THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system
(CNS) and leads to chronic and progressive movement disorder.
The
early signs of the disease are shaking, rigidity and slowness of the movement,
it could later lead to mental illness, problems in thinking, dementia and
depression. It affects middle-aged and elderly persons mostly above the
age of 50 years.
In
Parkinson’s disease, neurons which are vital nerve cells in the brain,
malfunction and die. This happens more so in the area of the brain called the
‘substantia nigra’ . Neurons produce a chemical ‘dopamine’ that sends messages
to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Without
dopamine, the patient is unable to control movement normally.
The
cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, although some atypical cases have a genetic
origin. While there is no cure at present, there are treatment options that
help control the progress of the disease and mitigate the symptoms. Diet and
some forms of rehabilitation have shown some effectiveness at improving
symptoms.
“Though
the prevalence at 70 per 100,000 persons is lower than the global average of
100 per 100,000, given the population of India, there are a large number of
patients with Parkinson’s disease in India,“ says Dr Boby Varkey, consultant of
neurology at Aster Medicity.
Ten
Early Warning Signs of Parkinson's Disease
Why
an early diagnosis? How does it help? An early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
helps when patients face difficulties with their daily activities. In such
cases, proper diagnosis and resultant treatment can help improve their
functional abilities. The treatment can have an ‘awakening’ effect in these
patients and can dramatically improve their quality of life, seeming almost
magical! Usually, patients come late because they don’t recognize the symptoms.
This leads to progression of the disorder to advanced stages. So here are ten
signs that the problems in movement you are facing is because of Parkinson’s
Disease.
While
any one of the symptoms in isolation is not a cause for worry, it’s advisable
to consult a doctor in case of a combination of more than one symptom.
It
must be emphasized that there can be other causes for the above symptoms. But
when more than one of the symptoms occurs together, it can be an indicator of
Parkinson’s disease and time to visit the doctor to clear any doubt!
1.
Shaking, twitching or tremors in the extremities
It
can be a slight shaking or tremor in the fingers, hand, chin or lips. It can be
the leg twitching and shaking while sitting down. Shaking, twitching or tremors
in the extremities is an early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
2.
Small Handwriting
Have
you noticed that your signature has changed? That your handwriting has become
smaller or that the words are crowded together when you write? A sudden change
in handwriting is often a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
3.
Loss of smell
Has
there been a change in your capability to smell? Can you not smell food
properly, even when you don’t have a cold or blocked nose. It could be a sign
of Parkinson’s.
4.
Movements during sleep
While
this may seem to be a common complaint, this refers to thrashing around in the
bed or kicking or punching while deep asleep. Sudden movements during sleep can
be a sign of Parkinson’s.
5.
Trouble while walking
Stiffness
in the extremities with difficulty in moving body and limbs can be a sign of
Parkinson’s disease. Arms not swinging while walking, pain in the shoulders or
hips can be an early sign.
6.
Constipation
Constipation
developing suddenly and causing difficulty in daily bowel movements can be an
early sign of Parkinson’s disease.
7.
Speech levels
Change
in the voice making you speak softly when you think you are speaking in a
normal tone can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease.
8.
Face like a mask
Do
people think you have a serious look on your face even when you are feeling
normal and happy? Blinking less with a blank stare can also be a sign of
Parkinson’s disease.
9.
Fainting or feeling dizzy
Feeling
giddy on standing up from a chair can be a sign of low BP and can indicate
Parkinsonism.
10.
Change in posture
Change
in posture while standing, like stooping or leaning could be a sign of
Parkinson’s disease.
Dr
Boby Varkey Maramattom, Consultant,Neurology & Interventional Neurology,
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