Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative neurological disorder that affects specific cells in the brain that are commonly associated with aging and are thought to affect people over 60 years of age. Classical clinical picture of slow running activities with hand tremors, hand stiffness and forward posture. For a retired or retiring person, this may not be an impending threat but if they are infected with this slowly progressive disease they can certainly compromise its quality. Physical dependence and complications such as falls, memory loss and mood problems may increase with the duration of the disease, which ultimately creates a burden on the caregiver. However, did you know that Parkinson’s can occur at a young age?
Young-onset Parkinson’s or YOPD: What is it?
Myth that Parkinson’s is a disease for the elderly may not always be true. Many neurologists have recently diagnosed Parkinson’s disease in young people under the age of 50. In a detailed conversation with Dr. Venkataraman Karthikeyan, Consultant Neurologist, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai, he said, And early onset (40-50 years). Young onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) contributes 5-10% of the total PD to the community. The apparent increase in community YOPD may be due to multiple reasons. “
Also read: MRI scans can detect and treat tremors caused by Parkinson’s disease
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
In the early stages of Parkinson’s the symptoms gradually become apparent. Starting from the distortion of facial expressions, then your hand / arm cannot move while walking and finally your tongue starts to stutter. Symptoms worsen over time as your condition improves. The main symptoms of the disease are:
- Trembling
- Slow motion
- Rigid muscles
- Disability balance
- Leaning posture
- Late reflection
- Speech change
- Changes in writing
- Bladder problems and constipation
- Sleep problems and disorders
Causes of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects all the basic functions of the mind and body. There are not many causes of the disease but primarily;
- Gene: Researchers have discovered and identified a genetic mutation that carries Parkinson’s disease from one generation to another. This is a big reason why it runs in and through a family.
- Climate change: This is a relatively small cause because a person may suffer from Parkinson’s disease but may have an increased risk of environmental changes and exposure to certain toxins.
- Age: Age plays a very important role in coping with this disease. Parkinson’s usually begins later in life. It is more likely to hit a person in his early 50’s or late 60’s.
Parkinson’s risk factors
Awareness of the disease is growing in the community, and early diagnosis can result from general well-being, medical coverage provided by most employers, and easy access to medical facilities. Nevertheless, unhealthy lifestyle, early stroke, insomnia, and excessive exposure to pesticides are considered risk factors that can be avoided.
Thus a YOPD patient needs at least 30-40 years of medical care. Most of these patients can lead a comfortable life when they are cared for by a medical team. Medicine primarily involves exercise programs, gut and bladder care, mental well-being and fall prevention programs designed and designed by neurologists, physiotherapists, psychologists and other specialists. Deep brain stimulation surgery for selected and / or critically ill patients is performed by a neurosurgeon. Surgery is proven to give a highly satisfactory quality of life.
Also read: If you take antibiotics regularly, you are at risk for Parkinson’s
Prevention of Parkinson’s disease
Although Parkinson’s cannot be cured, medications can significantly improve your symptoms. Doctors often recommend surgery to control certain areas of your brain and improve your symptoms.
Proven ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease remain a mystery. However, regular aerobic exercise can reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Experts say that those who consume caffeine in the form of coffee, tea and cola are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who do not drink at all. Green tea is associated with a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. However, there is currently not enough evidence that the claim protects against Parkinson’s.
A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise and limited or no alcohol and smoking will keep all health risks away. Prevention is good and a remedy and it is not too late to fix it.
(Input from Dr. Venkataraman Karthikeyan, Consultant Neurologist, Gleneagles Global Health City, Chennai)
Image Credit – Fripic
Written by Tania Srivastava, Sub Editor