Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is a very difficult disease that reduces the quality of life with its consequences. Although it is unlikely to occur, it is among the conditions that progress and do not improve without treatment.

 

Parkinson's disease, which usually occurs over the age of 50, is also called tremor paralysis. Considering the incidence of the disease in the 60 year old age group, it is analyzed as 1 person out of 100.

 

Parkinson's Disease is suspected when symptoms appear in people with it. Then, the diagnosis of the disease is finalized with the examinations made.

 

Parkinson's disease; Its consequences raise the question of how the disease occurs.

Nerve cells responsible for the brain's movement system produce a chemical called dopamine. The brain stores this dopamine and releases it when needed. Thus, it ensures that the nerve cells communicate with each other and the movement system proceeds in an orderly manner.

 

This substance called dopamine; As a result of damage to the nerve cells that produce the desired dopamine, the desired dopamine cannot be obtained. With the brain's inability to secrete enough dopamine, the movement system cannot progress in a certain order. As a result of these negativities, Parkinson's Disease emerges.

 

Parkinson's disease; The symptoms it shows when it is revealed are important in terms of diagnosis.

 

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease include:

 

Tremors at rest: This is the most common symptom in Parkinson's disease. The majority of patients show signs of tremor. Occurs in the hand or foot while stationary. It usually starts in one hand and becomes continuous over time. Tremors increase in mood changes such as excitement and anger. The tremor disappears during sleep or during work.

Slowing down in movements: There is a delay in starting the movement. Takes longer to complete the move. During the completion of daily tasks such as getting up from sitting position, turning in bed, walking, eating, and putting on clothes, slowing of movements is felt.

 

Stiffness in the muscles: Stiffness is felt in the arms, legs, trunk and neck muscles. While the movement is completed, the muscles are in a constant state of resistance.

 

Balance disorder: This symptom is seen in the later stages of Parkinson's Disease. Patient; When performing a retreating movement, it tends to fall.

 

In Parkinson's disease; apart from the prominent symptoms, there may be other symptoms that the person may notice in himself.

In Parkinson's Disease; apart from the elements that will raise suspicion and can be considered fundamental, there are other suspicious symptoms that may suggest the presence of the disease.

 

Other symptoms that may occur in Parkinson's Disease include:

 

• Slow walking with small steps
• Lean forward in the neck and upper body
• Frequent falls
• Walking without swinging your arms
• Slowing down and shrinking of text while typing
• Decreased dexterity
• Reduction in facial expressions
• Loss of stress when speaking. Speak slowly and in the same tone
• Difficulty swallowing and drooling from the mouth
• Excessive lubrication on the face and scalp
• Constipation
• frequent urination
• Pain, burning and aches in the arms or legs, muscles, joints
• Frequent and vivid dreams
• Increased feelings of sadness and distress
• We can list the signs of weakening in memory.

Is Parkinson's Disease Curable?

Parkinson's disease cannot be cured completely. In the disease process, the main goal of treatment is to control the factors that disrupt the daily life of the patient.

Another aim of treatment is; It is to ensure that the patient can continue his/her daily life without needing the help of someone else.

Appropriate treatment methods created for the purpose are of great importance in the fight against Parkinson's disease.

How is Parkinson's Disease Treated?

In the treatment of Parkinson's disease; The patient is given an appropriate drug in a dose that can meet the needs of the nerve cells that secrete the dopamine product in the brain.

With these drugs taken from outside; the patient's movement system is tried to be controlled as much as possible.

Surgical Treatment in Parkinson's Disease

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be applied to Parkinson's patients who do not respond well to drugs. In a surgical procedure, electrodes are placed in a part of the brain and connected to a small electrical device placed in the chest area. The device and electrodes can painlessly stimulate specific areas of the brain that control movement, helping to stop many of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors, slowness of movement, and stiffness. It's important to keep in mind that DBS can only help relieve symptoms, not cure or stop disease progression.

As with all brain surgeries, DBS carries a small risk of infection, stroke, bleeding, or seizure.

It should be noted that the treatment of Parkinson's patients is a team effort undertaken by a neurologist, physical therapist, speech therapist, psychiatrist and, when necessary, a neurosurgeon.

How Important is Family Support in Parkinson's Disease?

Persons who take care of the patient in Parkinson's Disease:

• Learning about the disease
• Ensuring the patient's compliance with the medication, nutrition and exercise programs determined by the physician,
• Treating the patient with respect, understanding and patience,
• Encouraging the patient to do the things he can do,
• Ensuring that the patient does not stay away from social life,
• Making the necessary domestic arrangements for the patient to continue his daily life comfortably,
• positively affects the course of the disease.