What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 24, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Shi Xiang
Neurology
1min 6sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease

The early symptoms of Parkinson's disease primarily include weakness of limbs on one side, resting tremors, and bradykinesia, among others. As the disease progresses, patients will display typical Parkinson's symptoms, including a shuffling gait, reduced facial expressions, decreased sense of smell, orthostatic hypotension, anxiety and depression, cognitive decline, constipation, frequent urination, etc. Therefore, when these symptoms appear, the possibility of Parkinson's disease should be considered. Patients need to promptly visit the neurology department of a hospital for complete testing such as routine blood tests, urinalysis, MRI of the skull, and if necessary, cerebrospinal fluid analysis through lumbar puncture to confirm the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, treatment with anti-Parkinson's medication should be started as soon as possible. Commonly used medications include Levodopa, dopamine receptor agonists, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, Vitamin B6, and more.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 11sec home-news-image

How is Parkinson's disease cured?

The treatment of Parkinson's disease involves various aspects, and the principle of its treatment is not to aim for complete effectiveness but for prolonged and sustainable management. It is important not to be tempted by temporary symptom improvement and miss out on a sequential treatment that could last for many years. The treatment of Parkinson’s disease mainly includes the following aspects: The first aspect is the care of daily life, which is very important. It is necessary to install some very convenient facilities at home for the patient, such as installing some handles, using some higher chairs, etc., all of which help to improve the quality of life for the patient. The second aspect is pharmacotherapy. According to the patient's condition, appropriate anti-Parkinson's medication is selected, mainly including dopamine receptor agonists, COMT inhibitors, and some levodopa preparations. Adjusting medication is very complex and must be conducted under the guidance of a professional neurologist. In addition, attention should also be paid to the treatment of non-motor symptoms, such as treating the patient's constipation, depression, etc.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
47sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 9sec home-news-image

What is good to eat for Parkinson's disease?

Patients with Parkinson's disease should pay special attention to their diet. It is recommended that the food eaten by Parkinson's patients mainly includes the following types: First, patients can eat more fresh cabbage, vegetables, celery, and fruits such as apples, oranges, bananas, and tangerines, because these fruits and vegetables help supplement some vitamins. Vitamins have an antioxidant stress effect, which may play a role in preventing the further development of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, these foods can supplement water, promote gastrointestinal motility, and alleviate constipation, which is beneficial for the constipation caused by Parkinson's disease. Second, people with Parkinson's disease can eat more walnuts or black sesame seeds, as well as some other nuts, as these foods also nourish brain cells. Moreover, patients with Parkinson's disease must ensure a balanced diet that includes a variety of grains, such as rice, millet, corn, and sorghum, which are all consumable.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 15sec home-news-image

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.