The warning signs of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder of the nervous system. It's a condition that affects movement and mental ability, the symptoms of which develop slowly over years. Parkinson's disease can't be cured, but treatments are available to help relieve symptoms and aid those stricken with the disorder in maintaining a good quality of life.
So, how do you know if you have Parkinson's disease, and what measures can you take to lessen its impact? Click through to learn more about the disease that Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with in 2019.
What is dopamine?
Dopamine plays a vital role in regulating the movement of the body. It's a neurotransmitter responsible for relaying signals between the nerve cells of the brain. Dopamine has a direct impact on our central nervous system.
Who's affected?
According to the European Parkinson's Disease Association (EPDA), about 10 million people worldwide have PD, with nearly one million of those living in the United States.
What are the symptoms?
PD symptoms generally develop slowly over years, and can differ from from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease. Generally speaking, the three main symptoms of PD are: involuntary shaking of particular parts of the body; slow movement; limb rigidity and stiff and inflexible muscles.
Psychological symptoms
Besides physical symptoms, PD can also induce psychological problems, typically depression, anxiety, and irritability.
Living with Parkinson's disease
A diagnosis of Parkinson's is quite devastating. But while there is currently no cure for the disorder, the condition can be managed.
Physiotherapy
As the disease progresses, supportive treatments will be required, specifically physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Mobility aids and assistance
A person in the later stages of Parkinson's disease can benefit from various aids and adaptations that can help enhance their independence and improve their quality of life. These include walking frames and household grab rails and handrails. As the condition worsens, a wheelchair may be necessary in order to assist mobility.
Keep a Parkinson's diary
Living with a life-threatening neurodegenerative disorder can be a frightening and bewildering experience. But as already mentioned, the symptoms of PD can vary among patients. It's therefore recommended that those diagnosed with the disorder keep a diary to monitor their own unique progression of the disease.
Specialist care
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease. It's therefore vital to book regular appointments with your specialist so your condition can be monitored in a medical environment.
Relationships and support
Being diagnosed with a long-term condition such as Parkinson's disease will invariably place a huge physical and mental strain on you, family, and friends. So, what can be done to ease the burden on everybody concerned?
Daily support
Your loved one will require extra help and daily support to stay active and preserve their quality of life.
Get active
We've already touched upon how important it is to remain active. Exercise helps the brain use dopamine—the chemical involved in movement—more efficiently. So if your friend or loved one isn't staying active, encourage them to get moving by taking a walk together every day.
Help them feel normalcy
For PD sufferers, be open about how you feel, and let your friends and families know what they can do to help. Likewise, those in a position to assist should maintain a positive, optimistic air: there's no need to constantly remind them that they have a chronic disease.
