Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that disrupts a person's control over their physical movements. Second only to Alzheimer's in terms of prevalence among neurodegenerative diseases, PD affects millions of individuals around the world. Its progressive nature provides the disorder with unique challenges and also opportunities for the further development of approaches to treatment and management.
In this article, we will briefly describe Parkinson’s disease, covering its major symptoms and the significance of early diagnosis, with a particular focus on the role of exercise in preventing its progression.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive disorder of the nervous system. It is characterized by the degeneration of unique nerve cells in the brain. The affected cells are known to produce a special chemical, dopamine. This chemical is responsible for motor control, which is why PD primarily affects movements.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is not properly understood. However, it has been ascertained that genetic and environmental factors are involved. PD is mainly observed in people over 60, including both sexes.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic illness that gradually aggravates with time. Therefore, it is important to familiarize yourself with this disease to prevent its development. Once signs and symptoms are identified early, you can consult a professional and start your treatment. Early treatment is important as it can prevent the worsening of symptoms.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's is characterized by several symptoms, which can be divided into motor and nonmotor symptoms. Familiarizing yourself with these symptoms is important to guarantee early diagnosis and intervention.
Motor Symptoms
Motor symptoms include tremors, which primarily affect your hands. The classical tremors of PD occur mostly at rest, hence called resting tremors. Rigidity or stiffness of the limbs and trunk is another common clinical manifestation. It results in impaired and often painful movements. One of the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s is bradykinesia (slow movements). It can affect daily activities, from walking to buttoning a shirt. Some also complain of postural instability, leading to an increased risk of falls. But, this usually happens in the later stages of the disease.
Nonmotor Symptoms
Nonmotor symptoms, on the other hand, are as significant as motor symptoms but are not easily noticed. Sleep disorders occur frequently in people with Parkinson’s disease. For example, most have difficulty falling and staying asleep. PD also significantly affects a person's memory and higher brain functions such as thinking and reasoning. Some also experience mood disorders, among which depression and anxiety are the most common entities and put a great toll on a person's mental health.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis requires a clinical examination by a qualified neurologist (specialist in brain diseases). It involves assessing the person's medical history, presenting complaints, and physical assessment. Parkinson’s disease does not have a clear-cut diagnostic test. However, an MRI and a specific scan known as DaTscan can help eliminate other possible causes.
Early diagnosis allows the healthcare provider to intervene when the person is still young. Hence, it improves their quality of life and slows the progression of the disease. The first-stage diagnosis helps the person receive treatment when drugs and other interventions have maximum efficacy.
Due to its chronic and progressive nature, the main purpose of the treatment is symptom control. Several medications are prescribed to replace or stimulate dopamine production in the brain, easing motor function. For advanced cases, an invasive procedure such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used, in which electrodes are placed in areas of the brain that help modulate the impulses.
Physical and occupational therapies are also essential. Together with medications and, in some cases, surgery, these two provide a holistic model of treatment for Parkinson’s disease and aim to enhance overall well-being.
The Role of Exercise in Slowing Deterioration
Physical exercise is very important in combating this illness. As mentioned in several clinical studies, exercise can prevent or reduce deficits in motor function and cognitive ability, improving the quality of life in patients with Parkinson’s disease. It also aids in achieving a better density of brain neural connections, which improves memory and higher brain functions.
Different exercise forms are considered useful for patients with Parkinson’s disease. Jogging, cycling, and brisk walking all aim to build strength and resilience in the body. Additionally, yoga, tai chi, balance training, and balance exercises help with coordination and prevent the chances of falling. Moreover, movement therapies have revealed signs of improvement in gait and balance.
It is not easy to add exercise to a daily routine, even more so when the person already has movement problems. Therefore, it is advised to start slow with mild movements and later progress to complete sets of exercises for maximum benefits.
Agado makes this process easier. This innovative platform enables people with PD to engage in exercises from the comfort of their homes anytime, anywhere, using their smartphone or tablet. This flexibility helps them maintain a consistent exercise routine tailored to their needs and preferences.
How to Live with Parkinson's Disease?
Of course, exercise is not the only way to control Parkinson's disease. A balanced diet and eating nutrient-rich foods help to strengthen the body. You cannot do well without social support for your mental health. Interacting with other support groups, family, and friends offers moral support. The brain also needs to be exercised to avoid decline. Therefore, reading, involving in puzzles, or any other hobbies assist in the process. Additionally, Agado offers brain-boosting games designed to train the brain. These games are known to energize your neurons and improve your cognitive function. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are part of support care, which helps patients regain their functionality. Thus, they can perform their day-to-day activities, which in turn enhances the quality of their lives.
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