Parkinson’s Disease: Understanding and Managing the Movement Disorder
Key Points:
- Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder mainly found in the elderly, causing hand tremors and slowed movement.
- The condition is caused by a decrease in dopamine, a substance essential for proper movement.
- While Parkinson’s cannot be cured, symptoms such as tremors can be managed with medication or surgical implantation of a deep brain stimulator.
- Parkinson’s disease greatly impacts the daily life of individuals, making it difficult to move and carry out everyday tasks.
- Early diagnosis, awareness campaigns, and proper caregiving play pivotal roles in supporting individuals with Parkinson’s.
- The disease can be caused by various factors, including certain medications and other brain abnormalities.
- Patients typically experience both movement-related symptoms, such as hand tremors and slow movements, and non-movement symptoms, including depression and insomnia.
- A simple screening can help identify the disease, and early treatment can improve the quality of life.
- Treatment involves medication and, in some cases, surgical intervention to minimize symptoms like tremors.
- Supportive care and exercise are vital in helping individuals manage their condition.
- Proper medication administration techniques should be followed, including taking the correct dose promptly every day and avoiding high-protein foods that reduce drug absorption.
According to Professor Dr. Weerasak Muangpaisarn from Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, Parkinson’s disease results from the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain stem, leading to decreased dopamine production and subsequent movement disorders. The condition predominantly affects older individuals, typically appearing after the age of 50. Left untreated, Parkinson’s disease can significantly impair one’s quality of life.
Causes and Symptoms:
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain medications commonly used in the elderly, such as those for dizziness or mental disorders, can also contribute to the development of the disease. Additionally, brain abnormalities caused by conditions like strokes or head injuries can increase the risk. A family history of Parkinson’s disease is found in around 10-15% of cases.
Parkinson’s disease presents a range of symptoms, including:
- Hand tremors
- Slowed movements
- Muscle stiffness or rigidity
- Reduced facial expressiveness
- Balance and gait problems
- Cognitive issues (slow thinking, poor memory)
- Mood disorders (depression, insomnia)
- Gastrointestinal problems (constipation)
- Sensory impairments (reduced sense of smell)
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be challenging as many individuals do not recognize the symptoms or attribute them to aging. However, a simple screening can help assess the presence of symptoms. If five or more of the aforementioned symptoms are present, medical consultation is advised. Early diagnosis is crucial to better manage symptoms and prevent complications.
While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, treatment focuses on symptom management. Medication, such as dopamine-enhancing drugs, is commonly prescribed, while surgical options such as deep brain stimulation may be considered for severe cases. Additionally, exercise is highly beneficial during the early stages of the disease.
Caring for Individuals with Parkinson’s:
Proper care and support are essential for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Caregivers play a vital role in assisting patients with exercises that improve mobility and prevent complications. Attention should be given to preventing falls and promoting a healthy diet to manage constipation. Mental well-being should also be prioritized, as patients may experience insomnia, anxiety, or depression.
Administering Medications:
When giving medication to Parkinson’s patients, certain techniques should be followed:
- Take the prescribed medication in the correct dose and on time every day.
- Avoid consuming high-protein foods, such as soy milk or fresh milk, alongside the medication, as they can reduce drug absorption.
- Take the medicine on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before a meal.
- If the drug needs to be taken near mealtime, opt for low-protein food options like juice, crackers, or bread.
- Moderate consumption of tea or coffee is generally acceptable.
- Be aware of potential side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, or hallucinations, and consult a doctor if they occur.
In conclusion, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive movement disorder that primarily affects older individuals. While there is no cure, proper management through medication, surgical interventions, exercise, and supportive care can significantly improve the quality of life for patients. Early diagnosis, awareness, and a compassionate approach from society are crucial in ensuring individuals with Parkinson’s can lead fulfilling lives.
Sources:
- Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital
- Ramathibodi Hospital
- Chulalongkorn Hospital Thai Red Cross Society
Key Point :
Parkinson’s disease movement disorder cause hand tremors slow down movement It is mainly found in the elderly It usually occurs in people over 50Parkinson’s caused by a decrease in dopamine Including other causes in the elderly, such as taking certain medications such as dizziness medication Some medications for mental disorders cannot be cured, tons of Parkinson’s. However, the symptoms are not worsened by medication and/or surgical implantation of a deep brain stimulator. to reduce tremors
‘Parkinson’ An illness that affects the daily life of people with Will shake all the time, making it difficult to move. Importantly, this disease is an incurable disease. and it must be understood by those around you Therefore, there is an ongoing campaign about Parkinson’s disease. for people in society to understand However, for the people around them, there must also be the right way to look after them. So it will be good for the patient himself.
