PARKINSON'S DISEASE: MAJOR WARNING SIGNS OF THIS NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the fastest-growing neurological disorder worldwide. This condition strikes people aged above 60. However, it can manifest in people younger than 50 years as well. 

An estimated 30 million people in India are thought to be affected by neurological illnesses. The prevalence of Parkinson's ranges from 15 to 43 per 1,00,000 population, with a notable increase in cases among younger age groups. 

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?

Parkinson's disease is a chronic degenerative condition of the central nervous system that impairs mobility and, in the majority of cases, advances slowly. 

The condition damages the brain's dopamine-producing nerve cells. Although the disease's aetiology is unclear and there is currently no cure, treatment options such as medication and surgery can help manage the symptoms and help to keep the condition under control to some extent.

EARLY WARNING SIGNS

Dr Madhukar Bhardwaj, Senior Consultant & HOD, Neurology, Aakash Healthcare, explained that some people may experience a range of symptoms many years before the onset of Parkinson's. 

"Loss of smell or reduced smell sensation is a striking feature that precedes PD by many years. Constipation is another common feature that can precede PD and confuse people. Patients often end up visiting gastroenterologists and take indigenous or over-the-counter medications which can unmask PD symptoms," said Dr Bhardwaj. 

Another early warning sign of PD is rapid eye movement (RBD), also known as sleep behaviour disorder. It is a type of sleep disturbance in which you vocalise and make abrupt, sometimes violent, arm and leg movements as you sleep.

Dr Bhaskar Shukla Senior, Consultant Neurology, PSRI Hospital, said these warning signs shouldn't be taken lightly.

"Decreased facial expression, monotonous speech, and decreased eye blinking are among the earliest signs. Patients may experience tremors or shaking in the fingers, hands, arms, legs, jaw and face. These tremors are generally noticeable when the person is at rest and may worsen with stress or anxiety," said Dr Bhasker Shukla. 

Over time, a person may tend to move slower than usual or feel like their feet are stuck to the ground. 

This may cause difficulty in getting up from a seating position, walking or turning around. 

Stiffness in the limbs, neck or torso can limit the range of motion in the early onset of Parkinson's.

Furthermore, this neurological condition can also cause problems with balance, resulting in instability, and difficulty maintaining balance and coordination when walking.

Doctors revealed that people with PD may have softer, slurred or slower speech. 

People experience changes in writing, such as letter sizes becoming smaller, and the words being crowded together.

TREATMENT FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE

"Parkinson's disease has no known cure, but early detection and therapy can help control the symptoms and enhance quality of life," said Dr Shivraj Hunge, Consultant, Neurologist, Jupiter Hospital, Pune. 

"It is important to remember that symptoms can differ significantly from person to person and that not everyone with Parkinson's disease has the same symptoms. It is difficult to detect the condition early on since certain symptoms may appear years before others," he added. 

Dr Aashka Ponda, Consultant Neuro-physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, said that lifestyle modifications can help prevent some early signs of PD. 

"While factors like ageing population, environmental exposures to pesticides and pollutants, genetic predispositions, are contributing to rise in Parkinson's, one can modify their lifestyle to delay its signs. Start exercising regularly, maintain a healthy diet, reduce exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides, ensure proper hydration, manage stress, and get yourself screened during regular health check-ups," advised Dr Aashka Ponda.

Experts are advising people to take charge of their health and try to identify the early symptoms. 

A neurologist can help you in the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and offer suitable treatment choices to manage your condition.

2024-04-12T06:40:57Z dg43tfdfdgfd