What is Parkinson’s disease? What is the cause? Can it be found in which group of people?
?? Check facts and advice from experts. Prof. Dr. Rungroj Pittayasiri, Head of the Center of Medical Excellence for Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Group Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society
‘Parkinson’s disease’ is a disease in which the nervous system deteriorates. Start with the Motion Control Center Most of which are located in the brainstem area. This causes the production of important neurotransmitters. This is called a decrease in dopamine. Patients will have many problems with movement. The 4 main symptoms include (1) tremors (2) slow movement (3) stiffness (4) difficulty walking.
There is now much knowledge that Parkinson’s patients have many non-motor symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease has a variety of causes. It is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as some patients having a family history of Parkinson’s disease. Have you ever been exposed to pesticides? And
with increasing age comes an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
If there is a family history of Parkinson’s disease Will there be a risk of Parkinson’s disease?
Having said that, the risk of people with direct relatives having Parkinson’s definitely increases. But that doesn’t mean everyone must always be. There are many types of genes today. Each person’s risk is not the same.
The important thing is that the human body is a miracle. Having the gene does not necessarily mean having the condition. Because there are many other factors involved.
At what age can Parkinson’s disease occur?
According to statistics collected in Thailand, the average age is approximately 63 years, making most people think that Parkinson’s disease is a disease of the elderly. which was only one part Because statistics are collected on 1 percent of elderly people who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
increasing age The proportion of people with Parkinson’s is also increasing: 1 percent over 60 years old, 3 percent over 80 year
s old.
It was found that 10 percent were young Parkinson’s disease patients. having Parkinson’s symptoms before the age of 50
The group of young people with Parkinson’s found included both those over 20 years old and those over 30 years old.
How many stages of Parkinson’s disease are there?
In medicine, Parkinson’s is divided into 5 stages.
Stage 1 has symptoms on one side.
Stage 2 has symptoms on both sides.
Stage 2.5 has symptoms on both sides and the core of the body. Good balance and ability to move
Stage 3 : Balance begins to have problems.
Phase 4 : Start using mobility aids.
Phase 5 : Use a device to assist in moving, or attach to a bed, or attach to a wheelchair.
These various stages may not be important. Because it can be changed if the patient’s condition improves.
Because in real life The idea of ??using distance may not be suitable for people with Parkinson’s disease.
The use of ‘stage’ is appropriate for stratifying patients for research studies.
Parkinson’s disease Can it be preven
ted or delayed?
Currently, it is possible to ‘slow’ the onset of Parkinson’s disease.
‘Prevention’ can be done to some extent.
When talking about “risk factors,” the word “risk” doesn’t mean “is,” but has a chance of “either being” or “not being.”
If there is a risk, try to look for ways to prevent it. Makes for a better backup system Therefore, the chance of having or having symptoms occur It may be during old age. Or when you are old, the symptoms will be less. Or there may be no symptoms at all.
What important symptoms does ‘Parkinson’s’ have to look out for?
The easiest symptom to notice is “tremor,” but tremor does not necessarily occur in every Parkinson’s patient.
The tremors are characteristic. That is, most of them started shaking on one hand. (while the hand is still)
Tremor in Parkinson’s patients is often accompanied by slower and more difficult movements in the affected area. In the beginning, the patient may not even know that they have tremors.
The key to treating Parkinson’s disease ?
Nowadays, the emphasis is on having Parkinson’s patients see a doctor quickly, get a diagnosis early, and start treatment early.
How soon should treatment be started? It will only make the patient’s condition improve very quickly. Using a small amount of medicine There are few side effects. The cost of medical expenses for each patient has been reduced. And most importantly, it is the quality of life of the patient and his family.
Interview by Peeraphon Anutarasothi
Compiled by Komsthanon Sukajjasakul
See more items Be sure before sharing. FACTSHEET: Know Parkinson’s disease.
Source: Thai News Agency