If these symptoms are present in an elderly patient, it is best to consult a medical professional or a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders.
Complications of PD
The following are complications that patients with Parkinson’s disease can experience:
Treatment or Management of PD
While there is no cure yet for Parkinson’s disease, there are ways to manage the symptoms. The treatment of PD is multi-disciplinary, and may involve neurology, occupational therapy, and medical social workers.
Depending on the severity of the disease, doctors may prescribe medication. Typically, patients who need medication receive prescriptions for levodopa, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or anticholinergics. These can increase the levels of dopamine and decrease its breakdown rate.
How to Prevent Parkinson’s disease
Recent research indicates that maintaining a physically active lifestyle (such as doing aerobics) may help in preventing the disease. Talk to your doctor and a licensed fitness instructor before starting a new exercise routine or increasing the intensity of your current workout.
Coffee and green tea are also believed to stave off PD. However, more studies are necessary to confirm their effects on the development of this disease. It is best to consult a doctor before adding these drinks to your diet or increasing your current intake.
Key Takeaway
Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition that is characterized by symptoms such as a shuffling gait, blank facial expressions, resting tremor, sleeping problems, loss of smell, and cognitive issues. It is a condition that affects dopamine (a neurotransmitter that controls movement and emotional response) production in the brain. Because it affects motor functions, it is a debilitating condition.
As the condition progresses, patients may have difficulties fulfilling simple tasks such as moving around and eating. While there is currently no cure for the disease, treatment is available in the form of symptom management.
Learn more about Parkinson’s Disease here.
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