How to cure Parkinson Disease- edited by Aishee Biswas

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that progressively affects the motor system in the human body. It is chronic in nature and typically occurs in people over the age of 60. The condition is caused by the degeneration of neurons in the brain, resulting in a deficiency of dopamine.

 

Parkinson's disease affects approximately 1% of the population over the age of 80 and its incidence increases with age. Although it is more commonly diagnosed in older adults, it can also occur in younger people, with less than 5% of cases reported in individuals under the age of 40. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease progressively worse, but the rate of progression can differ significantly among individuals.

 

What are the symptoms of this disease? 

Parkinson's disease primarily affects movement and causes slowness and stiffness of body movements, including gait. The disease usually starts on one side of the body and gradually progresses to the other side. In the majority of cases, around 90%, Parkinson's disease worsens over time, while only 10% of individuals have mild symptoms. After 4 to 5 years of medical treatment, individuals with Parkinson's disease typically develop motor complications such as fluctuations and hallucinations.

 

The functional consequences of Parkinson's disease can impact an individual's employability, ability to write, and drive. Additionally, non-motor symptoms such as sleeping disorders, pain, depression, anxiety, constipation, and dementia can vary depending on the stage of the illness and should be addressed with the help of specialists if necessary. It is also important for families to provide mental and physical support to individuals with Parkinson's disease, as they may require assistance with daily activities such as managing medication schedules and eating due to difficulty swallowing food.

 

How can one cure it?

Levodopa and levodopa-like medications have been the primary treatment for Parkinson's disease for more than half a century. Regular monitoring is necessary to assess disease progression and adjust medication as required. If medication efficacy decreases or wears off more quickly, alternative treatments, such as deep brain stimulation, may be considered.

 

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure recommended for individuals with Parkinson's disease who do not respond well to medication. The procedure involves implanting electrodes in the brain that are connected to a device that sends electrical impulses to the brain. This treatment can reduce many of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as tremors, slow movement, and rigidity. Deep brain stimulation can help to improve motor symptoms and lessen the need for medication. It is a widely accepted therapy and a standard of care for Parkinson's disease patients with motor complications, approved and performed around the world. This treatment can lead to significant improvements in patients' quality of life by effectively managing many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease.