Parkinson’s Disease: Early Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Latest Treatment Options

Are any elders in your family experiencing tremors, slowness while walking and during daily activities, stiffness and rigidity in the limbs? It is natural to wonder if this could be Parkinson’s disease. Many people think of shaky hands or tremors as the main sign. However, Parkinson’s disease covers much more than only issues with movement. Both the body and mind are affected by this progressive neurological condition, affecting 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 or Shaking: This is the classic symptom people often associate with Parkinson’s disease. It usually starts in one hand and can even occur when the hand is at rest.

● Bradykinesia or slowed movement: Even simple tasks like buttoning a shirt, walking across a room, or standing up from a chair may 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.

●  Poor posture and balance: Your balance becomes more challenging and you may experience falls, which can be a serious concern.

Non-Motor Symptoms:

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

● 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.

● 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.

● Problems like constipation, low blood pressure, and excessive sweating may also occur because the nervous system is affected.

How Parkinson’s is Diagnosed

A neurologist’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease combines clinical examination with the elimination of other possible causes. There is no single test that confirms Parkinson’s disease, which makes diagnosis a careful and stepwise process. A neurologist relies on detailed clinical evaluation, ruling out other conditions that mimic Parkinson’s before confirming Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. 

One of the key steps is to differentiate it from Atypical Parkinsonism syndromes, which include Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS), and other variants. These conditions may present with overlapping features but require different approaches to management.

1. Medical history: We 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 a significant effect.

Medications:

1. Levodopa (L-DOPA): The most commonly prescribed medicine that helps restore dopamine levels.

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

3. MAO-B Inhibitors: These medicines slow down the breakdown of dopamine, keeping it active for longer.

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

Surgical Options:

For some patients whose symptoms are not controlled well with medicines, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment option. DBS involves implanting a device that sends controlled electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain, helping to reduce tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties. What makes DBS especially valuable is that it not only improves quality of life but can also reduce the adverse effects associated with long-term medication use.

Physical and Supportive Therapy

● Physiotherapy: Helps maintain flexibility, strength, and balance while reducing the risk of falls.

● Speech therapy: Useful when speech becomes softer or slurred.

● Occupational therapy: Supports independence in daily activities like dressing, eating, and writing.

Managing Parkinson’s Disease in Daily Life

Parkinson’s management goes beyond medicines and surgery. A holistic approach that includes lifestyle, mental health, and ongoing monitoring works best.

● Healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and good sleep routines help in overall symptom control.

● Mental health support: Counselling or therapy can ease anxiety, depression, and stress, which often worsen symptoms.

● Regular follow-ups: Continuous monitoring by a neurologist ensures medicines are adjusted as the disease progresses.

How HealthPil Can Help With Parkinson’s

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.

Some Common Myths About Parkinson’s Disease

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

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

Myth 2: Parkinson’s disease only causes tremors.

Fact: Tremors are just one of many symptoms of Parkinson’s. Slowness, stiffness, and balance issues are equally significant symptoms.

Myth 3: People with Parkinson’s can’t live 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 the disease and prompt treatment.