptoms and may require separate treatment.

●  Cognitive Decline: Many patients experience cognitive issues as the disease progresses. This can range from mild memory problems to more severe conditions like Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

●  Sleep Issues: Restless leg syndrome, frequent waking, and other sleep disturbances are common in Parkinson’s disease. Due to this, you may feel more tired, and other symptoms may get worse.

●  Autonomic Dysfunction: This involves a variety of symptoms like low blood pressure, constipation, and excessive sweating, due to which it becomes more difficult to control Parkinsons.

Diagnostic Approach and Evaluation

A neurologist’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease combines clinical examination with the elimination of other possible causes. There’s no single test for Parkinson’s, so a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history and symptoms is critical.

1. Clinical History: We’ll start by discussing the symptoms in detail and how they’ve changed over time. The age of onset and the presence of classic motor symptoms like tremors are important in guiding the diagnosis.

2. Neurological Examination: We conduct a physical exam to check for motor symptoms, rigidity, and reflex changes.

3. Imaging Tests: While no imaging test can definitively diagnose Parkinson’s, scans like MRI or DaTscan (dopamine transporter scan) can help rule out other conditions and sometimes support the diagnosis.

4. Blood tests: These are often done to exclude other causes for the symptoms.

Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease currently has no known cure, but the aim of treatment is to control symptoms and allow people to live as normally as possible. The right mix of medicine, counselling, and lifestyle changes can have an important effect. 

Medications:

●  Levodopa (L-DOPA): This is the most commonly prescribed medication. It helps replenish dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s lacking in Parkinson’s patients.

● Dopamine Agonists: These drugs mimic dopamine in the brain and can be used as a supplement to Levodopa.

●  MAO-B Inhibitors: These medications help prevent the breakdown of dopamine, extending its effects.

●  COMT Inhibitors: These drugs help prolong the effect of Levodopa by blocking its breakdown in the body.

Surgical Options:

For some patients, surgery may be recommended if medications no longer control symptoms. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is the most common surgical intervention. It involves implanting a device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the brain, helping control motor symptoms.

Physical Therapy:

Regular physical therapy is essential to maintain movement and balance. It helps manage rigidity, improves mobility, and reduces the risk of falls. Speech and occupational therapy can also be helpful for managing communication issues and daily living activities.

Managing Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Approach

Care for Parkinson’s disease needs more than just medication. It can be most effective to address the condition’s emotional and physical aspects with a multidisciplinary approach. 

● Lifestyle Modifications: Patients benefit from maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and ensuring regular sleep patterns.

● Mental Health Support: Because Parkinson’s affects mood and cognition, seeing a therapist or counsellor can help manage anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.

● Regular Check-ups: Ongoing neurologist visits ensure that treatment plans are updated and that symptoms are managed as effectively as possible.

How HealthPil Can Help

At HealthPil, we understand how challenging it can be to live with Parkinson’s disease. Our team of specialist doctors, including neurologists and physical therapists, can work with you to design a comprehensive care plan. Whether you need a second opinion or regular follow-ups, we’re here to provide you with trustworthy advice and support. You can visit a neurologist from the comfort of your home with our teleconsultation services to better control your condition. 

Myths About Parkinson’s Disease

It’s important to bust some common myths about Parkinson’s to reduce stigma and improve awareness:

1. Myth 1: Parkinson’s disease only affects older adults.

● Fact: While the majority of people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are over 60, it can affect younger individuals as well.

2. Myth 2: Parkinson’s disease only causes tremors.

●  Fact: Tremors are just one of many symptoms of Parkinson’s. Bradykinesia, muscle rigidity, and postural instability can be equally impactful.

3. Myth 3: People with Parkinson’s can’t lead a normal life.

●  Fact: Many people with Parkinson’s disease continue to live active and happy lives when their condition is handled well. Better long-term results require early identification of disease and prompt treatment.