Parkinson’s disease is a disease characterized by the loss of brain cells that disrupts the functioning of the nervous system and the parts of the body governed by nerves. This disease, which can also be defined as a movement disorder, is slowly progressive. Although it is more common in older people, it is also seen in young people. People over 60 years are less likely to be affected.  The most prominent feature of this disease is tremors. However, since it is a slowly progressive disease, the tremors symptom may not be noticed immediately. Parkinson’s disease, which is caused by a decrease in dopamine cells, also has some risk factors. It also emerges as a genetic disease. Since it is a disease that reduces the quality of life of the person, it should be treated as soon as possible.

Causes Of Parkinson’s Disease

The precise cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown. However, according to research, some factors are known to play a major role in the development of this disease. Although it is not common, genetic factors are one of the important factors that cause this disease. Environmental factors can also be among the causes of this disease. However, some risk factors for Parkinson’s disease are as follows:

• Advanced age
• Male gender
• Head trauma
• Well water use in rural life
• Exposure to toxins
• Pesticides

Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder, progresses slowly. Therefore, its symptoms cannot be observed immediately. There are many symptoms of this disease, which begin to manifest themselves with movement disorders. The symptoms can sometimes be confused with depression or bone diseases. However, the co-occurrence of some symptoms may raise suspicion of this disease. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include the following:

• Tremors in certain parts of the body (arms, legs, and jaw)
• Fatigue
• Decreased cognitive function
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Slowness of movements
• Stiffness in arm and leg movements
• Speech impairment
• Muscles in certain areas of the body become more contracted.
• Gait disorders
• Balance disturbance

After a while, these symptoms start to be observed insidiously. However, tremors are among the most important symptoms of this disease. Tremors can occur in the hands, feet, lips, or jaw. If tremors occur without movement, it is natural to suspect Parkinson’s disease. It is important to pay attention to other symptoms, especially tremors. If the above symptoms are observed for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

In addition to all these symptoms, Parkinson’s disease also causes some problems. In the early stages, psychological factors such as depression and fear are part of the disease. However, in the advanced stages of the disease, thinking difficulties can also occur. Other complications of Parkinson’s disease include difficulty swallowing, chewing, and eating. The disease can also affect the digestive and intestinal systems, causing bladder and urinary problems. Parkinson’s disease can also cause sleep problems and disorders.

Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis

Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed through neurological examinations. Before diagnostic methods are used, the patient’s medical history and complications are known. Therefore, the diagnosis is based on the clinical history and neurological examination. Blood tests and MRI imaging are among the important diagnostic methods for this disease. DAT-Scan is also one of the advanced diagnostic methods. This diagnostic method also enables the early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

Parkinson’s disease is usually treated with medication. However, surgical treatment can be applied to patients who do not respond to medication. Therefore, Parkinson’s disease is treated in two ways: medication and surgery. Since Parkinson’s is a type of disease caused by low dopamine, dopamine-enhancing drugs are used. When Parkinson’s medications are used in high doses and continuously, they can cause some side effects. Fluctuations in the form of dyskinesia, complete unresponsiveness, or hyperactivity are among these side effects, albeit short-term.

Since Parkinson’s disease is progressive, medication should be administered accordingly. Although there are no treatment methods that can completely stop the disease, there are methods that positively affect the patient’s daily quality of life. There are even treatments that are highly responsive when diagnosed. Below you will find information about drug and surgical treatment methods for Parkinson’s disease:

Medication

Dopamine-boosting drugs control tremors and movement problems caused by Parkinson’s disease. The active ingredient, levodopa, is very effective for this disease. Drugs that help control the person’s movements caused by Parkinson’s disease may lose their effect when used for a long time. However, the disease may also be more advanced. The drugs generally used in this treatment are as follows:

• Carbidopa-levodopa
• Carbidopa-levodopa infusion
• Inhaled carbidopa-levodopa
• Dopamine agonists
• Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors
• Amantadine
• Anticholinergics
• Adenosine receptor antagonists (A2A receptor antagonist)
• MAO B inhibitors
• Nuplazid (Pimavanserin)

Surgical Procedures

Parkinson’s disease that cannot be controlled with medication can be better controlled with surgical procedures. However, surgery may not be a suitable treatment for everyone. Here is information about surgical procedures for Parkinson’s disease:

Deep brain stimulation: Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are placed in a specific part of the brain. This surgery involves risks such as brain bleeding, stroke, and infection.  Deep brain stimulation can be performed for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease. By reducing tremors and involuntary movements, DBS controls most symptoms of this disease. However, it also controls dyskinesia.

Deep brain stimulation is one of the modern medical treatments. It can also be used for Parkinson’s disease, a disease in which tremors cannot be controlled. Someone with 5 years of Parkinson’s disease may be a candidate for brain pacemaker treatment. The pacemaker, which has a lifespan of 3-6 years, can be used temporarily. This treatment does not eliminate the symptoms of the disease. It aims to improve the quality of daily life by controlling some symptoms of the disease. However, this treatment is not recommended if the person has psychiatric problems.

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS): This is a minimally invasive treatment to control the tremor in Parkinson’s patients. The MRI is directed to the tremor area in the brain. Due to the heat of the ultrasound waves, the areas that cause tremors are burned. This is one of the advanced treatment options for Parkinson’s disease.