What Causes Parkinson’s Disease? Can It Be Cured?
For many, the image of Parkinson’s disease is the tremors of Muhammad Ali, the world-famous boxer who was heavily affected by the condition. But did you know that Parkinson’s disease doesn’t just appear with tremors? It’s a neurological condition that develops slowly, sometimes hiding quietly for decades without us realizing. As we age and our health declines, these symptoms become more apparent. If left unaddressed, the symptoms will worsen, eventually affecting daily life.
However, even though there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease today, we can manage the symptoms to help patients live a life that is as close to normal as possible.
A Deep Dive: What Is Parkinson’s Disease and What Are Its Causes?
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brainstem. This affects the production of dopamine, which is both a hormone and a neurotransmitter that helps the body respond appropriately to various stimuli. As a result, when dopamine levels decrease, it not only impacts mood but also the control of body movements.
Currently, the number of Parkinson’s patients is increasing, making it the second most common neurological disease after Alzheimer’s. The prevalence is growing every year, with 3 out of every 1,000 people being affected. What’s even more surprising is that up to 10% of all Parkinson’s patients are between the ages of 30 and 40.
Although no research has yet definitively identified the exact cause of the dopamine reduction, the following factors have been found to contribute to Parkinson’s disease:
- Genetics: 10% of patients have a family history of Parkinson’s disease.
- Regular use of certain medications: Such as psychiatric drugs or tranquilizers.
- Brain trauma: Or a head injury.
- Other brain abnormalities: Such as a lack of oxygen to the brain, brain tumors, or a blocked cerebral artery.
Check for Parkinson’s Symptoms: Early Detection Can Reduce Severity
Many patients are unaware they have Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that Muhammad Ali may have had the disease since he was in his 30s or 40s but was unaware, and the severe symptoms only became visible in his later years. For this reason, early detection can help reduce the severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- Physical symptoms related to movement: Tremors in the hands, slow body movements, abnormal balance and gait, taking shorter steps, less fluid handwriting, and a softer voice.
- Reduced facial expression and blinking less frequently than normal.
- Frequent choking and unexplained drooling.
- Impaired memory and slow thinking.
- Increased anxiety, with some people also experiencing symptoms of depression.
- Chronic poor sleep.
Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed in people aged 65 and older. However, if a parent or family member has the disease, you should observe for symptoms and undergo periodic check-ups to manage the symptoms effectively.
Parkinson’s Disease Is Incurable, But Its Severity Can Be Alleviated
Current treatments for Parkinson’s disease focus on managing and alleviating symptoms to improve the patient’s quality of life and help them live as normally as possible. There are two current treatment options for Parkinson’s:
- Medication: This method is suitable for patients with less severe symptoms. There are various types of medications, and doctors will consider the patient’s symptoms before prescribing. The objective is to increase the function of dopamine.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery: If medication is not sufficiently effective, doctors may consider surgery to implant electrodes to control the symptoms.
For anyone who wants to inquire about Parkinson’s disease, you can meet with a doctor for consultation and further diagnosis at the Neurology and Brain Center, Synphaet Theparak Hospital, or contact the Call Center at 02-761-5999.
