What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease was first described by a british physician james parkinson in 1817. about 100 000 canadians 1 million americans and more than 6.3 million individuals all over the world are affected with this disabling condition although most people affected are over the age of 55 years it has been known to occur in young individuals as well it is a
Neurodegenerative disease and involves the loss of brain cells capable of producing dopamine dopamine is a neurotransmitter a substance involved in the transmission of signals between the nerves in certain parts of our brain dopamine helps facilitate the movements of our body the deficiency of dopamine results in slowness of movements of our body which is one
Of the major symptom of parkinson’s disease although parkinson’s disease may be a complex condition with many implications on your life it can be managed well with medications proper advice and sport there is no cure for parkinson’s disease but the patients can live with the disease for many years the major symptoms of parkinson’s disease include slowness of
Movements in performing activities of daily life a tremor which usually starts on one side of body in hand arm or leg while the affected body part is in the resting position stiffness balance problems shuffling and slowness in walking there are many other symptoms of parkinson’s disease which become apparent as the disease progresses such as reduced facial
Expression drooling difficulty turning while walking freezing of gait falls stooping of posture fatigue small size handwriting constipation sleep disturbances softness of speech solving problems memory and cognitive dysfunction depression anxiety pain numbness and tingling urinary bladder problems sexual dysfunction dry skin as well as postural dizziness
Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed by history and physical examination conducted by a physician there are no laboratory tests that can be used to confirm the diagnosis of parkinson’s disease a neurologist who specializes in parkinson’s disease may observe you for a period of time to make sure that the symptoms are consistent medication and rehabilitation are the
Primary treatments used for parkinson’s disease as the disease progresses the quantity and frequency of medications need to be adjusted the medication used for parkinson’s disease may have some side effects as well the commonly used medications for parkinson’s disease include amentadine monoamine b oxidase inhibitors including seligeline and resetuline dopamine
Agonists including premy paxil and rupinarol libodopa carbidopa and libodopa bensonside anticholinergic medications such as trihexy fanidal or benztropine may be used in some cases rehabilitation treatments include physiotherapy which helps mobility and balance problems speech therapy which helps with speech and swallowing dysfunction occupational therapy which
Focuses on easing everyday activities exercise could also be very beneficial in selected cases surgical treatments may be used you can help to improve your treatment by making sure that you have the correct information about your condition seeing your neurologist on regular basis is also important some treatments may work better than others also keeping track
Of changes in your symptoms is important this will help you indicate if the treatment need to be modified parkinson’s disease progress is differently in each person and requires a specific approach in every individual exercise and healthy eating are important walking is a simple form of exercise which can be done every day a physiotherapist can help you find
Exercises that are appropriate for you incorporating fiber and fluid in your diet would help constipation which is often associated with parkinson’s disease joining a sport group is also very helpful these groups meet regularly in white speakers and parkinson’s disease and they also offer you exercise program as you join them parkinson’s disease is a disabling
Disease but you can adjust the activities of daily life to your level of ability parkinson’s disease is not normal part of aging it is a medical condition which need to be managed by a neurologist a small fraction of cases of parkinson’s disease may be hereditary in nature parkinson’s disease is a treatable condition and you can aid your treatment by taking your
Medications as instructed by your neurologist and keeping a positive attitude depression can also be a symptom of parkinson’s disease make sure to talk to someone if you feel depressed
Transcribed from video
What is Parkinson's Disease? By Dr. Rana Parkinson’s Foundation Canada