Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms

These nerve cells are responsible for producing and releasing a chemical called dopamine, which plays an essential role in controlling body movements.

When dopamine levels decrease, individuals may gradually develop symptoms such as slow movement, muscle stiffness, and tremors.

What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease and Parkinson-like symptoms may be associated with several factors, including:

• Aging of the brain: As the brain ages, the number of nerve cells responsible for producing dopamine may decrease.

• Certain psychiatric medications: Some antipsychotic or sedative medications used to treat psychiatric conditions may interfere with dopamine activity in the brain.

• Certain blood pressure medications: Older antihypertensive medications, such as reserpine, may reduce dopamine activity in the brain.

• Blocked blood vessels in the brain: Cerebrovascular obstruction may damage brain cells involved in dopamine production.

• Exposure to toxic substances: Certain toxins, including manganese and carbon monoxide, may damage brain cells.

• Lack of oxygen to the brain: Oxygen deprivation caused by drowning, strangulation, or airway obstruction from mucus or food may result in brain damage.

• Repeated head injuries: Frequent head trauma or impacts may contribute to neurological damage.

• Brain inflammation: Inflammatory conditions affecting the brain may interfere with normal neurological functions.

• Genetic factors: Certain inherited conditions may contribute to the development of Parkinson's disease.

What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is most commonly found in older adults, particularly those aged 60 years and above.

The condition is characterized by four major neurological symptoms.

1. Tremors

Tremors involve involuntary shaking or trembling movements, commonly affecting the hands or other parts of the body.

2. Muscle Rigidity

Patients may experience muscle stiffness or rigidity, making everyday movements more difficult and uncomfortable.

3. Slow Movement (Bradykinesia)

Parkinson's disease can cause movements to become noticeably slower, affecting activities such as walking, standing, and performing daily tasks.

4. Impaired Balance

Patients may experience difficulty maintaining balance, increasing the risk of instability and falls.

What Are the Common Complications of Parkinson's Disease?

In addition to the four main movement-related symptoms, patients with Parkinson's disease may experience several other complications.

Four important complications include:

• Chronic constipation: Patients may frequently experience difficulty with bowel movements.

• Depression and emotional distress: Feelings of discouragement, sadness, and depression may develop during the course of the disease.

• Pain: Some patients may experience pain in different parts of the body.

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and reduced energy levels may interfere with everyday activities.

What Are the Treatment Options for Parkinson's Disease?

Treatment for Parkinson's disease aims to improve symptoms and help patients maintain a quality of life as close to normal as possible.

The main treatment approaches include medication, physical therapy, and surgery.

1. Medication

Medications can help increase or support dopamine activity in the brain to meet the body's needs.

Because dopamine plays an important role in controlling movement, appropriate medication may help manage symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.

Patients should consult a physician before using medications to ensure that treatment is suitable for their condition.

2. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays an important role in helping patients with Parkinson's disease maintain mobility, independence, and overall well-being.

The primary goal is to help patients return to a lifestyle as close to normal as possible.

Physical therapy may help patients:

• Maintain social interactions.

• Perform daily activities independently.

• Improve physical and emotional well-being.

• Develop appropriate movement patterns.

• Improve walking, sitting, and standing posture.

• Strengthen balance and coordination.

• Perform suitable physical exercises.

• Manage complications such as a stooped posture, shoulder stiffness, back pain, lower back pain, and leg pain.

3. Surgical Treatment

One surgical treatment option for Parkinson's disease is Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS).

DBS involves implanting a device that delivers electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain.

The device is powered by a small battery and sends electrical signals to help regulate abnormal brain activity.

This treatment may improve symptoms after surgery, and stimulation settings can be adjusted afterward using a remote-control device.

How Should Patients with Parkinson's Disease Care for Themselves?

Patients with Parkinson's disease may become less physically active and may not drink enough water or consume sufficient fruits and vegetables.

Maintaining adequate hydration and healthy dietary habits is important. The original article also recommends limiting beverages such as tea and coffee.

In addition, patients can practice simple physical therapy techniques to support movement, posture, balance, and daily activities.

1. Walking

Proper walking techniques can help improve movement and reduce the risk of falls.

Recommended practices include:

• Stand upright before beginning to walk.

• Take appropriately long steps rather than very short steps.

• Place the heel on the ground first before allowing the entire foot to make contact.

• Avoid walking only on the toes.

• Swing both arms naturally while walking to help improve balance.

• Avoid turning or changing direction too quickly.

• Practice walking every day as much as physically possible.

• Avoid looking around excessively while walking.

• Avoid crossing the legs while walking.

• Use a walking cane when necessary for additional stability.

2. Body Posture

Maintaining proper posture is important for patients with Parkinson's disease, particularly those experiencing stiffness or a stooped back.

The original article recommends the following exercises.

Lying-Down Posture Exercise

Lie flat on your back on a firm surface and practice positioning the abdomen and body to support proper posture.

The recommended duration in the original article is approximately 30 minutes per day.

Standing Posture Exercise

• Stand with your back facing a wall.

• Keep your feet slightly apart.

• Position your heels approximately 4 inches away from the wall.

• Raise your shoulders and bring your upper back toward the wall.

• Lift your chin and position your head against the wall.

This exercise is intended to help patients practice maintaining an upright posture.

3. Balance and Joint Mobility

Balance training is important for reducing the risk of falls and maintaining safe movement.

Patients should follow these recommendations:

• Avoid wearing high-heeled shoes.

• Choose low-heeled footwear.

• Avoid shoes made from materials that grip or stick excessively to the floor.

• Perform regular joint mobility exercises.

• Practice moving all major joints throughout the body every day.

Consistent joint exercises can help support movement and balance.

4. Sleeping and Getting In and Out of Bed

Patients with Parkinson's disease should avoid using beds that are excessively high.

When getting into bed, the following steps may help:

1. Sit on the edge of the bed.

2. Gradually lower the body onto one side.

3. Use the elbow for support.

4. Lift the legs onto the bed.

This technique may help reduce discomfort in the back and lower back.

Patients who need to get out of bed during the night, such as when going to the bathroom, should always turn on adequate lighting before walking.

Walking in the dark should be avoided to reduce the risk of accidents and falls.

5. Family Support and Emotional Care

Support and understanding from family members play an important role in the well-being of patients with Parkinson's disease.

When family members understand the condition and provide attentive care, patients may feel more encouraged and emotionally supported.

This support can also help patients cope with feelings of discouragement and depression.

Depression is an important concern because severe emotional distress may lead to thoughts of self-harm or harm to others.

If a patient experiences severe depressive symptoms or expresses a desire to die, family members should seek professional help from a physician or psychiatrist.

Appropriate medical and psychological care is essential for managing these symptoms and supporting the patient's mental health.

 

Reference :

Bangkok Hospital Phuket Parkinson's Disease

ArokaGO Providers Bangkok Hospital Phuket