Understanding Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the central nervous system causing tremors through the body. Its symptoms include limb rigidity and lack of balance. Studies have shown that the disease is caused by nerve cell damage in the brain, which in turn lowers dopamine levels. While it can be managed with medication, unfortunately, it can never be fully cured. Let’s take a look at what else we know about this progressive nervous disorder.

Is it hereditary? 

Most cases of Parkinson’s disease occur in people with no family history of the disorder. Among hereditary cases, the pattern differs depending on the gene that is altered. If the LRRK2 or SNCA gene is involved, the disorder is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, which means one copy of an altered gene in each cell is sufficient to cause the disorder. 

In most cases, an affected person has one parent with the condition. If the PARK7, PINK1, or PRKN gene is involved, Parkinson’s disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern which alters two copies of the gene in each cell. 

Although genetic alterations modify the risk of Parkinson’s, the inheritance pattern is usually unknown. Environmental triggers such as exposure to certain toxins may increase the risk of developing the disorder at a later stage. 

Who does It affect? 

Young adults rarely experience Parkinson's disease. It generally begins in middle or late life, most of those affected usually develop the disease around the age of 60 or above. Since it is a progressive disorder, symptoms develop, and worsen over time. 

What are the symptoms? 

The symptoms of Parkinson’s often begin on one side of the body and progress towards the other side. In the initial stages, the signs are barely noticeable which makes it difficult to diagnose. However, these become increasingly obvious with age. 

The symptoms include: 

Tremors: Uncontrolled shaking that begins in parts of a limb, often hand or fingers 

Bradykinesia (slow movement): Impaired movements that make simple tasks difficult and time-consuming 

Rigid muscles: Stiffened muscles that restrict the range of motion 

Impaired posture and balance: Forward bent posture and balancing issues that impact movement 

Impaired speech: Slurred words, mumbling, and trailing off while speaking become common 

Other symptoms include fainting and lightheadedness while standing (orthostatic hypotension) and difficulty swallowing. 

Treatments In an endeavor to achieve desired results in the least possible time, patients who come to Plexus are offered holistic treatment including Stem Cell Therapy, Medication, General Lifestyle Changes, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Community Reintegration. 

Stem Cell Therapy 

Stem Cell Therapy uses dopamine-producing cells derived from stem cells to treat Parkinson’s disease. These are transplanted into the patient’s brain, where they replicate the properties of the degenerated cells of the substantia nigra. As a result, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease gradually reduce. 

The treatment successfully provides relief to patients and helps them avoid the pain and side effects caused by surgery and drugs. 

Regenerative Rehabilitation Program The Regenerative Rehabilitation Program at Plexus helps maximize functional abilities and minimize secondary complications of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. A customized treatment program involving a multidisciplinary approach is adopted at Plexus. The aim of the program is to provide maximum capability to a person to perform his daily functions and maintain a quality of life to the greatest extent possible. 

Physiotherapy Regular Physiotherapy helps people with Parkinson’s Disease improve their mobility by reducing stiffness in muscles. It helps with posture, balance, and gait. Physiotherapy includes strength and endurance training, flexibility, as well as gait and balance training. 

Occupational therapy 

Occupational therapists work with Parkinson’s patients to ensure that day to day activities like eating, bathing, cleaning, etc. can be performed independently. Handwriting training is also an important aspect of occupational therapy practice for patients with Parkinson’s disease. 

Speech therapy Along with movement, Parkinson’s disease affects muscles in the face, mouth, and throat which causes problems while speaking and swallowing. Speech therapists who are trained in all forms of communication including non-verbal, help patients by teaching them different techniques to improve this aspect of their lives. 

Conclusion 

Parkinson’s disease affects more than 4 million people worldwide. Since the cause is unknown, proven ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease also remain unknown. However, with the right treatment, it can be managed well enough to help patients lead their daily lives with some degree of independence.