The Sunday News
Lee-Anne Hall
Introduction
UNFORTUNATELY, in African countries when people more especially older adults present with a tremor (shaking) it’s regarded as normal. Parkinsons disease is a condition mainly seen in the older population and mainly affects the way a person moves. Tremor will be the first symptom one notices in most cases.
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease affects the way you move. It happens when there is a problem with certain nerve cells in the brain.
Normally, these nerve cells make an important chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to the part of your brain that controls movement. It lets your muscles move smoothly and do what you want them to do. When you have Parkinson’s, these nerve cells break down. Then you no longer have enough dopamine, and you have trouble moving the way you want to.
Parkinson’s is progressive, which means it gets worse over time. But usually this happens slowly, over many years.
And there are good treatments that can help you live a full life.
No one knows for sure what makes these nerve cells break down. But scientists are doing a lot of research to look for the answer. They are studying many possible causes, including aging and poisons in the environment.
Abnormal genes seem to lead to Parkinson’s disease in some people. But so far, there is not enough proof to show that it is always inherited.
How does it present??
– Tremor, which means shaking or trembling. Tremor may affect your hands, arms, or legs.
– Stiff muscles.
– Slow movement.
– Problems with balance or walking.
Tremor may be the first symptom you notice. It’s one of the most common signs of the disease, although not everyone has it.
More importantly, not everyone with a tremor has Parkinson’s disease.
The tremor often starts in just one arm or leg or on only one side of the body. It may be worse when you are awake but not moving the affected arm or leg. It may get better when you move the limb or you are asleep.
In time, Parkinson’s affects muscles all through your body, so it can lead to problems like trouble swallowing or constipation. Which is why in most cases these patients work a lot with Speech therapists and dieticians.
In the later stages of the disease, a person with Parkinson’s may have a fixed or blank expression, trouble speaking, and other problems.
People usually start to have symptoms between the ages of 50 and 60. But sometimes symptoms start earlier.
Here are the different stages of Parkinson’s disease:
Stage One
During this initial stage, the person has mild symptoms that generally do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only. Friends and family may notice changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.
Stage Two
In stage two of Parkinson’s, the symptoms start getting worse. Tremor, rigidity and other movement symptoms affect both sides of the body. Walking problems and poor posture may become apparent. In this stage, the person is still able to live alone, but completing day-to-day tasks becomes more difficult and may take longer.
Stage Three
Stage three is considered mid-stage in the progression of the disease. Loss of balance and slowness of movements are hallmarks of this phase. Also, falls are more common. Though the person is still fully independent, symptoms significantly impair activities of daily living such as dressing and eating. Here, it is important for the person to start seeing a Physiotherapist and occupational therapist to help them with activities of daily living.
Stage Four
During this stage of Parkinson’s, symptoms are severe and very limiting. It’s possible to stand without assistance, but movement may require a walker. The person needs help with activities of daily living and is unable to live alone.
Stage Five
This is the most advanced and debilitating stage of Parkinson’s disease. Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk. Usually in this stage the person requires a wheelchair or is bedridden. These patients are fully dependant therefore full time nursing care is required for all activities. Again, these patients may experience hallucinations and delusions.
If you would like to know more please email me at [email protected], visit my blog www.healthpromotionbyleeanne.wordpress.com or read articles posted by the World Health Organisation. ‘Take care of your busy body, you owe that to your family’
Lee-Anne Hall
BSc Physiotherapy
