What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder caused by an accelerated loss of cells in certain parts of the brain. The degeneration of cells in a small part of the brain, called the substantia nigra, causes a dopamine deficiency in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter; a chemical that is responsible for transmitting signals in between the nerve cells of the brain. A dopamine deficiency leads to symptoms typically associated with Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s complaints and symptoms

Parkinson’s disease is complex and people can experience a range of different complaints. Different patients will never experience the exact same symptoms, but common symptoms include shaking (a tremor), muscle stiffness (rigidity), slowness of movement (bradykinesia) and postural and balance problems. In about 75% of patients affected by Parkinson’s disease, these primary symptoms start on one side of the body. After a little while, these symptoms will start appearing on the other side as well, however, the side that experienced the symptoms first will usually remain the worst affected. These symptoms are often preceded by complaints concerning smell (loss of sense of smell), constipation, depression, insomnia. These early complaints, however, are so non-specific that it hardly ever leads to a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis. 

Aside from the symptoms mentioned above, a whole array of other complaints can potentially result from Parkinson’s such as slowed thinking, loss of sense of smell, insomnia, constipation, mood swings, and change in sex drive. 

Current medication can ease the symptoms of the disease. However, no medication has yet been developed that can cure Parkinson’s disease or slow down its progression. Besides medical treatment, you can also undergo paramedical therapy or, at a more advanced stage, surgical treatment. Parkinson’s doesn’t affect how long you live, but it can change your quality of life.

Parkinson’s prevalence and who it affects

As at 1 January 2011, 28,951 people were known to be affected by Parkinson’s disease (source: Ministry of Health). It is estimated, however, that in reality, the number is at least 2 to 2.5 times higher. Parkinson’s disease affects both men and women and usually manifests itself between the age of 50 and 60. Around 10% of patients is younger than forty.

Risk factors

It isn’t yet understood why the loss of nerve cells in the substantia nigra occurs. Possible causes include brain deterioration due to aging, an amino acid metabolic disorder, or environmental factors such as exposure to certain toxins. Genetics is only in a very small proportion of patients the direct cause for Parkinson’s disease.

Physiotherapy treatment for Parkinson’s disease

You can seek the advice of a physiotherapist for each different stage of Parkinson’s disease. Physiotherapy for patients with Parkinson’s disease is aimed at the prevention, stabilisation or a reduction of mobility problems. It would be wise to see a physiotherapist in the following cases:

• As soon as you’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease; so you can find the right kind of support that helps you deal with any problems you’ve been experiencing because of the disease.
• In case you find it difficult to exercise regularly.
• When you are experiencing walking issues (slowly or hesitantly) or feel like you are glued to the floor (freezing).
• When you have balancing problems and fear of falling.
• When you are experiencing difficulties getting up from a chair, rolling over in bed or getting in or out of a car.
• In case you have any questions about which type of exercise is suitable, how to move safely and about the frequency and intensity of your exercise.

Controlling your symptoms should be a priority. A physiotherapist will help and encourage you to keep active every day and to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Which other physical complaints does FysioCity treats?