Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. The early symptoms start gradually sometimes with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand.
However, tremors are common but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
One may face no expression in the stages of Parkinson’s disease. Your speech may become soft or slurred, your arms may not swing when you walk.
Prof. Dr. Manjari Tripathi, Neurologist at AIIMS Delhi said, “Persons with Parkinson’s disease should not lose hope. It will do good to report any of the key symptoms to the neurologists very early. Minimal treatment is needed in the early stages. There is a huge role of early customised physiotherapy. Yoga, maintaining hobbies and interests will also be helpful. Sleep is very important. To maintain a good quality of life, it is essential that we continuously practice mobility and do not fear the disease. Latest therapies are available to us in India at par with the world.”
The symptoms of the diseases worsen as the condition progresses with time. Although Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medications might significantly improve the condition. Occasionally, your doctor may suggest surgery to regulate certain regions of your brain and improve the symptoms.
Certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain gradually break down or die in this disease. However, many symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. It causes abnormal brain activity when dopamine levels decrease, leading to impaired movement and other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
