Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Definition

Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s

The classic symptoms of this condition is shaking of the hand or other limbs while at rest or doing any movement. Another classic symptom is rigidity and increased tone in the body's muscles. The movements of the body are slowed and the patient often finds difficulty in maintaining balance. The problems are usually at the beginning of a new activity like getting up, walking or picking up something.

Early signs of Parkinson’s

Early signs of the condition include:

• constipation

• sleepiness or drowsiness

• difficulty swallowing

• a decreased sense of smell

Some persons may have a condition called REM behavior disorder. In this the individuals act upon their dreams by kicking, hitting or talking during dream or REM sleep.

Epidemiology

More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s diseases. Incidence of Parkinson's disease increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed before age 50. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease than women.

Treating Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease can be controlled initially with several groups of drugs but the disease is a progressive one and has no cure as it is a brain disorder. A medication called levodopa has proved effective in relieving symptoms. After around 3-5 years use the effectiveness of levodopa is reduced. There is a return of symptoms after this duration. At this point additional medication is usually required.

Last but not the least, The condition is not fatal but progressive. At early years most patients with adequate response to medications can lead a normal or near-normal life with normal life expectancy.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s

The classic symptoms of this condition is shaking of the hand or other limbs while at rest or doing any movement. Another classic symptom is rigidity and increased tone in the body's muscles. The movements of the body are slowed and the patient often finds difficulty in maintaining balance. The problems are usually at the beginning of a new activity like getting up, walking or picking up something.

Early signs of Parkinson’s

Early signs of the condition include:

• constipation

• sleepiness or drowsiness

• difficulty swallowing

• a decreased sense of smell

Some persons may have a condition called REM behavior disorder. In this the individuals act upon their dreams by kicking, hitting or talking during dream or REM sleep.

Epidemiology

More than 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s diseases. Incidence of Parkinson's disease increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed before age 50. Men are 1.5 times more likely to have Parkinson's disease than women.

Treating Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease can be controlled initially with several groups of drugs but the disease is a progressive one and has no cure as it is a brain disorder. A medication called levodopa has proved effective in relieving symptoms. After around 3-5 years use the effectiveness of levodopa is reduced. There is a return of symptoms after this duration. At this point additional medication is usually required.

Last but not the least, The condition is not fatal but progressive. At early years most patients with adequate response to medications can lead a normal or near-normal life with normal life expectancy.