VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Klaudia Kierzkowska, graduate of chemistry at the University of Warsaw

Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system caused by the irreversible degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain. This incurable neurological disorder, although associated mainly with the elderly, can also appear in middle age. How do you recognize the earliest symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's diseaseis a disorder of the central nervous system that develops over the years. It affects about 1 percent. people aged 65 or older - mostly men. However, there are cases of disease even before the age of 40. This is the second most frequently diagnosed neurodegenerative ailment after Alzheimer's disease. The first person to describe the disease, in 1817, was James Parkinson.

Course of Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease causes irreversible destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

Parkinson's disease is progressive, with time, subsequent brain structures are damaged, and the body reacts less and less to medications.

Unfortunately, despite the constant advances in medicine, the causes of Parkinson's are still unknown. One possible factor is genetic as well as environmental influences.

Earliest Parkinson's symptoms

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease build up gradually and slowly. Initially, they are often unnoticeable, underestimated and attributed to other ailments.

The first symptoms of Parkinson's disease are not very specific and may appear several years before the condition is diagnosed. The symptoms that indicate the beginning of Parkinson's disease development are:

  • Impaired sense of smell - this is one of the most noticeable symptoms of the disease, which is in no way related to the locomotor system. Anosmia is a condition in which the patient partially or completely loses sense of smell. It often takes several years from loss of smell to the onset of motor symptoms characteristic of Parkinson's disease.
  • Constipation - although they are often a harbinger of digestive system diseases, they canbe one of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Patients develop constipation or feel fullness too quickly.
  • Sleep disorders - excessive physical activity during the night, sometimes combined with screaming. You may experience nightmares, apnea, and uncontrolled or intermittent movements while you sleep.
  • Mood disorders - Parkinson's disease is characterized by inner restlessness, symptoms of anxiety, irritability and irritability. Mood disorders are caused by changes in certain areas of the brain that are responsible for the production of neurotransmitters, e.g. serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.
  • Awkwardness in movements - delicate changes in gait are often underestimated by the patient and their relatives. Your gait becomes slower and awkwardness in your movements occurs.
  • Masked face - muscle stiffness and slowing down of movements are also visible on the face in the form of impoverished facial expressions. We are talking then about a poker face or a masked face.
  • Easy fatigue - weakness, fatigue and difficulty in maintaining attention appear.
  • Micrography - is a neurological disorder in which the writer, along with the length of the text, significantly reduces its size. Unreadable letters appear at the end.

The earliest symptoms of Parkinson's disease are not very characteristic, therefore they are often associated with rheumatic changes or a deteriorated well-being. Few people attribute constipation, sleep disturbances and clumsiness in movements to such a serious and incurable disease.

Later Parkinson's symptoms

In the later stage of the disease, there are definitely more noticeable symptoms that prompt you to see a doctor. Patients complain of:

  • Slow movements - as the disease progresses, the patient moves slower and slower, takes characteristic small steps.
  • Posture disorders - tilting the torso forward, slouching, falls.
  • Hand tremor - The tremor associated with Parkinson's disease is called "resting tremor". It only stops when the patient uses the muscles and performs activities. Tremor occurs when you are resting. About 70% of people struggle with this symptom, which worsens with the development of the disease. patients.
  • Muscle stiffness - is global in nature and covers the limbs and torso - regardless of posture, also during rest.
  • Pain when moving - limb stiffness causes pain when moving.
  • Slurred and quiet speech - imprecise articulation, difficulty starting speech, pronouncing sentences too quickly or too slowly.

Parkinson's disease diagnosis

The main symptoms of the disease are diagnosed by a neurologist. It is also recommended to perform magnetic resonance imaging, transcranial ultrasound and single photon emission tomography.

The patient has a levodopa test to confirm or rule out the likelihood of developing Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease treatment

Although Parkinson's disease is incurable, it is possible to reduce the negative consequences of it. The mainstay of treatment is levodopa, a dopamine precursor that, after being absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, penetrates into the brain. There it is further broken down into dopamine.

Other drugs are also used, e.g. drugs that reduce dopamine breakdown or dopamine antagonists. The choice depends on the age of the patient. Proper rehabilitation is very important, as it will improve the patient's he alth and alleviate the discomfort associated with muscle stiffness. Rehabilitation should also include speech exercises.

Patients often report weight loss due to increased metabolic activity as well as difficulty swallowing. Particular attention should be paid to the diet, which should be rich in fiber and adequate hydration of the body.

Category:

Neurology