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October 13, 2024
Parkinson’s disease is a condition caused by the progressive loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls movement and as the cells that produce this chemical messenger die so the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease although medications and interventions do exist that may help patients manage symptoms and enjoy improved quality of life after diagnosis.
An early diagnosis of this neurodegenerative disease can make a huge difference in how it impacts the diagnosed individual and their family and work life.
As the condition normally develops in older adults, the majority of people with
Parkinson’s disease have already retired from work but the symptoms are no less debilitating.
Tremor
Slowness (particularly in terms of ‘getting going’ after periods of rest)
Muscle and joint stiffness
Problems with balance and gait
Muscle cramps
Fatigue
Soft (quieting) speech
Handwriting problems
Postural changes (particularly stooping)
Constipation
Disturbed sleep patterns
Many of these symptoms may be misread at first as simply part of ageing and so it can take some time before a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is reached.
Once the disease is suspected, patients are normally referred to a neurologist for further assessment.
Tests to determine the activity of dopamine-producing cells will be carried out, along with a full physical examination and medical history, and a range of tests to rule out other possible conditions.
The good news is that even after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, patients can live well with the condition for many years.
A range of therapies can help in managing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, and there is considerable funding for research into new treatments, including the potential for stem cell therapy for Parkinson’s disease and new drugs to preserve dopamine-producing cells.
While some patients benefit from surgery for Parkinson’s disease, most use a combination of the following types of intervention to help them manage symptoms:
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy
Exercise
Dietary modifications
There is no set timetable for the onset and progress of Parkinson’s disease symptoms, although each patient experiences a gradual extension of symptoms over time.
Motor symptoms (i.e. problems with movement) are usually the first signs of the illness, with non-motor symptoms including depression, sexual dysfunction, cognitive changes and difficulties swallowing and speaking developing later in most patients.
Although every persons individual experience of Parkinsons disease is unique there are some general tenets in Parkinson’s management to help maintain and improve quality of life.
This involves taking a holistic approach and considering how all aspects of care work together to enhance enjoyment of life and to enhance engagement in daily activities for each patient.
Involving the family, friends, colleagues, and carers in the process of assisting someone with Parkinson’s disease is vital in lifting the burden from the patient themselves.
This is, of course, in addition to the involvement of medical professionals such as a neurologist, family physician, a Parkinson’s nurse specialist, psychiatrist or psychologist, physiotherapist, speech language therapist, dietician, social worker, and other allied health professionals such as an urologist.
It is important that those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, as well as concerned family members are able to access evidence-based information from reputable sources and to have their questions answered in a timely manner.
Often, it is the patient’s family physician that can best provide reassurance and guidance, and there is also the Parkinson’s Society, and even local support groups at many community centres.
When, how, and who to disclose the condition to is up to the individual patient and it is essential to realise that there can be a process of grief, denial, anger and frustration involved in coming to terms with the reality of Parkinson’s disease.
Letting close friends and relatives know early on can be a significant relief and lead to substantial support.
It may also help to begin a resource file to keep to hand all pertinent information on available support, medications, test results, important phone numbers and appointment times.
Keeping a medical journal of symptoms and medications may be helpful in determining the appropriate use of drugs to manage Parkinson’s disease.
Difficulties in daily life with Parkinson’s disease may result in important decisions about the future being delayed or postponed, but it is vital that proper plans for care are put in place while energy levels and cognitive capacity are intact.
This may include legal and estate planning, and the creation of a contingency plan at work to account for alterations in ability as the disease progresses.
Perhaps most importantly, those living with Parkinson’s disease are advised to stay active, stay social, and to eat and live well.
Keeping the mind busy, even learning new skills, and ensuring a healthy diet with plenty of wholefoods, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes and pulses can all help in reducing the impact of the condition.
Some patients may need dietary modifications to cope with eating challenges such as difficulties swallowing and chewing and a referral to a dietitian is usually requested in such cases.
Staying active physically also helps counteract not only muscle loss and coordination issues but also social isolation and depression, as well as stress related to life with a chronic disease such as Parkinson’s.
It is of utmost importance to focus on enjoyment of life and maximizing quality of life.