What is Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms?

What you need to know:

Parkinson’s is a disease which affects the brain causing problems related to movement and later mental function. It often attacks people over the age of 60 and is more common in men than in women. There is a less common form of the disease which attacks younger people even in their 20s and 30s.

There are certain things we have come to expect as we age. Your body gets slower, it takes you a little longer to think things through and get things done, your posture begins to stoop and you tend to forget more easily.

However, few of us pause to think that these features may not necessarily be due to old age but instead could be the symptoms of a disease.

Parkinson’s disease is very well- known in Europe and America with lots of research and funding going into finding its cure. The same cannot be said of Parkinson’s awareness in Kenya.

Most people I interact with have never even heard of the disease. They assume their problems are as a result of old age and are often surprised to find out that their symptoms can actually be relieved with proper treatment.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s is a disease which affects the brain causing problems related to movement and later mental function. It often attacks people over the age of 60 and is more common in men than in women. It also tends to be more common in some families than in others. There is a less common form of the disease which attacks younger people even in their 20s and 30s.

What to do if you suspect someone you love has Parkinson’s?

Visit a neurologist for a full medical examination. Usually Parkinson’s is diagnosed by clinical features, however, the doctor may need to do various tests to rule out other health issues. Once the diagnosis of Parkinson’s has been made, the person will be started on a course of treatment and given other coping mechanisms to deal with day-to-day life.

Is there a cure for Parkinson’s?

Unfortunately, no. Parkinson’s is a progressively degenerative disease meaning you slowly get worse with time. People with advanced Parkinson’s disease often find themselves confined to a wheelchair and needing constant help to get along with daily activities such as eating and dressing.

What is the treatment available?

There are several different types of medication available on prescription to help control the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. In addition, there are other forms of supportive treatment such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. In special cases, brain surgery has been performed with very good results.

Which famous people have the disease?

Retired boxer Mohammed Ali, the late Pope John Paul II, American actor Michael J Fox, former Chinese communist leader Mao and Evangelist Billy Graham.

What are the features of Parkinson’s disease?

Tremor: It usually begins in one of the limbs, often affecting the hand or fingers. It then progressively moves to the other limbs and the head. Usually the tremor is easily seen in the hand when it is at rest.
Slowed movement: Although it is normal to slow down as we age, Parkinson’s disease greatly reduces your ability to move and makes simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. It also causes the person to drag their feet as they move and take shorter steps. Simple day-to-day activities such as getting out of bed or out of a chair become a challenge.
Speech changes: The disease causes one to slur, speak softly or hesitate before talking. One also tends to talk in monotone.
Thinking difficulties: As it progresses, one develops thinking and reasoning problems with eventual dementia.
Depression, anxiety and other emotional changes: People with Parkinson’s disease often get personality changes with associated mental health problems such as depression, hallucinations and anxiety. They also experience unexpected fears, loss of motivation and paranoia.
Stooped posture and poor balance: Those with the disease may notice their posture gradually becoming stooped. They also have problems maintaining their balance as they walk and tend to fall often (especially when they are making turns). They also tend not to swing their hands as they walk.
Stiff muscles: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body and cause the person pain. It is, however, more common in the legs.
Swallowing problems: People with advanced Parkinson’s disease may experience difficulties with swallowing. A constant irritation for them is the accumulation of saliva in the mouth leading to drooling.
Sleep problems: Common sleep problems in people with Parkinson’s disease include waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early or falling asleep during the day.
Loss of facial expression: People with Parkinson’s disease are often accused of having blank facial expressions as they have a decreased ability to perform routine activities such as blinking or smiling. They also tend not to gesture as they talk.
Bladder problems: The disease may cause bladder problems, including being unable to control urine (incontinence) or having difficulty urinating.
Smell problems: They may also have difficulty identifying certain smells or the difference between odours.
Writing changes: Writing becomes difficult and may appear small.
Constipation: Many people with Parkinson’s disease develop constipation, thought to be mainly due to a slower digestive tract.
Weight loss: It is not unusual for patient’s with Parkinson’s disease to have unexpected (and unplanned) weight loss.
Unexplained fatigue: A lot of people also report low energy levels and easily experience fatigue (even with low levels of activity).
Sexual dysfunction: Most people notice a marked decrease in sexual desire or performance.
Blood pressure issues: They may sometimes feel dizzy or light-headed when they stand up after lying down due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.