Parkinson’s disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that mostly affects middle – aged and elderly people. Due to age – related changes or other factors, dopamine – producing neurons in the central nervous system gradually degenerate. Without appropriate measures, this can lead to Parkinson’s disease, severely restricting patients’ motor abilities and significantly affecting their quality of life. Understanding the specific symptoms and treatment methods of Parkinson’s disease is essential for patients and their families. If certain symptoms occur frequently, it may be necessary to seek medical advice as soon as possible to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.
I. Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
1. Motor Symptoms
Tremors are one of the typical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. They usually manifest as rhythmic shaking in the fingers, wrists, chin, or feet. The most common type is resting tremor, which occurs when the body is at rest and decreases or disappears during movement. At the same time, patients’ muscles become rigid, and limb movement is restricted, often accompanied by pain, which is more prominent at the joints.
In terms of dynamic impacts, patients’ movements become slow and uncoordinated. Simple actions such as getting up, turning around, and walking take a longer time to complete. Their balance ability also deteriorates, making them prone to falls. When walking, their gait is unsteady, the stride length shortens, and they often assume a forward – leaning posture. The gait is usually characterized by small, quick steps, dragging feet, and difficulty in making flexible turns. In severe cases, a freezing gait may occur.
2. Non – motor Symptoms
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, the patient’s nerve – control ability gradually weakens, and symptoms such as constipation, urinary difficulties, abnormal sweating, and problems with body – temperature regulation may appear. Mentally, patients often experience difficulties falling asleep, frequent nightmares at night, early awakening, and excessive daytime sleepiness. They may also show symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive impairment. Some patients may even experience hallucinations and delusions.
When the disease advances to a certain stage, patients may suffer from a reduced sense of smell, unexplained pain, and abnormal sensations such as burning or tingling. These symptoms greatly affect the patient’s mental state.
II. Treatment Methods
Even with modern medicine, there is no guarantee of a complete cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, through a combination of medication, surgery, and lifestyle adjustments, symptoms can be effectively alleviated, and the patient’s quality of life can be improved.
1. Medication
Currently, levodopa is the gold – standard drug for treating Parkinson’s disease. By replenishing the dopamine deficiency in the brain, it can directly relieve motor symptoms. This type of drug is often used in combination with carbidopa or benserazide to enhance efficacy and reduce adverse reactions.
Dopamine receptor agonists like pramipexole and ropinirole can directly stimulate dopamine receptors, increasing their sensitivity to dopamine. They can be used in combination with monoamine oxidase – B inhibitors. Monoamine oxidase – B inhibitors can inhibit the breakdown of dopamine, thus prolonging its effect and alleviating the condition.
2. Surgery
Nowadays, surgical treatment is also commonly used to address Parkinson’s disease. For example, deep – brain stimulation (DBS) is a minimally invasive procedure. Electrodes are implanted into specific parts of the brain, and electrical stimulation is used to regulate brain activity and relieve motor symptoms. DBS has a significant effect on tremors, muscle stiffness, and bradykinesia. However, it also has certain surgical risks, so careful consideration is needed before undergoing the procedure.
In conclusion, Parkinson’s disease can be alleviated through comprehensive treatment. Ultimately, early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing Parkinson’s disease. Patients at risk should visit the doctor regularly to seize the golden treatment period.