What Are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

There are several primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, some simple symptoms allow early diagnosis of the condition. These preliminary symptoms are as follows;

• Change in tone of voice
• Decreased sense of smell
• Constipation
• hunched posture
• Writing with no space

Although these symptoms are not clear enough, they are essential for early diagnosis. More obvious indications can be listed as follows;

• loss of balance
• Stiffness in arms and legs
• tremors during sleep
• difficulty in movement
• meaningless facial expression
• Parkinson’s walking
• Flaking on the skin
• Talking in sleep
• Depression
• Hallucination
• Memory impairment

Early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is difficult. For this reason, it will be helpful to have regular check-ups and to take early measures against symptoms.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease has no known clear cause. Both genetic and environmental factors can be effective. The typical symptom in Parkinson’s patients is the lack of dopamine secretion. In addition, abnormal protein forms called Lewy bodies have been found in the brains of many patients. Although there is no definite cause, Parkinson’s disease is more common in some cases.

• Gender: Men are more likely to get the disease.
• Age: After the fifties, the risk of disease is higher.
• Geography and Gene: Black and slanted-eyed people are less likely to get the disease.
• Genetic: People with a family history of Parkinson’s are more likely to develop the disease.
• History: People who experience head trauma and injuries have a higher risk of developing the disease.

How is Parkinson’s disease treated?

Several measures are combined in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. These are listed as follows;

• Levodopa use: It helps to replenish dopamine. It is the most popular treatment method.
• Carbidopa uses: Prolongs the benefit period of levodopa.
• Amantadine: Minimizes the side effects of levodopa.
• COMT inhibitors: Prolongs the duration of the action of levodopa.
• Anticholinergics
• Regular diet
• Regular exercise

What Are Parkinson’s Operations?

In cases where drug use does not help, two different operations can be performed. The first of these is deep brain stimulation (DBS). In this operation, electrodes placed in some brain parts send the impulses they receive from the power source to these parts. These stimuli transmitted to the brain reduce the symptoms.

Another method is pump therapy. Thanks to the pump placed near the small intestine, the compatibility of levodopa and carbidopa are ensured.