While Parkinson’s disease is indeed most recognisable for its movement-related symptoms, it is now considered a multisystem disorder. This means it affects much more than just the motor system. Non-motor symptoms can be equally, if not more, troubling.
Understanding the full spectrum of Parkinson’s disease, including its diverse symptoms and treatment options, is crucial for managing the condition effectively.
New Delhi: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive nervous system disorder primarily known for its impact on movement. It typically occurs when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement, are affected, leading to a depletion of an important chemical called dopamine. Despite being a well-known condition, Parkinson’s disease is often misunderstood. Here, we debunk common myths and present the facts.
In an interaction with New9Live, Dr Arindam Ghosh, Consultant Neurologist, Narayana Hospital, Howrah, listed the many myths associated with the condition and shared the facts as well.
Myth 1: Parkinson’s Disease Only Affects Movement
Fact: While Parkinson’s disease is indeed most recognisable for its movement-related symptoms, it is now considered a multisystem disorder. This means it affects much more than just the motor system. Non-motor symptoms can be equally, if not more, troubling. These include:
- Hyposmia (reduced ability to perceive odors)
- Constipation
- Bladder problems including incontinence
- Sleep disturbances like insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and REM sleep behavior disorder (vivid dreams or enacting dreams)
- Psychiatric symptoms such as depression and anxiety
- Fatigue and dementia
These non-motor symptoms significantly contribute to the overall burden of the disease, impacting quality of life and increasing healthcare costs.
Myth 2: All Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Have Tremors
Fact: Tremors are commonly associated with Parkinson’s disease, but not all patients experience them. The most significant symptom is **bradykinesia**, or slowness of movement. This can manifest as slow walking, delayed reactions, a reduced ability to smile, difficulty turning in bed, and challenges with tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as writing or playing an instrument. Although many patients do experience tremors, which typically worsen at rest and affect the limbs, Parkinson’s disease can sometimes present without noticeable tremors. Additionally, not all tremors indicate Parkinson’s disease; other conditions like anxiety, thyroid disorders, essential tremor, and multiple sclerosis can also cause tremors.
Myth 3: Medications Are the Only Therapeutic Option
Fact: Medications, especially Levodopa, are crucial in managing Parkinson’s disease as they help restore dopamine levels in the brain. However, they are not the only treatment option. Advanced therapies like **Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)**, used globally for over two decades, can be effective for advanced cases where medications no longer suffice. DBS involves implanting electrodes in the brain to function like a pacemaker, but for the brain instead of the heart.
Additionally, non-pharmacological interventions can play a significant role in managing the disease. Regular exercise (at least 2.5 hours a week), yoga, Tai Chi, music therapy, and adhering to a Mediterranean diet can all contribute to slowing the progression of symptoms and improving overall well-being.
Myth 4: Parkinson’s Disease Is Fatal
Fact: Parkinson’s disease itself is not directly fatal like a stroke, heart attack, or cancer. However, it is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that can severely affect quality of life. As the disease advances, patients become more susceptible to falls, which can lead to serious injuries such as head trauma, fractures, and dislocations. Infections, particularly respiratory infections, become more common and can increase morbidity and mortality rates in the later stages of the disease.
Myth 5: Parkinson’s Disease Only Affects the Elderly
Fact: While Parkinson’s disease is more common in people over the age of 50, up to 10% of patients are diagnosed before the age of 40, a condition known as **Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease (YOPD)**. These younger patients often have a higher likelihood of a genetic component to their disease and may experience different challenges, including more pronounced non-motor symptoms and complications from medications. Men are more frequently affected by YOPD compared to women.
Understanding the full spectrum of Parkinson’s disease, including its diverse symptoms and treatment options, is crucial for managing the condition effectively. By dispelling these common myths, we can build a more comprehensive approach to care and support for those living with Parkinson’s disease.
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