Here are the Non-Motor Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

 

The thought of Parkinson’s Disease usually conjures up unsettling thoughts of body tremors, fatal falls, and slurred speech. Thanks to popular culture, people assume that a patient with the condition is immediately wracked with uncontrollable motor issues leading to depression, injuries, and death. 

This belief is generally false. Although the condition is characterized by movement disorders, a range of non-motor symptoms can also occur. Additionally, it is a progressive disease which means it gets worse over time and can take years to become life-threatening or beyond control. 

To recognize the range of symptoms that a patient can manifest, we must first understand what Parkinson’s Disease is. It is defined as the gradual breakdown or death of nerve cells and is characterized by decreased secretion of dopamine — a neurochemical that is responsible for controlling the brain’s reward and pleasure centers and regulating muscle movement. It is commonly found in people between 50 and 65 years, but can also occur in younger adults. 

The exact reasons for Parkinson's Disease are unknown, but several factors come into play. These can include genetic mutations and hereditary factors, as well as exposure to certain toxins or environmental triggers. 

The best Parkinson’s Disease treatment takes into consideration every aspect of the patient including age, stage of illness, previous medical conditions, and symptoms. 

This blog post aims to create an understanding of the non-motor symptoms, as awareness is the key to seeking early medical care. 

Recognizing the Signs 

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease do not affect movement. They include other issues that can adversely affect a patient’s physical and mental health. The progression of the condition varies from person to person, with patients experiencing different types and severity of symptoms. 

The non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease include:

● Pain: Pain affects around 60% of patients and can be of five types — muscle pain, spasms (dystonia), shooting pain (radicular), central pain, and deep aches (dyskinetic) 

● Fatigue: Fatigue is extreme, debilitating tiredness or lack of energy that interferes with daily activities 

● Low blood pressure: The most common blood pressure problem is postural hypotension, which happens when the patient stands up after lying down. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, confusion, and light-headedness 

● Restless legs: This refers to the overwhelming urge of patients to move their legs, even while asleep. The symptoms include discomfort in the form of tingling, burning, itching, or throbbing 

● Bladder and bowel problems: Patients are more likely to have bladder and bowel problems than people of similar age without the condition. The problems can include the inability to hold urine, overactive bladder, and constipation 

● Skin and sweating problems: Patients often experience increased oiliness and red, itchy, flaky skin, as well as too much or too little perspiration 

● Sleep problems: Difficulty sleeping can be caused by medication, nocturnal pain, dystonia, restless leg syndrome, anxiety or depression, and parasomnia (abnormal movements or behaviors while asleep) 

● Eating, swallowing, and saliva control: Patients have difficulty eating or swallowing due to slowing down of muscles, stiffness, dental and oral health issues, and change in posture 

● Speech and communication issues: Changes in the brain can cause an increase in processing time, leading to issues in getting your thoughts together, handwriting changes, and slurring while talking 

● Eye problems: Patients often experience issues with their eyesight, which can include blurred vision, dry eyes, double vision, involuntary closing of eyes, and difficulty in spatial awareness

● Mental health issues: Some of the most crippling non-motor symptoms include mental health issues. They can manifest in the form of memory and thinking problems, anxiety, dementia, depression, hallucinations, and delusions 

Treatment 

For patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, any of these symptoms can be life-altering and scary. 

There is no specific test for diagnosis. It is made based on health history, a physical and neurological exam, as well as a review of signs and symptoms. It is advised that patients keep a record of any symptoms they may experience, such as affected areas, time of day, severity, and so on. 

Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions and support the doctor’s diagnosis. 

Since the exact causes are unknown, the center for the best Parkinson’s Disease treatment approaches the symptoms in a holistic manner. The treatment plan includes a customized combination of the following: 

● Prophylactic options such as Stem Cell Therapy and specific medication ● A customized Regenerative Rehabilitation Program which comprises regular physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy 

Stem Cell Therapy, using autologous mesenchymal stem cells from the patient’s bone marrow, has proven successful in treating symptoms and providing relief from any side effects of the drugs. 

The rehabilitation program assists patients in improving mobility, muscle strength, cognitive skills, and ability to carry out daily tasks with a degree of independence. Furthermore, patients and their families or carers are educated about how they can manage the symptoms and continue to live long, fulfilling lives.