Thursday, April 11, 2024, will be celebrated as World Parkinson’s Day this year. Parkinson’s disease degenerates brain nerve cells. This disorder usually affects movement but can harm health. Though successful medicines and management can enhance quality of life, Parkinson’s has no cure.
Parkinson’s symptoms:
Motor and non-motor symptoms characterize Parkinson’s.
Motor Issues:
Most frequent is restless limb shaking, or tremor. There are many types and severity of tremors.
Bradykinesia: Slow movement complicates dressing and writing.
Rigidity: Muscle lack of suppleness can immobilize the body.
Lack of balance and coordination increases fall risk.
Non-motor symptoms:
Parkinson’s patients often have depression and anxiety.
Memory loss, slow thinking, and focus challenges can result from cognitive decline.
Common sleep issues: insomnia, restlessness.
It may weaken, slur, or monotone.
Constipation is common.
Problems with bladder control can occur.
Men and women can have libido troubles.
Parkinson’s disease progresses differently in each person. Fast or slow symptom progression. The severity of symptoms can vary.
Busting Parkinson’s Disease Myths
Parkinson’s disease myths worry sufferers and families. Common myths debunked:
Myth #1: Parkinson’s is incurable.
There is no cure, but numerous therapies help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. They include medications, DBS surgery, physical, occupational, and speech therapy.
Myth #2: Parkinson’s always causes tremors.
Not everyone with Parkinson’s gets tremors. Other movement-related symptoms may predominate.
Myth #3: Parkinson’s patients shouldn’t exercise.
Parkinson’s requires frequent activity. Strength, coordination, balance, and flexibility improve. A medical professional must help design a safe and successful fitness routine.
Myth #4: Head trauma causes Parkinson’s.
Head injuries may increase Parkinson’s risk, but they are not the main reason. Environmental and genetic factors are likely to blame.
Myth #5: Parkinson’s is always inherited.
Most Parkinson’s cases are not hereditary, however some genetic variants increase risk. Environment and family history can increase risk.
Living Well with Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s diagnosis is alarming but hopeful. By customizing medication, neurologist and other healthcare experts can help patients manage symptoms and enhance quality of life.
Some additional Parkinson’s lifestyle tips:
Stay informed: Discover the condition and treatment alternatives.
Join support groups: Knowing other Parkinson’s patients helps.
Healthy lifestyle: Exercise, food, and sleep increase health.
Practice yoga, meditation, and deep breathing to reduce stress.
Ask for aid: Daily duties may need help as the illness worsens.
Parkinson’s disease is difficult to deal with, but proper treatment and a positive outlook can help.
