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Parkinson's disease
What is the best way to exercise for Parkinson's disease?
Patients with Parkinson's disease should undergo comprehensive treatment and full management. Drug treatment is the core treatment plan, but it is also necessary to include physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy. For physical therapy, patients should be encouraged to exercise more, as this can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. The type and intensity of exercise should be chosen based on the patient's motor symptoms. Tai Chi, jogging, brisk walking, and aerobics are all suitable forms of exercise, and it is advisable to exercise four times a week, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. Evidence has shown that Tai Chi can improve patients' balance disorders, and long-term persistence in exercise can help improve their quality of life.
Is Parkinson's disease scary?
Parkinson's disease is not a terrifying disease, as its onset is relatively hidden and slow, with gradual progression. Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms, prolong their lives, and enhance their quality of life through rehabilitation training and medication. However, there is no effective cure for Parkinson's disease at this time; current treatments only relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with Parkinson's should not be afraid and must regularly visit neurology outpatient clinics for follow-up. Neurologists will provide appropriate medications for Parkinson’s and guide the daily life of patients. Moreover, patients must prevent falls. Parkinson's is not a terrifying disease; what is dangerous is arbitrarily stopping or reducing medication without listening to the doctor's advice. (Note: This answer is for reference only, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be taken blindly.)
What is Parkinson's disease gait?
Patients with Parkinson's disease have a distinctive gait; typically, their torso leans forward, and their arms do not move much. When they walk, they exhibit a hurried gait with short, scurrying steps. That is, they take small steps that progressively get faster and faster, making stopping very difficult when they reach their destination. This is a typical scenario often referred to as a "scampering gait." Many experienced doctors can frame a preliminary diagnosis of Parkinson's disease just by observing the patient’s walk. Parkinson's disease also leads to unstable posture and gait, increasing the risk of falls and fractures. Therefore, it's important to take precautions at home by installing handrails to assist the patient in standing and walking, preventing accidental injuries.
What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a relatively common disease among the elderly, causing significant inconveniences in their daily lives and making it difficult for them to move. Moreover, this disease progressively worsens. Overall, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease primarily include noticeable movement slowness; patients perform tasks very slowly, such as wrapping dumplings or rolling dumpling wrappers, which are done clumsily and slowly. They also dress, turn over in bed, and tie shoelaces very slowly. Additionally, there are evident symptoms such as resting tremors and muscle rigidity. Some people may experience a panicked gait, rushing forward and unable to control their steps. Patients might also experience severe constipation, a reduced sense of smell, and some have sensory abnormalities in their limbs.
How long can someone with Parkinson's disease live?
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. It has a slow and inconspicuous onset, and it progresses gradually. The disease itself does not affect the patient's lifespan, as it does not impact the functions of heartbeats or breathing. If treated properly, cared for promptly, medications are taken as prescribed by the doctor, and followed up long-term, patients can survive about twenty years without problems. However, if patients adjust their medications on their own, stop taking their medications without consultation, or receive improper care from family members leading to accidental injuries or complications such as lung infections, then their lifespan can be significantly shortened. Once bedridden, life expectancy may rapidly decline. Therefore, with proper treatment and care, patients with Parkinson's disease can survive for about ten to twenty years. If care and treatment are not managed properly, patients may be threatened by fractures or lung infections, potentially reducing their lifespan to about five to ten years.
What tests are done for Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. Many patients report that numerous examinations did not identify a clear cause of the disease, which is typical of this condition due to the lack of very effective diagnostic methods. Patients' symptoms gradually worsen, manifesting as motor slowness, limb tremors, muscle rigidity, and other clinical signs. There are also symptoms such as constipation and dizziness. Generally, the following examinations are recommended for Parkinson's disease: First, complete a cranial MRI scan. The primary purpose of a cranial MRI is to exclude other causes of Parkinson's-like symptoms, such as cerebral thrombosis, brain tumors, or inflammation. Second, perform olfactory tests, as some patients may experience a significant reduction in their sense of smell early on. Third, conduct induced sleep monitoring, since some patients may have prominent sleep disorders. Additionally, it is suggested to perform striatal dopaminergic transporter imaging, a type of DAT scan. Although this scan is quite expensive, it can clearly reflect the function of the striatum.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease
The cause of Parkinson's disease is mainly due to a part of the brain called the brainstem, which has some black moles and clusters containing a large number of neurons that can produce dopamine. The death of these neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, caused by various factors, leads to Parkinson's disease. This results in noticeable slowness of movement in the limbs, muscle rigidity, as well as tremors, and unstable walking and other clinical manifestations. The causes of the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra include genetic factors. Additionally, age is the biggest cause of the disease. Furthermore, dysfunctions in mitochondrial function, ischemia and hypoxia in the midbrain, certain traumas, and the use of drugs that deplete dopamine can all potentially cause Parkinson's disease.
What medicine is used for Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a relatively common neurological disorder, with a higher incidence in middle-aged and elderly people. Currently, there is no specific cure for the disease, but there are many medications that can significantly improve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The commonly used medications mainly include: The first major category is Levodopa preparations. This type of medication has good efficacy but can cause some adverse drug reactions and may provoke the occurrence of motor complications. It should be taken under the advice of a doctor. The second major category of drugs is dopamine receptor agonists. These drugs also have relatively good effects and can improve the motor symptoms of patients, though they may be a bit expensive. Third, anticholinergic drugs. They can significantly improve the patients' normal symptoms, but should not be taken by patients with cognitive impairments. Additionally, there are monoamine oxidase inhibitors and COMT inhibitors that can also be used.
Is Parkinson's disease dangerous?
Parkinson's disease is a chronic condition and a progressive degenerative disorder of the nervous system. The main symptoms include slowed movements, increased muscle tone, resting tremors, and abnormal posture and gait. The onset of the disease is slow and subtly worsens over time. Although not highly dangerous in itself and not directly life-threatening, Parkinson’s disease currently lacks a cure, and the condition gradually worsens. Generally, within about 10 to 20 years, patients may experience significant balance impairments. The main risks involve instability while walking, which can lead to falls and potentially cause fractures and other complications. In later stages, patients often become bedridden, leading to possible complications such as pulmonary infections, urinary tract infections, bedsores, and malnutrition. Therefore, Parkinson's disease is relatively mild, manageable in the early stages, but requires careful attention in later stages to prevent complications and avoid unnecessary harm.
What to do about constipation in Parkinson's disease?
Among Parkinson's disease patients, constipation is a very common clinical symptom. In fact, many patients have experienced constipation for many years before the onset of Parkinson's disease symptoms, mainly due to the impact on some autonomic nerves in the intestines. For Parkinson's patients experiencing constipation, the main suggestions are: First, be sure to drink plenty of water. Drinking enough water can sufficiently lubricate the intestines and facilitate smoother bowel movements. Second, be sure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamin C and can promote gastrointestinal motility. Additionally, it is recommended for patients to eat more bananas, as bananas have an evident laxative effect. Also, eat less of certain foods that can dry out the stool, such as sweet potatoes and chestnuts. If necessary, patients can be given laxative medications, and if bowel movements are extremely difficult, enemas can also be administered.