Even if you notice unusual behavior or changes, if you ignore them, you can put your health at risk. If your handwriting or voice size has become smaller, you no longer smell well, and you drool more frequently, you should suspect Parkinson’s disease, one of the three major geriatric brain diseases along with dementia and stroke.
Photo = Professor Ahn Tae-beom from the Department of Neurology at Kyung Hee University Hospital is explaining the prodromal symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Ahn Tae-beom from the Department of Neurology at Kyung Hee University Hospital said of Parkinson’s disease: “The pattern and onset of symptoms varies from patient to patient, so in the past we have focused on symptoms of motor abnormalities such as tremors and slowness, “but recently we have focused on depression, including dementia, abnormal sense of smell and sleep disturbances.” “We also consider non-motor symptoms, such as complexities,” he said. “If you have tremors or appear slow and boring while sitting, it is better to undergo a neurological examination and examination than to accept it as part of the aging phenomenon.
The initial symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear only several years after the destruction of brain nerve cells. Since symptoms appear gradually, it is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis under the observation of a professional doctor. Parkinson’s disease is largely divided into three types. △ Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease of unknown cause △ Secondary Parkinson’s disease caused by stroke, post-infectious encephalopathy, etc. △ Parkinson’s syndrome, which is similar to Parkinson’s disease but has a weak response to treatment and progresses rapidly.
Professor Ahn said: “The most important thing in the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is the results of the neurological examination, and if necessary, brain MRI and PET examination can be combined to improve the accuracy of the diagnosis. We must review symptoms and develop a treatment plan strategy appropriately,” he said. “Even if each patient shows the same symptoms, the severity of the symptoms and the response to the medicine are different, so we need to take a tailored approach for each patient.”
Treatment methods include medications, rehabilitation and exercise. Drug treatment should not be postponed just because symptoms are mild and do not interfere with daily life. This is because dopamine deficiency can make the abnormalities worse. If symptoms of motor fluctuations (rigidity, bradykinesia, gait disturbance, etc.) are worsened due to long-term medication use, surgical treatment should be considered. There are two types of surgery: destruction of part of the brain tissue and deep brain stimulation, which involves inserting electrical electrodes into the brain and passing an electrical current through them.
Professor Ahn said: “No treatment currently in use can return lost brain cells to normal, but it is important to make an early diagnosis and start appropriate treatment when the first non-motor symptoms are detected.” “If you understand the disease well and actively participate in the treatment process, you can maximize the treatment effect, and if early diagnosis, appropriate exercise and drug treatment are carried out well, there is a high ability to maintain a stable life for a considerable period of time,” he said.
He continued: “Exercise is as important as taking medications for Parkinson’s disease patients. He added: “It’s better to do bare-knuckle gymnastics, treadmills, yoga, etc. within your capabilities every day and with an intensity that leaves you breathless for about 30 minutes at a time.”
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