What's Parkinson's Disease?

Last Updated on Thu, 2 February 2023 | Diseases And Health Conditions

Parkinson's disease (also known as PD) is a progressive and chronic movement disorder. The brain's neurons that make dopamine are degenerating, leading to impaired balance and coordination, as well as movement problems. Around 7-10 million people are affected by Parkinson's Disease worldwide. Men are slightly more susceptible than women to the disease. The symptoms often appear gradually and start slowly. This makes diagnosis challenging. These symptoms can include stiffness, tremors and slow movement.

Parkinson's Disease: Common Causes

Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown, there have been several contributing factors. They include:

Genetics: A family history with Parkinson's disease can increase the chance of the disease developing.
Environment factors: An increased chance of Parkinson's Disease due to exposure to pesticides or herbicides has been shown.
Age: Most Parkinson's cases occur in those over 60.

There are many common treatments for Parkinson's Disease

Although there is no cure, treatments are available to manage Parkinson's symptoms. Treatment aims to increase mobility and reduce the effects of Parkinson's disease. There are several common treatments:

Meditate - Medication such as dopamine agonists (levodopa), MAO-B inhibitors (and dopamine agonists) can reduce movement and tremors.
Surgery – Deep brain stimulation (DBS), surgery may be performed to help reduce shaking and enhance movement.
Physical Therapy - Stretching and exercises can reduce stiffness and improve posture to help strengthen the muscles.
Occupational Therapy - This is a specialized exercise and activity that can improve your quality of life.

Expert Opinions about Parkinson's Disease

Experts are unanimous in their belief that Parkinson's disease can be diagnosed and treated early to ensure a successful management. Early intervention has been shown to reduce symptoms and speed up the process of Parkinson's disease progression, according to studies . Exercise, healthy eating habits, stress management, and regular exercise can all help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Parkinson's Disease Tips and Natural Remedies

Some natural treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life, in addition to traditional medical therapies. They include:

Training - Exercise is a great way to lose stiffness, improve coordination and balance.
Nutrition: Eating healthy, balanced meals and abstaining from processed foods will help reduce inflammation and improve your health.
Herbal remedies: Some herbs like ginkgo biloba and ashwagandha may reduce inflammation and improve cognition.
Stress Management - Meditation and yoga can be used to manage stress.

Parkinson's disease can be a life-threatening condition. It can cause severe disability and affect quality of your daily living. There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. However, there are Medications and therapies that can be used to help manage the symptoms and enhance quality of your life. Effective management of the condition requires early diagnosis and treatment. People with Parkinson's can live fulfilling and happy lives if they have the right support.

Conclusion

Parkinson's disease, a progressive and chronic movement disorder that can affect millions worldwide, is an incurable condition. The brain's neurons that make dopamine degenerate, leading to impaired movement, coordination, and balance. There are many options for treatment, including surgery, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Exercise, nutrition, herbs, stress management, and diet can all help reduce the symptoms. For those with Parkinson's disease, early diagnosis is crucial for effective management. With the proper care, they can live fulfilling lives.