Parkinsons Disease Treatment in India

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a disorder of the central nervous system (the brain). It occurs when nerve cells in the brain, which are responsible for the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine, begin to fail. Dopamine helps to regulate movement. As levels of dopamine are reduced, Parkinson’s Disease affects movement, leading to shaking, stiffness, coordination, and difficulty with walking, talking, and balance. Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time.

Associated Anatomy of Parkinson’s Disease

Nerve cells in the brain

Parkinson’s Disease Causes

• Genetics: Studies suggest that alterations or variations in specific genes may slightly increase the risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Environment: Exposure to some toxins may increase the risk of later Parkinson’s Disease, but again, the risk is small.
• Lewy Bodies: Lewy Bodies, which are present inside brain cells, can be markers of Parkinson’s. These bodies contain clumps of alpha-synuclein protein. Cells cannot break these clumps down, which may increase the risk of PD.

Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

• Tremor: This type of shaking or trembling, usually begins in the hand or fingers. Some people with Parkinson’s may rub the thumb and forefinger back and forth continuously.
• Bradykinesia: In simple terms, it is slowed movement. It can make seemingly simple tasks difficult. Shorter steps or dragging feet when walking are signs of this.
• Muscle stiffness: Rigid muscles can be painful. This may also hinder the range of motion.
• Balance and posture affected: A stooped posture is one of the signs of Parkinson’s. Some people exhibit imbalance.
• Loss of unconscious movements: Those with Parkinson’s may exhibit problems in terms of smiling, blinking, or swinging arms when walking.
• Micrographia: Those with the disorder may find it hard to write. They may also notice that their writing appears smaller and more cramped.
• Non-motor symptoms: Many people with Parkinson’s Disease experience fatigue, especially later in the day, and pain throughout their bodies. They may also exhibit slurred speech, cognitive difficulties such as with memory, sleep disorders such as insomnia, constipation and bladder problems, swallowing problems, mood disorders such as depression, and difficulties with sense of smell.

Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

There are five stages of Parkinson’s Disease:

• Stage 1: Symptoms are so mild they are often missed. A distinct symptom is that tremors are generally exclusive to one side of the body.
• Stage 2: Moderate form, where symptoms such as stiffness and tremors are more noticeable, on both sides of the body.
• Stage 3: Marks a turning point in the progression of the disease as one is likely to experience loss of balance and slowing of movements. Daily tasks are difficult at this stage.
• Stage 4: At this stage, although it’s possible to stand without assistance, walking may require it.
• Stage 5: The most advanced stage, leg stiffness can make it almost impossible to stand or walk. People in this stage may require wheelchairs and round-the-clock assistance.

Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

Unfortunately, there is no distinct test to detect Parkinson’s Disease. Doctors make a diagnosis typically through signs or symptoms exhibited, as well as by conducting neurological and physical tests and examinations.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

There is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease but lifestyle changes, exercises, and medications can help control symptoms. Here are some of the Parkinson’s treatments prescribed for those with nervous disorders.

Healthy eating, exercise, and physical therapy

Aerobic exercise such as walking and swimming, physical therapy that focuses on balance and stretching are important. A balanced diet also provides nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, that might be beneficial.

Medications

Medications that increase or substitute for dopamine (people with Parkinson’s disease have low concentrations of this neurotransmitter) may help manage problems with tremor and movement. Medications usually prescribed include

• Carbidopa-levodopa
• Duopa (for patients with more advanced Parkinson’s)
• Dopamine agonists (to activate dopamine receptors)
• MAO B inhibitors (to help prevent the breakdown of dopamine)
• Anticholinergics (to help control the tremor).

Surgical procedures

Deep brain stimulation (where surgeons implant electrodes into a specific part of the brain to reduce Parkinson’s disease symptoms).

Supportive therapies

Alternative medicine, yoga, meditation, and massage can help ease some symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as pain and fatigue. When performed in combination with treatments, it can help improve quality of life.

Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease

• Age: The risk for Parkinson’s increases with age. Symptoms may begin to show as early as middle age. People usually develop Parkinson’s Disease when they are over 60 years old.
• Heredity: If you have a close relative with Parkinson’s disease, it may increase your risk of getting it.
• Gender: Women are less likely to develop Parkinson’s Disease than are men.
• Toxins: Some studies indicate that long-term exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of Parkinson’s.

Possible Complications of Parkinson’s Disease

Possible complications of Parkinson’s Disease include:

• Thinking, memory, and other cognitive difficulties as well as dementia
• Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
• Problems swallowing, chewing, and eating
• Sleep disorders such as insomnia or acting out dreams
• Constipation, because the digestive tract becomes slower
• Bladder problems such as difficulty urinating

Parkinson’s Disease Prevention

Primary Prevention

Although there is no preventive method for Parkinson’s Disease, following a balanced diet of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables, and incorporating exercise into your lifestyle are recommended.

Secondary Prevention

Secondary prevention of Parkinson’s Disease usually involves physical therapy and medications that increase or substitute for the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Epidemiology of Parkinson’s Disease

• Age: Usually those 60 years or above
• Gender: More men are affected than women
• Demographic: 1-2 per 1000 of the population at any time.

Expected Prognosis of Parkinson’s Disease

Thanks to advances in treatment, most people with Parkinson’s Disease have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.

Natural Progression of Parkinson’s Disease

Symptoms and progression differ from one person to the next. It usually takes years to progress to a point where it has an impact on daily life.

Pathophysiology of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is associated with the loss of cells in the substantia nigra of the brain, which is the area responsible for dopamine production.