Parkinson’s Disease - Patient Handout
Parkinson's disease is a chronic brain disorder that progressively destroys the nerve cells responsible for movement, resulting in tremors, rigidity, and slowness of movement. Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with the progressive loss of nerve cells leading to a decline in functional movement over time.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease ?
The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:
· Tremors or rhythmic shaking
· Slow movement
· Stiff muscles
· Impaired posture and balance
· No longer blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk
· Speech variations
· Difficulty writing
Make an appointment with your primary care doctor if you notice any of the symptoms above.
As the disease progresses, you may notice additional symptoms, like:
· Thinking problems (e.g. dementia and cognitive difficulties)
· Depression and emotional variations
· Swallowing problems
· Drooling
· Chewing and eating issues
· Sleep issues
· Rapid eye movement
· Bladder changes
· Constipation
· Blood pressure variations
· Smelling issues
· Fatigue
· Pain
· Sexual changes
What causes Parkinson’s disease ?
The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is still unknown, but scientists believe a combination of factors may be at play.
Factors that could cause Parkinson’s disease include:
· Genetic factors. Genetic mutations in certain genes can increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
· Environmental factors (exposure to certain toxins). Exposure to toxins like pesticides and herbicides may be a contributing environmental factor in Parkinson's disease.
· Brain changes. Changes occur in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease including the presence of Lewy bodies. Within Lewy bodies is a protein called Alpha-synuclein, found in a clumped form that cells are unable to break down. This protein has been found in the spinal fluid of people who go on to develop Parkinson’s disease.
What are the risk factors for Parkinson’s disease ?
Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include:
· Age . Parkinson’s disease usually begins later in life around the age of 60 or older. The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases as you age.
· Heredity. If you have a close relation with Parkinson’s disease your risk of developing the condition increases as well.
· Sex. If you are male your chance of developing Parkinson’s disease is higher than if you are female.
· Exposure to toxins. Exposure to toxins like herbicides and pesticides may increase your risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Can you prevent Parkinson’s disease?
At this time, there is no proven way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. This is because the cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known. However, there are treatments available to reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve overall quality of life. Check out the treatment options below.
How do you get diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease?
A neurologist, a type of doctor trained in nervous system conditions like Parkinson’s disease, will diagnose you based on your medical history, symptoms, a neurological exam, and a physical exam.
Your neurologist or other member of your care team will try to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms. To do this they may order lab tests (e.g. blood tests) or imaging tests (e.g. MRI). Imaging tests do not help diagnose Parkinson’s disease but they can help rule out other potential diseases or disorders.
Another way to test to see if you have Parkinson’s disease is to be prescribed a Parkinson’s disease drug like Rytary or Sinemet. If your symptoms improve on this medicine then it will help determine your diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Your doctor will determine a suitable treatment plan and provide information if this is a treatment option for you.
It can take time to diagnose Parkinson’s disease accurately.
What is the treatment for Parkinson’s disease?
Right now, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s disease . Treatment works to address the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and improve patient’s quality of life.
Treatment recommendations can include:
· Medications to control symptoms
· Surgery to control symptoms in advanced cases
· Aerobic exercise to reduce symptoms
· Physical therapy to address balance and gait
· Speech therapy to address voice changes such as soft and low voice
· Occupational therapy to address changing abilities to complete tasks of daily living such as bathing and dressing
Medications for Parkinson’s disease are helpful with problems related to walking, movement, and tremor. If you have Parkinson’s disease you have low levels of dopamine in the brain. Many of the medications prescribed increase dopamine or are a dopamine substitute.
There is one surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation used to treat Parkinson’s disease. During this procedure a surgeon implants electrodes into a specific part of your brain. The electrodes connect to a generator placed in the chest. This generator sends electrical pulses to the brain and can help reduce symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Deep brain stimulation is usually presented as an option for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. Usually to people who have erratic responses to levodopa medications.
Another treatment option is an MRI-guided focused ultrasound. It’s a minimally invasive treatment option that can help manage tremors.
What are lifestyle recommendations for Parkinson’s disease?
While Parkinson's disease presents challenges, incorporating specific lifestyle changes can significantly improve daily life and well-being. If you or someone close to you has Parkinson’s disease, these tips can help to improve your quality of life:
· Eat Healthy. Eat a healthy high fiber diet and drinking plenty of water can help prevent constipation. A common side effect of Parkinson’s disease.
· Exercise Regularly. Exercise can improve your balance, strength and flexibility. Parkinson’s disease can impact your sense of balance and your ability to walk.
· Avoid falling. Tips to avoid falling include:
o Make a U-turn while walking instead of pivoting
o Spread your weight evenly between both feet
o Don’t lean
o Don’t carry things while you walk
o Don’t walk backward
Your doctor may recommend you see an occupational, physical, or speech therapist to help with the progressive nature of Parkinson’s disease. You can also ask your doctor to make a referral to one of the providers below.
· Occupational therapist. See an occupational therapist if you need help with daily living activities (e.g. dressing, eating, bathing, and writing)
· Physical therapist. See a physical therapist if you need help with muscle strength, flexibility, and balance
· Speech therapist. See a speech therapist if you need help with speech difficulties (e.g. slow, weak voice, slurred speech, soft voice with little expression, inappropriate silences, and difficulty with consonants)
What are some alternative remedies for Parkinson’s disease?
While medication is a mainstay of Parkinson's treatment, there are also complementary approaches that can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These alternative remedies may be helpful for people with Parkinson’s disease:
· Massage. Getting a massage can help reduce muscle tension and help you relax.
· Tai chi. Tai chi is a form of Chinese exercise that can help increase your flexibility, balance, and strength. Tai chi might help you prevent a fall.
· Yoga. A form of exercise that can help you improve your balance and flexibility.
· The Alexander technique. This technique can help you with muscle posture, balance, and thinking about how you use muscles.
· Meditation. Mindfulness can help you reduce stress and pain.
· Pet therapy. Pet therapy may help your flexibility, movement, and emotional health.
· Relaxation techniques. Different relaxation techniques can help to decrease your blood pressure, heart rate, and increase your muscle tone.
What are some tips on how to cope with Parkinson’s disease?
While Parkinson's disease can present daily challenges, here are some tips for coping with a chronic illness and living a fulfilling life. Look into:
· Support groups. Support groups are communities that can provide resources for practical information about Parkinson’s disease and provide a place for you to find others who are going through a comparable situation.
o Find a support group through:
your doctor, social worker, or public health nurse or
contact the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Parkinson’s Disease Association
· Antidepressants. Medication can help decrease the symptoms of depression as a side effect of a chronic illness. Contact your doctor if you are feeling hopeless or sad more frequently than before.
· Friends and family. Often your friends and family can be a significant form of support.
· Therapy. Talk to a psychologist or social worker trained in addressing chronic illness as another way to cope.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder, but its impact varies. While symptoms may worsen for some, many people effectively manage it for years. Daily activities can be affected, but with treatment, support, and helpful tools, people with Parkinson's can stay active and engaged in life. This could involve strategies for tasks like walking, talking, and eating. As the disease progresses, additional support systems can be explored to maximize independence for as long as possible.
Finding a great doctor and support network is crucial to increasing your quality of life. If you or someone close to you has symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, make an appointment with your primary care doctor. Help is available, and starting early before the disease has time to progress can lead to better outcomes and a higher quality of life.