Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Parkinson’s disease is a complex disorder of the brain that affects multiple physical functions adversely. In Parkinson’s disease, certain nerve cells in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms of the disease are due to the loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger called dopamine in your brain. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity, leading to the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE INCLUDE:

• Shaking/tremors
• Stiffness of the limbs
• Loss of smell or hand movements
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Stooped posture

PREVALENCE OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE:

The prevalence of Parkinson’s disease varies from region to region in the world. An estimated seven to 10 million people have Parkinson's disease worldwide. According to studies, the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease is seen to be found largely in the people belonging to the Amish community of UK.

CAUSES OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE:

Parkinson's is known to cause by a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors.

Though always not hereditary, Individuals with a parent or sibling with Parkinson’s disease have approximately two times the chance of developing the disease.

Environmental factors associated with Parkinson’s disease include frequent head injury, area of residence, exposure to pesticides and more.

Several lifestyle factors have been associated with Parkinson’s disease - especially smoking, use of drugs etc.

TREATMENT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE:

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can be controlled through medicines in the first hand, and in some cases through Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) - a surgical technique that helps ease symptoms of Parkinson’s in some patients.

The leading neurologists at GNRC Hospitals have great experience in dealing patients with Parkinson’s.

A dedicated clinic for Parkinson’s disease is operated every Thursday at the North Guwahati unit of GNRC Hospitals for the convenience of patients. If you or your dear ones are having the symptoms of Parkinson’s, get yourself checked by the neurologists at GNRC for early detection and prompt treatment.

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