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There are a number of activities performed by the human body in everyday life, which may be categorized as voluntary or involuntary. Voluntary movements are those which we do consciously, with focused intent such as picking up our keys or typing. Involuntary movements are those which we do not need to focus upon, such as breathing, or the inner movements of the body like heartbeat and bowel movements.
Parkinson's disease or PD is a disorder of the central nervous system, which causes unintended or uncontrolled movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty doing basic activities such as walking and talking.
April 11th is marked as World Parkinson’s Day to raise awareness about the disease and connect with the people and families who are suffering or have suffered because of Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that is known to affect 10 million people globally.
Despite extensive research, we are still unsure of its precise cause or the factors that might cause its onset. The disorder is more commonly observed in the senior age group of people. When signs are recorded in patients below 50 years, it is called early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
Consult the best hospital for Neurology in Delhi for diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson's Disease.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is characterized by cell death in the neural region. Therefore, MRI scans and CT scans are performed on patients showing signs and symptoms of Parkinson's. A spinal tap may be performed, it is a procedure to draw out spinal fluid and assess patient health in the nervous system. At Manipal Hospitals Dwarka, we have some of the most advanced medical technologies in MRI and CT, for accurate and timely diagnosis.
Based on the diagnosed extent of neural damage and physical indicators, the doctors use Braak’s theory to categorize the stages of disease progression. Also, Parkinson’s disease progresses in 5 different stages.
Based on the physical signs and symptoms Parkinson’s disease is categorized into 5 distinct stages.
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Stage 1
Changes in personal habits, mild tremors in the body. Especially predominant in any one side of the body. Usually, these are small changes, which might be noticeable to family members.
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Stage 2
Muscle Stiffness and noticeable tremors. At this stage, the signs become noticeable and the signs will be seen throughout the body.
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Stage 3
Poor Reflexes and overall posture distortion lead to balance issues in the body. At this stage the risk of falls becomes predominant, and patients become slower in their daily activities.
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Stage 4
Motor skills start to degrade at this stage and menial everyday chores become an uphill task for the patient. Some patients may find it difficult to live independently at this stage.
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Stage 5
Severe muscle stiffness and poor sensory control make it difficult for the patient to even move around properly at will, and they need assistance.
Other Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
While the classic theory categorizes Parkinson’s disease based on physical symptoms and movement disorders, there are numerous cognitive signs and behavioural changes recorded with disease progression:
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One of the most common symptoms of PD is an overall withdrawal of the person from their usual behaviour. A sense of shame overcomes patients suffering the loss of body movement, hence they tend to reduce their social activity.
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An overall shift in REM sleep patterns is observed, and hence, the sleep quality is also disturbed.
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In advanced cases, patients have been recorded to show signs of psychosis.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is considered to be an age-related disorder as most of the recorded cases of PD have been in the senior population of above 60 years of age.
Some other causes of the disorder are:
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Genetic Inheritance
Many people with a history of PD in one or more parents, end up developing PD in their lifetime.
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Environmental Triggers
Some chemical agents are known to cause and accelerate the death of nerve cells in the body, leading to PD. These may include certain heavy metals, pesticides, and often pollutants found in the air.
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Auto-Immune Disorders
Often, patients suffering from autoimmune disorders, especially young children, end up with PD if the nervous system gets damaged.
Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
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Depending on the stage of the disease, your doctors can prescribe you medicines to help manage the condition and slow down the symptoms. Additional medical equipment may be required such as walkers and support staff to help patients lead a fairly independent life.
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As of now, there is no known cure for the condition, medicines can help slow down disease progression and mitigate the effects of neural damage in the initial stages. Hence, a timely diagnosis is very important.
At Manipal Hospitals, we have a vast team of highly trained and experienced doctors and support staff to ensure the best treatment and aftercare for your loved ones. For further queries about age-related neural disorders like PD, refer to our official website or book an appointment with our famous neurologists in Delhi.
How to be Protected Against Parkinson’s Disease
One way to safeguard your loved ones against PD is to reduce exposure to toxins like heavy metal compounds, pesticides and air pollutants. This can be done in some of the following ways:
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Choosing organic when buying food and drinks.
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Taking good care of your health.
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Eating foods rich in antioxidants prevents infections and promotes cell growth.
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Buying eco-friendly, safe-to-use cleaning products.
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Installing air filters in your home or office.
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Limiting time spent in areas with high levels of air pollution or that use a lot of chemicals and pesticides.
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Taking extra precautions when using pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.
For further information on diet tips and a healthy lifestyle, consult our expert dieticians or book an appointment.
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