Information from Professor Dr. Weerasak Muangpaisarn Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital Explain that Parkinson’s disease is a disease caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain stem. This reduces the production of certain substances called ‘dopamine’, leading to movement disorders. cause hand tremors to move more slowly It is mainly found in the elderly It usually occurs in people over 50 years of age if left untreated. The patient may have a difficult life.
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Causes of Parkinson’s disease
The reason for dopamine production is reduced. The exact cause is still unknown. and it is not clear what factors triggered the incidentParkinson’s disease However, Parkinson’s disease can be caused by other reasons. What is most common in the elderly is to take some drugs such as anti-dizziness, anti-vertigo, anti-vomiting anti-emetic drugs to treat some mental disorders. tons of antidepressants
It can also be caused by abnormalities in the brain from other causes such as cerebrovascular clots. haemorrhagic stroke Lack of oxygen, encephalitis, brain tumour, enlargement of the aneurysm Or had a head accident, weight Some people have a family history of Parkinson’s disease, which is found in 10-15% of inheritance.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
1. There are 4 main symptoms associated with movement:
Hand tremors, using hands is not as fluent as before, such as closing buttons, opening water bottle caps, writing a book, or hands may tremble while still, but when moving, the tremor disappears, stiffness, muscles tense The legs become stiff and sometimes cause pain or cramps. less expressive face Little or no facial expression rarely blinks speak more softly Not as fluent as before May drool or choke more easily slow movement moving or acting more slowly Abnormal balance and gait Difficulty walking Rare steps Short steps Walking often The head throws forward when walking Difficulty turning back
2. Symptoms not related to movement, such as slow thinking, poor memory, depression, insomnia, sleep dreams, gestures, constipation, difficulty smelling, or reduced sense of smell.
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
Most patients with this disease are undiagnosed. Because they may not be aware of the symptoms of the disease because it is believed to be caused by aging. causing negative consequences of the disease, for example, falling, having difficulty swallowing food A simple initial screening on your own can make itchy. To examine the symptoms in the following 11 items If there are 5 or more of the above symptoms, you should see pat: but if there are less than 5 symptoms, you are advised to check your symptoms from time to time.
Source: Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital
Treatment of Parkinson’s disease
for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease Assistant Professor Dr Sirirat Leelacharat, Professor of Nursing, Ramathibodi School of Nursing Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital Mahidol University is explained through the website RAMA Channel that Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured. but helps relieve symptoms from worsening As Parkinson’s disease progresses over time, treatment may include medication and/or surgical implantation of a deep brain stimulator. to reduce tremor But surgery may have limitations that may not be possible for all patients. Each patient’s symptoms will vary. in patients with progressive disease progression Symptoms increase from mild to severe, eg from walking to bedridden patients, etc. During the early stages of Parkinson’s disease helping to exercise will benefit the patient.
caring for Parkinson’s patients
The people around you should help the patient to exercise. Prevent adhesions such as rocking, walking, long steps from occurring. raise your feet higher Introduce eye control by rolling the eyes back and forth. By watching interactive sports such as tennis, table tennis, etc. In the early stages, if the patient can continue to do activities such as cycling. allow the patient to do such activities Be careful of accidents, problems with swallowing, speech, patients should eat foods that contain fiber. to prevent constipation The carer must always understand the patient and take care of their mental state. Because some patients may experience insomnia, anxiety, or depression.
technique of taking Parkinson’s patient medication
Lecturer Dr. Oranong, MD Pho Kaew Warangkun Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society The techniques for taking medicines in Parkinson’s patients are as follows:
1. Take the right medicine in the right dose. and promptly every day
2. Avoid taking the drug together with some high protein foods such as soy milk, fresh milk, because it will reduce the absorption of the drug.
3. Take the medicine on an empty stomach for at least 30 minutes.
4. If the drug needs to be taken close to the actual meal, choose foods that are low in protein such as juice, crackers and bread.
5. Being able to drink tea or coffee in moderation
6. The medicine used can have side effects such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, dizziness, hallucinations, etc. If you experience side effects from taking the medicine, you should consult your doctor.
Reference: Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital, Ramathibodi Hospital, Chulalongkorn Hospital Thai Red Cross Society
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