A neurodegenerative disorder, Parkinson’s disease affects almost four million people worldwide. This disease involves the progressive deterioration of your bodily and motor functions because the dopamine-producing cells in your brain get affected.
Most common Parkinson’s disease symptoms:
The problem with Parkinson’s disease is that it is hard to say that you are affected because most of the symptoms associated with this disease are common to other diseases, as well as old age. By the time the doctors diagnose these symptoms, patients would have lost over 60% to 80% of the brain cells that produce dopamine. Here are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:
Are there any treatments?
Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, but here are a few treatments that can help maintain the quality of life and increase or mimic the dopamine content in your brain. There are a few medications like Carbidopa-levodopa, Dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, and Tolcapone. They can help prevent a few symptoms of Parkinson’s, and some of them can convert into dopamine as well.
Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure that involves the implantation of electrodes in your brain. These electrodes are then connected to your chest, next to your collarbone, to a generator. Electric pulses will be sent to your brain, and Parkinson’s disease symptoms will reduce. However, this procedure comes along with risks like stroke, brain infection, and hemorrhage.
How to take care of someone who is suffering?
Watching your loved one suffer from any disease is heart-wrenching. Parkinson’s disease is one of those diseases that interferes with the quality of life progressively. Taking care of the patient and helping them cope can make it easier for both you and your loved one.
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