Article Summary:
4 key signs and
Article Content:
Parkinson Disease is one of the commonest neurological diseases affecting the elderly. Definition: It is due to damage to the brain cells resulting in the reduction of specific brain chemical (dopamine). Epidemiology: The prevalence of the disease increases with age.
4 key signs and symptoms for Parkinson disease
*Tremor (trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and/or face)
*Rigidity (stiffness of the limbs and/or trunk)
*Bradykinesia (slowness of body movement)
*Postural instability (impairment of balance and coordination leading to falls)
Early symptoms may be subtle. As the disease progresses, the symptoms begin to affect the activities of daily living. Currently there is no specific lab test for the diagnosis of the disease.
Complications
Physical:
Falls, giddiness / unsteadiness due to sudden change of posture, pressure sores, constipation, involuntary voiding of urine and faeces (incontinence), difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia), difficulty in speech (dysarthria)
Psychiatric:
Mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety), impairment of mental health function (e.g. memory, thought process, reasoning, judgment, perception)
Social:
Loss of independence, isolation, carer’s stress
Treatment
Non Pharmacological
The management is multidisciplinary: Doctors, Nurses, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, psychologist/psychiatrist, pharmacist and medical social worker. It also involve patient and family education, support group services and practicing a healthy lifestyle (exercise and nutrition)
Pharmacological
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. Medicines (and surgery in selected cases) can provide relief from symptoms.
Prevention
The exact cause of the disease is unknown.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation involving a multidisciplinary team is essential in the management of the disease.
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