Sharing information about the main symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention methods of Parkinson's disease.

We aim to learn about the main symptoms, causes, and treatment methods of Parkinson's disease, which inevitably affects everyone due to aging, and to explore ways to prevent Parkinson's disease.

In addition, due to the increased incidence of age-related diseases such as dementia caused by Parkinson's disease, we aim to explore appropriate prevention methods.

 

What is Parkinson's disease

 

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that occurs when there is a deficiency in dopamine secretion within the nervous system.

However, compared to age-related diseases such as dementia or stroke, the detection is often late, and by the time abnormal symptoms are noticed and the patient visits the hospital, Parkinson's disease may already be in an advanced stage.

 

In most cases of initial symptoms, it is often difficult to recognize the condition early because many people perceive them as natural signs of aging rather than a disease.

 

Parkinson's disease primarily affects the central nervous system, and as dopamine-producing neurons in the brain are damaged, symptoms such as slow movement, muscle rigidity, and tremors are observed.

 

The exact cause of the decrease in dopamine secretion, which is a type of nerve cell, has not been clearly identified, but most experts mainly cite genetic and environmental factors. Recently, there are also many opinions that it is caused by pesticides or heavy metals.

It is also believed that the reduction of brain cells due to aging may be one of the causes of Parkinson's disease.

 

Main symptoms of Parkinson's disease

 

In the case of Parkinson's disease, it is often considered a natural degeneration due to aging, making early detection difficult. However, if multiple symptoms overlap, it is recommended to seek medical treatment for an accurate diagnosis, as this is the way to achieve early detection.

 

Slow movement

In the case of Parkinson's disease, individuals typically exhibit slower movements and sluggish behavior. Not only their actions but also their speech and thinking processes often become slower.

Additionally, it is said that eating, dressing, and walking become much slower.

 

Muscle rigidity and tremors

In the case of Parkinson's disease, it is often said that muscle rigidity causes movements to become sluggish.

Stiffness appears in the joints of the limbs and causes pain, so in many cases, it is mistaken for arthritis caused by aging.

Due to this muscle rigidity, arm movements may become dull or stiff while walking, leading to a loss of balance.

 

Posture instability

In cases of Parkinson's disease, it is common for patients to have difficulty maintaining balance, often resulting in stooped shoulders.

Additionally, falls are frequent due to postural instability.

 

Language and no expression

In the case of Parkinson's disease, not only do actions slow down, but speech also often becomes slower and less accurate.

Facial muscles are also stiff, and in the case of Parkinson's disease, it is often called a "mask face."

 

In addition to these typical symptoms, it is also reported that various other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders may also be observed.

It is also said that many people experience abnormal symptoms such as constipation, orthostatic hypotension, and loss of smell.

Treatment of Parkinson's disease

 

Most treatments for Parkinson's disease involve supplementing deficient dopamine or prescribing medications to enhance the effects of existing dopamine.

Additionally, most symptoms of abnormality are managed with symptomatic treatment.

 

Levodopa and dopamine agonists, which are treatments for Parkinson's disease, are mainly used. However, long-term use of these medications can lead to side effects such as motor complications, hallucinations, and impulse control disorders, so long-term medication use is generally not recommended.

 

Therefore, it is said that supplementing essential nutrients that help with Parkinson's disease and engaging in proper exercise before the onset of Parkinson's disease can help in its prevention.

Preparing for a healthy old age through a healthy diet, aerobic exercise, strength training, and stretching is said to help prevent Parkinson's disease.

 

I believe that instead of relying solely on medication for Parkinson's disease, we should actively address age-related diseases like Parkinson's through appropriate exercise and a healthy diet.