New facts about Parkinson's disease

Information on Parkinson's Disease

04/13/2014

Millions of people worldwide suffer from the neurodegenerative disease Parkinson's disease. Although the disease is not curable, despite all medical advances, but can now alleviate the symptoms. On World Parkinson's Day, here's some interesting information about the condition.

Over four million people with Parkinson's
Former world-class boxer Muhammad Ali and American actor Michael J. Fox are just two prominent figures; More than four million people worldwide suffer from the neurodegenerative disease Parkinson's disease. In Germany it should be up to 400,000 sufferers. According to expert estimates, up to 15,000 patients are added annually. The reason for the strong increase is above all the rising life expectancy. On Friday, World Parkinson's Day was held, a good occasion to learn more about the disease.

Unambiguous cause of illness is not proven
Parkinson's occurs only in rare cases before the 40th year of life. The disease usually begins between the ages of 50 and 79, with people being most frequently affected between the late 50s and early 60s. The disease that begins in the brain causes nerve cells to die in a certain area of ​​the brain, which limits the transmission of the messenger substance dopamine, which is responsible for important physical and mental mechanisms. A clear cause of the disease has not been proven to date. In most cases, it occurs without apparent cause. However, there is evidence that Parkinson's could be inherited in rare cases. Another possible cause is the increased exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides or heavy metals. According to current medical knowledge, the disease is not contagious.

No reliable diagnosis after first symptoms
The first signs of the disease include worsening of the sense of smell, persistent constipation, urinary and erectile dysfunction, depressive moods, general fatigue, poor memory, sweating, sleep disorders, and inner restlessness. However, as these early symptoms also occur in many other diseases, it is not possible to make a reliable diagnosis. Currently, researchers have developed so-called biomarkers to clearly identify Parkinson's. The later symptoms include a slowing of the movement and action sequences as well as pain and tension on the musculoskeletal system, especially neck tension. The face becomes a kind of mask face. In addition, balance disorders occur and the typical tremor, the first on one side of the body and usually in the hand or arm begins.

Symptoms of the disease can be alleviated
Even if the disease is not curable, one can often relieve the symptoms, so that the patient a good quality of life is made possible. This requires an individualized treatment, which is not only focused on the main symptoms, since accompanying symptoms such as dysphagia, sleep problems or nausea often put additional strain on the patients' lives. Therapeutic options that are available for Parkinson's patients, including dopamine tablets or drug patches that deliver the drug evenly over 24 hours directly through the skin, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract into the blood.

Dying of the brain cells can not be stopped
In addition, physical activities such as physiotherapy or sports, a balanced and vitamin-rich diet or speech and ergo therapies to a comprehensive treatment. Only a few weeks ago, it was announced that an Indian research team had found that a herbal extract of fenugreek in combination with Levo-Dopa can improve parkinsonian symptoms. It is known, however, that the death of the brain cells can not be stopped and therefore Parkinson's patients in the later course of the disease usually become a nursing case. (Ad)