Comprehensive Parkinson’s Disease Treatment at Metro Center for Neurosciences, Faridabad, India

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement control. It occurs due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, coordination difficulties, and challenges with walking, talking & balance. Symptoms typically develop gradually & worsen over time.

Associated Anatomy

Nerve cells in the brain: The primary affected region in Parkinson’s Disease.

Parkinson’s Disease Causes

• Genetics: Alterations or variations in specific genes can slightly increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease.
• Environment: Exposure to certain toxins may elevate the risk, though the overall impact is small.
• Lewy Bodies: The presence of Lewy Bodies, clumps of alpha-synuclein protein in brain cells, may be indicative of Parkinson’s Disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

• Tremor: Shaking or trembling, usually beginning in the hand or fingers.
• Bradykinesia: Slowed movement making simple tasks difficult; shorter steps or dragging feet when walking.
• Muscle stiffness: Painful rigid muscles hindering the range of motion.
• Balance and posture issues: Stooped posture and imbalance.
• Loss of unconscious movements: Reduced ability to smile, blink, or swing arms while walking.
• Micrographia: Difficulty writing, with smaller and more cramped handwriting.
• Non-motor symptoms: Fatigue, pain, slurred speech, cognitive difficulties, sleep disorders, constipation, bladder problems, swallowing issues, depression, and a diminished sense of smell.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Lifestyle Changes and Physical Therapy

• Healthy eating: A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
• Exercise and physical therapy: Aerobic exercises like walking and swimming, and therapies focusing on balance and stretching.

Medications

Medications help manage symptoms by increasing or substituting dopamine. Common medications include:

• Carbidopa-levodopa: A primary treatment that increases dopamine levels.
• Duopa: For advanced Parkinson’s.
• Dopamine agonists: To activate dopamine receptors.
• MAO-B inhibitors: To prevent dopamine breakdown.
• Anticholinergics: To control tremors.

Surgical Procedures

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Implanting electrodes in the brain to reduce symptoms.

Supportive Therapies

Alternative medicine: Yoga, meditation, and massage to ease symptoms like pain and fatigue and improve quality of life.

Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease

• Age: Risk increases with age, typically affecting those over 60.
• Heredity: A family history of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Gender: Gender: Parkinson’s Disease is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women.
• Toxins: Long-term exposure to pesticides.

Stages of Parkinson’s Disease

• Stage 1: Mild symptoms, usually affecting one side of the body.
• Stage 2: Moderate symptoms like stiffness and tremors, affecting both sides.
• Stage 3: Loss of balance and slower movements, making daily tasks difficult.
• Stage 4: Significant movement difficulties, requiring assistance for walking.
• Stage 5: Severe symptoms, often requiring a wheelchair and round-the-clock care.

Diagnosis

There is no definitive test for Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnosis is typically based on medical history, signs and symptoms, and neurological and physical examinations.

Prevention

Primary Prevention

While there is no sure way to prevent Parkinson’s Disease, maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise are recommended.

Secondary Prevention

Includes physical therapy and medications to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Epidemiology

• Age: Predominantly affects those 60 years or older.
• Gender: More common in men.
• Prevalence: Affects 1-2 per 1000 of the population at any given time.

Expected Prognosis

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

Natural Progression

The progression varies among individuals but generally takes years to significantly impact daily life.

Pathophysiology

Parkinson’s Disease is linked to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the substantia nigra region of the brain.

Possible Complications

• Cognitive difficulties, including dementia.
• Mood disorders like depression and anxiety.
• Swallowing and eating problems.
• Sleep disorders.
• Constipation and bladder problems.