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Parkinson's Disease

Understanding Parkinson's Disease

Do you or someone you care for suffer from Parksinson's Disease? This article details the stages and symptoms experienced as well as providing you health tips for better management.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that gradually destroys the dopamine neurons of the brain's dark substance. Dopamine is a chemical that transmits signals to the part of the brain that controls movement. When there is a loss of dopamine in the brain, it cannot co-ordinate with the rest of the body.

The 3 major symptoms

Parkinson's disease does not reach people in the same way, here are the 3 major symptoms:

- Tremors: It happens at rest and often only concerns a part of the body.

- The slowness of movement: This occurs in difficult moments for the person, to perform different movements that requires the co-ordination of several members such as walking.

- Stiffness in the muscles: This is induced by excessive tension in the muscles. This can lead to muscle or tendon pain in the person. It contributes to the difficulties of movements.

Beyond these 3 symptoms, there are other possible motor disorders such as balance disorders, trampling or swallowing disorders. Non-motor problems can also be diseases related to the illness such as fatigue, daytime sleepiness, digestive or urinary disorders.

The different stages of Parkinson's disease

There are 4 stages sign of the progression of the disease.

Step 1:

The symptoms begin to appear, but it can be difficult to make the diagnosis if they are not the characteristic of the disease or sufficiently pronounced.

This is a complicated time for the person who must accept being sick and suffering from an evolving and degenerative disease.

Step 2:

This step may seem paradoxical. On the one hand the person started their treatment, which they must take at fixed times several times a day. This involves reorganising one's life according to the disease and accepting these changes. On the other hand, the treatment that acts on dopamine can make the person feel better.

Step 3:

At this point, the person begins to become dependent and may need help. Daily tasks become very difficult for the person to handle. In fact, the person will alternate the periods when the drugs will take effect by reducing the disorders and the periods when the treatment will not be sufficiently effective and the symptoms will be able to resurface in a disabling manner. At this point, the person begins to become dependent and may need help. Daily tasks become very difficult for the person to handle.

Step 4:

It is the most advanced stage of Parkinson's disease because the patient can suffer from falls, loss of balance, disorders of swallowing, and it could be suffered daily. We can also see vegetative disorders as well as behavioural changes. The care will require adaptations at home, environment and daily life.

A glance at alternative treatments for Parkinson's disease:

- Eat foods high in fiber to avoid digestive disorders such as constipation.

- Ask your doctor for a guide to simple exercises and easy to do regularly.

- A therapeutic massage can help relax your muscles.

- Other therapies may include yoga or meditation.

We recommend that you consult your doctor for more information and advice before starting any exercise or diet plan.

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