I will share my experience with the symptoms and treatment process of Parkinson's disease.

Since Parkinson's disease is a common age-related illness, I will discuss the importance of early treatment and share experiences regarding the various symptoms and treatment process of Parkinson's disease.

I will also share my experience regarding the treatment process of a relative's Parkinson's disease and the risks associated with missing the early stages.

 

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by damage or destruction of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra of our midbrain.

Parkinson's disease causes a deficiency in dopamine, which plays an important role in regulating our body's movements, leading to various motor disorders.

 

Most cases of Parkinson's disease are classified as idiopathic, and researchers are investigating environmental factors and genetic factors as potential causes, but a definitive cause has not yet been identified.

Therefore, there are also views that consider environmental toxins and mitochondrial dysfunction as causes.

 

The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease include hand tremors, muscle rigidity, slowed movements, and postural instability. These symptoms can cause significant discomfort in daily life, but they are often overlooked as signs of aging.

 

In the case of Parkinson's disease, early and rapid treatment can often lead to a complete cure, so I believe that prompt response is more important than anything else.

 

In the case of Parkinson's disease, in addition to motor symptoms, various non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbances, depression, and cognitive decline also appear, so I believe that attention from those around is important.

 

Above all, I believe that actively pursuing treatment when initial symptoms appear, rather than dismissing them as aging, is an important way to alleviate symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

 

Most of the treatment process for Parkinson's disease mainly involves dopamine replacement therapy.

In addition, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are used together to alleviate symptoms.

 

My relative is very elderly, so when the symptoms first appeared, they thought it was due to aging and ignored it.

They thought that drooling, spilling food, and trembling hands were natural symptoms of aging and simply overlooked them.

After becoming less active and experiencing a series of fractures, I underwent a detailed examination at Yonsei Neurosurgery and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

However, since Parkinson's disease has already progressed significantly, it was advised that you should be satisfied with taking medication to reduce major discomfort.

Although I was prescribed to quit smoking and drinking and to exercise regularly, it was not easy, and before six months had passed, I was diagnosed with dementia.

 

Since Parkinson's disease is not a natural symptom of aging, I believe that proper management through a healthy diet and regular exercise can sufficiently protect us from Parkinson's disease.