Parkinson’s Disease

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE?
A chronic (long-term), degenerative disorder of the brain, which is caused when an inadequate amount of dopamine is produced by the nerve cells.
Dopamine is a chemical that plays a role in controlling movement. Thus, when the nerve cells fail to produce enough of it, there is a subsequent loss of movement control.
It is most prevalent amongst the elderly and men, in particular, are more vulnerable. However, there are cases of earlier onset.
The pace of the progression and the degree of impairment vary from person to person.

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RISK FACTORS

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Family history
Exposure to chemicals, pesticides and toxins
History of serious head injury

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

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  • Shaking
  • Slow movement
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Stooped posture
  • Imbalance
  • Impaired unconscious movements, such as blinking and arm swing
  • Speech difficulties
  • Struggling to write
  • Swallowing and sphincter control problems may occur late in the disorder.
  • Reduced sense of smell
  • Constipation
  • Decreased mobility
  • Reduced facial expression

 

STAGES

 

 

DIAGNOSIS

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Usually diagnosed by a neurologist (a specialist trained in the nervous system) based on medical history, physical examination and symptoms.
Other disorders can be ruled out with the help of specialised scans and ultrasounds.
Sometimes medication intended for PD is given and an improvement in the symptoms confirms the diagnosis.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

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  • Pneumonia
  • Injuries from falling
  • Choking
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Dementia

TREATMENT

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Even though there is no existing cure for PD, medication can help with the management of the symptoms.
These medications are usually designed to increase the amount of dopamine in the brain either by replacing it, mimicking its action, or increasing its amount by inhibiting its breakdown.
In cases of advanced PD, brain surgery has proved to be beneficial.
Specialised physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy may assist.
Following a healthy lifestyle and exercising is recommended.
In some cases, supporting medication for other symptoms, such as depression, reduced concentration, impaired bladder control and bowel control, pain and spasms may be required.

 

AVOIDING FALLS
Avoid leaning and rather distribute weight evenly between the feet
Always walk forwards and never backwards
Watch where you are going
Avoid carrying heavy things that can throw you off balance and/or obscure your view of where you are stepping

WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS RESEMBLE PARKINSON’S DISEASE?

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A condition resembling PD is referred to as Parkinsonism. This can be caused by other neurological conditions as well as stroke and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).

PREPARING FOR YOUR DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENT

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If you suspect that you may have PD and have booked an appointment with your doctor, do the following prior to the appointment:
Make a list of all the medication that you are taking – prescription and non-prescription
Keep written track of all the symptoms that you are experiencing so that your doctor can go through them with you
Make notes of recent life changes, stresses, injuries or accidents that you need to share with your doctor
Ask a family member or friend to accompany you
Make notes of the questions that you might have for your doctor

HOW TO COPE

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Stay informed about the disease and new developments in treatment but watch out for all the masses of false information.
Have regular follow-ups with your doctor
Exercise is very important and one of the few things that can change the course of the disorder.
Build support through family, friends and joining a local PD support group.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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As with all other chronic diseases careful follow up and adjustments to treatment will be necessary to maintain good symptom control.

 

 

Please Note: This is an educational information leaflet only and should not be used for diagnosis. For more information on Parkinson’s Disease, consult your healthcare professional.



1. Butler, N. (2010), ‘Parkinson’s Disease Guidelines’, SA Pharmaceutical Journal 2. Kies, C.B. and Fine, J. (2009), ‘Guideline for the Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease’, SAMJ, vol.99, no. 10. 3. De Maagd, G. and Philip, A. (2015), ‘Part 1: Disease Entity, Risk Factors, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis’, Parkinson’s Disease and its Management, 40(8), pp. 504-510, 532. 4. Davie, C. A. (2008), ‘A Review of Parkinson’s Disease’, British Medical Bulletin, vol. 86, no.1, pp. 109-127. 5. Jankovic, J. (2008), ‘Parkinson’s Disease: Clinical Features and Diagnosis’, Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, vol. 79, no. 4. 6. Savitt, J.M., Dawson, V.L. and Dawson, T.M. (2006), ‘Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson Disease: Molecules to Medicine’, The Journal of Clinical Investigation. Ayano, G. (2016), ‘Parkinson’s Disease; A Concise Overview of Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Comorbidity and Management’, Journal of Neurological Disorders. Brought to you by cipla Related Information POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD) PTSD is a serious and often debilitating medical condition that can occur in anyone who has experienced a traumatic event DEPRESSION MEDICATION SUPPLEMENT Depression is a common medical condition that has a big impact on a large number of areas in peoples’ lives DEMENTIA Dementia is the umbrella term for a range of progressive neurological disorders affecting brain functioning, including Alzheimer’s disease ANXIETY DISORDER There are five major anxiety disorders, and one of the most common is generalised anxiety disorder or GAD.

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