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Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition in which, the affected person slowly loses control over his muscle movements. The onset of the disease is very gradual. About 1 in 100 people over the age of 65 are said to be affected by the disease.
Since the disease is gradual and progressive, it is not fatal. However, the end stages of the disease can be significantly debilitating and can result in choking, depression or even death.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
The cause of the disease has been attributed to a chemical called as dopamine in the brain. Although the motor cells of the brain, which are located on the top of the brain, control movement, the chemical dopamine is said to aid in this process.
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In primary Parkinson’s, the dopamine producing cells start dying. The reasons for this are not known. In secondary Parkinson’s, the disease develops due to some form of brain trauma, injuries, tumours or other neurological conditions. Links to genetics in people below 50 have also been established.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
The main symptoms of Parkinson’s are tremors and shaking, slowed movement, stiff and rigid arms and legs and balance problems. People may also suffer from lack of facial expressions, depression, salivation and dandruff. The range of symptoms varies from individual to individual.
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Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease
The treatment for Parkinson’s involves a multi-faceted approach.
Medication
Medication is by far the most commonly used approach towards reduction of symptoms. It is important to remember that Parkinson’s disease has no cure. The symptoms of tremors can be alleviated by giving the patient a dosage of dopamine that helps to compensate for the dying dopamine cells in the brain.
Also Read
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8 Likely Causes Of Parkinson’s Disease
How To Identify The Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease
Best Remedies To Keep Parkinson’s Disease At Bay
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Levodopa is one of the common medications that is given. This is converted into dopamine in the brain. This medication helps to improve muscle coordination and remove stiffness from the body.
Surgery
Surgery is the next option for people who have stopped responding to drugs containing dopamine. Dyskineasia is a direct result of dopamine drugs and this can only be curbed to some extent with the help of surgery.
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Pallidotomy is an erstwhile procedure performed on Parkinson’s patients in which a part of the brain stem was deliberately damaged. This procedure has now been discontinued and deep, brain cells stimulation is being used as a surgical option. In this, an electrical charge is fired into the areas of the brain, which control movement.
Lifestyle Changes
Certain lifestyle changes can reduce the onset of the symptoms by a few years. These include a nutritious diet and strict exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscle tone and helps to delay or reduce the severity of the symptoms. These however have to be started at an early age.
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Diet too plays an important role. Parkinson’s patients are often asked to eat fibrous fruits, vegetables and drink lots of water. This helps to regularize bowel movements and prevent constipation, a symptom that is usually seen in Parkinson’s patients. Certain laxatives may also be prescribed.
The management of the disease requires wilful cooperation from the family members and caregivers especially in the later stages of the disease. This helps in effective rehabilitation of the patient.
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