1 hr ago

Parkinson’s Awareness Highlights Early Signs and Advanced Treatments

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that gradually affects the brain and movement.

It happens when some cells that make a chemical called dopamine are lost.

People may first notice sleep problems, mood changes, constipation or a weaker sense of smell.

These signs can happen years before shaking or movement problems begin.

Later, people may have tremors, stiff muscles, slow movements or trouble balancing.

Medicines can help control symptoms, but they cannot completely cure the disease.

A treatment called deep brain stimulation uses controlled electrical signals to help reduce some movement problems.

A newer version, called adaptive DBS, can adjust its signals by monitoring brain activity.

Exercise, staying mentally active, eating well and keeping social connections are also described as helpful.

Awareness and timely specialist care may help people maintain independence and quality of life.

Key facts

Disease: Parkinson’s disease is described as a progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells.
India estimate: About 7.7 lakh people in India were suffering from Parkinson’s disease in 2019, according to the Global Burden of Disease Study.
Early symptoms: Sleep problems, mood swings, constipation and loss of smell may precede motor symptoms by several years.
Motor symptoms: Tremors, slowed movement, muscle stiffness, balance problems and sudden stops while walking can impair mobility and independence.
Non-motor symptoms: Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, memory and thinking problems, constipation and autonomic nervous-system problems are also highlighted.
Deep brain stimulation: DBS uses electrodes placed in specific brain regions and connected to a device that controls abnormal brain activity with electrical signals.
Adaptive DBS: Adaptive DBS monitors brain activity and automatically adjusts stimulation levels.

thestatesman.com · 1 hr ago