Parkinson's disease: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

In her latest online article, renowned consultant neurologist Dr Francesca Mastrolilli offers her expert insight into Parkinson’s disease. She explains the causes, early signs and symptoms, and diagnosis and treatment of the condition.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder. This means it causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. Around 153,000 people live with Parkinson’s in the UK, and it's the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world.

People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine in their brains, because some of the nerve cells that make it have stopped working. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control movement, coordination, and balance.

What are the early signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

The early signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be subtle and may go unnoticed at first. Some common early symptoms include:

●     Tremor, usually in a hand or finger, that occurs when the limb is at rest

●     Stiffness in the muscles, especially in the arms and legs

●     Slowness of movement, also known as bradykinesia

●     Impaired balance and coordination

●     Changes in handwriting, such as smaller and more cramped letters

●     Soft or muffled speech

●     Loss of facial expression

What causes Parkinson's disease? Is it preventable?

We don't yet know exactly why people get Parkinson's but it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no known way to prevent Parkinson's disease. However, there are things you can do to reduce your risk factors, such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Some of the risk factors for Parkinson's disease include:

●     Age: Parkinson's disease typically develops after the age of 60.

●     Family history: People with a family history of Parkinson's disease are at increased risk for developing the disorder.

●     Environmental toxins: Exposure to certain environmental toxins, such as pesticides and herbicides, has been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease.

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed and what are the diagnostic tests?

There is no single test to diagnose Parkinson's disease. Your doctor will diagnose the disorder based on your medical history, symptoms, and a physical exam. Your doctor may also order additional tests, such as blood and imaging tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

What are the available treatment options for Parkinson's disease?

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are treatments available to manage the symptoms. Treatment options include:

●     Medications: Medications can help to increase dopamine levels in the brain and reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Some common medications used to treat Parkinson's disease include levodopa, carbidopa, dopamin agonists and amantadine.

●     Advanced treatment such as Deep brain stimulation (DBS): DBS is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in the brain. These electrodes deliver electrical impulses to the brain to help control Parkinson's symptoms.

●     Physical therapy and exercise: Physical therapy and exercise can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance in people with Parkinson's disease.

Are there any lifestyle changes or exercises that can help to manage Parkinson's symptoms?

In addition to medical treatment, there are a number of lifestyle changes and exercises that can help to manage Parkinson's symptoms. These include:

●     Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help to improve energy levels and reduce the risk of complications from Parkinson's disease.

●     Getting regular exercise: Regular exercise can help to improve flexibility, strength, and balance in people with Parkinson's disease.

●     Getting enough sleep: Getting enough sleep can help to improve mood and reduce fatigue in people with Parkinson's disease.

●     Managing stress: Stress can worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, it is important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and spending time with loved ones.

If you have any concerns about Parkinson's disease, please talk to your doctor. They can help you to assess your risk, diagnose the disorder, and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

If you would like to book a consultation with Dr Francesca Mastrolilli, you can do so today via her Top Doctors profile.