What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Guide to Symptoms and Risk Factors

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. Although it mainly affects older adults, it can also develop during the youth stages (5 to 10 %). Even though the exact cause is unknown, it could be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental elements. There is no cure right now, but therapies and drugs can greatly help to control symptoms.

This guide will discuss the symptoms, and potential risk factors, and treatments for Parkinson's disease. Keep reading for an in-depth analysis.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually begin subtly and advance slowly. Although they differ from person to person, the most often ones include:

• Tremors usually start in the fingers or hands. Typically, they are "pill-rolling" tremors in which the thumb and forefinger move back and forth.
• Slow movement, or bradykinesia, might complicate and increase daily chores over time.
• Stiffness in the trunk and limbs from muscle rigidity can restrict range of motion and result in discomfort.
• Postural instability could cause falls and hunched posture, hence impairing balance.
• Speech might become monotonic or slurred.
• Small and cramped handwriting (micrographia) is common.

Later stages show additional symptoms such as depression, sleeping disturbances, memory problems, and trouble swallowing.

What are the Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease?

Although the precise etiology of Parkinson's disease is unknown, it most likely results from a combination of environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Listed below are the contributing risk factors:

• Age: Risk increases significantly after age 60.
• Gender: Men are more prone than women to acquire Parkinson's.
• Family History:Having a close relative with Parkinson's disease increases the risk, therefore pointing to a genetic connection.
• Exposure to Toxins: Long exposure to herbicides or pesticides could also modestly increase the risk of Parkinson’s Disease.
• Brain Differences: Parkinson's patients often experience the accumulation of abnormal protein clumps (Lewy bodies) in brain cells, though their exact role is still unclear.

Although in some instances genetics is involved, most Parkinson's patients have no clear genetic cause, pointing to a complex interaction of factors.

How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

There is no particular test to conclusively identify Parkinson's disease. To verify a diagnosis, doctors combine neurological tests with a review of medical history and reactions to Parkinson's drugs such as levodopa. Brain imaging techniques such as MRI or PET scans may ultimately help to rule out other conditions.

How is Parkinson’s Disease Treated?

Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms effectively and overall improving the quality of life. Common therapies include:

• Medications: The primary course consists of medications meant to raise dopamine or mimic its effects. Among these, there are levodopa/carbidopa, dopamine agonists, and MAO-B inhibitors. Medications are customized to the person; as the illness advances, they are sometimes modified.
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): In some advanced situations, surgically implanted electrodes' electrical stimulation of certain brain areas can help to alleviate symptoms, mostly tremors and medication fluctuations.
• Physical and Occupational Therapy: Exercise and therapy from physical and occupational therapy help daily functioning, flexibility, and mobility.
• Speech Therapy: Speech therapy aids in resolving swallowing and speech problems.

Although therapies can greatly reduce symptoms, they do not halt the disease progression. As symptoms change, frequent follow-ups and modifications are important.

Parkinson's disease is a lifelong condition impairing both motor and non-motor functions due to the progressive loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Although there is no cure, early diagnosis and a thorough treatment plan can enable those with Parkinson's to live for many years and keep their independence and quality of life.

Thus, it is crucial to have health insurance to safeguard both your health and finances during critical times. At Star Health, we offer coverage for Parkinson's disease under our Special Gold Care Insurance Plan. We also provide hassle-free claim settlements with reduced turnaround time across over 14,000 network hospitals in India.