Where to treat Parkinson's disease

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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Parkinson's disease is a very common neurodegenerative disease in neurology. Therefore, if Parkinson's disease is suspected, treatment can be sought in the neurology department, which is available in most hospitals. Many neurologists have extensive experience in treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment primarily includes medication and surgery. Medication therapy mainly refers to the administration of anticholinergic drugs or dopamine receptor agonists, as well as preparations of Levodopa. These medications can help improve symptoms, such as reducing muscle rigidity and tremors. Surgical treatment mainly refers to deep brain stimulation, which is suitable for patients who have been clearly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for over five years and whose primary symptom is tremor, without significant dementia.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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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.

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Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
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Methods of Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease

In the auxiliary examinations for Parkinson's disease, routine laboratory tests as well as CT and MRI scans of the head generally show no specific changes. However, in molecular imaging, PET CT can reveal a significant decrease in striatal dopamine transporter. For olfactory tests, over 80% of Parkinson's patients exhibit olfactory dysfunction. Doppler ultrasound can also detect a significant enhancement of the substantia nigra signal. Despite these advancements in auxiliary examinations, diagnosis in patients with Parkinson's disease still primarily relies on clinical evaluation. According to the 2015 criteria, the diagnostic standards are still based on clinical diagnosis, which includes two main points: first, bradykinesia, where voluntary movements are slow and the speed and amplitude of repetitive movements progressively decrease; second, at least one of the following two manifestations must be present: muscular rigidity or resting tremor.

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Written by Liu Hong Mei
Neurology
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Parkinson's disease Braak staging

Parkinson's disease Braak staging is generally divided into five stages: Stage 1 refers to unilateral symptoms only, such as tremors or stiffness in one hand or one foot, with symptoms confined to one side of the body and not crossing the midline. Stage 2 refers to mild symptoms on both sides, such as tremors in both hands or throughout the body, but without impairment of balance. Stage 3 refers to more pronounced bilateral symptoms, such as difficulty lifting legs, taking small shuffling steps, leaning forward, or instability when holding a bowl while eating, but capable of living normally. Stage 4 refers to the loss of most of the ability for autonomous activity. Stage 5 refers to a complete loss of the ability to live independently.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

Parkinson's disease is mainly divided into two types. One type is familial Parkinson's disease, which definitely has a clear genetic predisposition. This disease is caused by mutations in some genes that lead to disruptions in some internal environments and the accumulation of abnormal proteins, eventually causing the death of neurons. Since the disease is caused by genetic mutations, there is definitely a certain genetic predisposition, and reproductive counseling is necessary to prevent the birth of offspring with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, most cases of Parkinson's disease are sporadic, and these diseases may be related to acquired factors, such as long-term mental stress, excessive pressure, brain trauma, or cerebrovascular diseases in patients, which can all lead to Parkinson's disease. This type of disease is definitely not inherited, so there is no need to worry too much.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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What department should Parkinson's disease go to?

Parkinson's disease is classified as a neurological disorder, so once considered for Parkinson's disease, registration is naturally in the department of neurology. Many neurologists are very familiar with Parkinson's disease and also have rich experience in diagnosis and treatment. