How to Recognizing the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

 We all have moments where we drop something, trip, or notice our body trembling. Most of the time we can attribute it to general clumsiness, fatigue, or bad luck. Unfortunately, in some cases, these can be an early sign of a serious disorder such as Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease is the gradual breakdown or death of nerve cells. It 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 progressive, meaning that it gets worse over time.

The exact reasons that trigger the death of dopamine-producing neurons 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 treatment for Parkinson’s Disease depends on several factors, including the age of the patients, stage of illness, and symptoms. It is commonly found in people between 50 and 65 years, but can also occur in younger adults.

Although it does not directly kill patients, it can cause severe and fatal complications such as making people more prone to falls, pneumonia, and infections.

Early Warning Signs

Early signs of Parkinson’s Disease may go unrecognized. Symptoms often begin on one side and progress towards the rest of the body. There are five established stages of progression, with symptoms and complications advancing from mild to severe.

Some of the earliest signs, which can show up several years before motor problems include:

●        Decreased ability to smell (anosmia)

●        Constipation

●        Small, cramped handwriting

●        Voice changes

●        Stooped posture

Following this, motor problems will manifest, which include:

●       Tremors: this uncontrolled shaking usually begins in a limb, often the patient’s hands or fingers, although it can happen in their jaw or feet. They may notice their thumb and forefingers rubbing together, especially at rest and when stressed

●       Bradykinesia (Slowed movement):  with time, movements are impaired due to the slowing down of the brain’s signal to specific body parts. Patients may find doing even simple tasks such as walking or getting in and out of bed difficult and time-consuming. People may notice their steps become shorter and their feet drag while walking

●       Impaired posture and balance: Parkinson’s Disease also leads to balance problems and affects body posture, which may lead to increased risk of falls

●       Rigid muscles: Parkinson’s Disease can cause stiffness in muscles, which restricts the patient’s range of motion

Secondary symptoms can include:

●        A blank facial expression causing a mask-like appearance

●        A tendency for feet to get stuck on the ground when walking

●        Muffled, slurred, and low-volume speech

●        A decrease in the ability to blink and swallow

●        A tendency to fall backward

●        Reduced arm swinging when walking

Other, more severe, symptoms may include:

●        Flaky white or yellow scales on oily parts of the skin, known as seborrheic dermatitis

●        Increased risk of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer

●        Sleep disturbances including vivid dreams, talking, and movement during sleep

●        Depression

●        Anxiety

●        Psychosis

●        Problems with attention and memory

●        Difficulty with visual-spatial relationships

Treatment

A diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, like any other chronic and incurable disease, can be life-altering and scary. There are a lot of misconceptions about the condition, and it is helpful to educate yourself to have an accurate outlook about the disease and prognosis.

There is no specific test for diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease. It is made based on health history, a physical and neurological exam, as well as a review of signs and symptoms.

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

Since the exact causes are unknown, a center specializing in the treatment for Parkinson’s Disease 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 immensely successful in treating symptoms and providing relief from the side effects of 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.

Living with Parkinson’s Disease

Patients must ensure that they take steps to maintain good physical and mental health. Symptoms can be effectively controlled with proper medical supervision and advice, and emotional support from friends and family.

It is imperative to remember that being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease is not a death sentence. With some adjustments to their habits and schedules, patients can go on to live happy and satisfying lives.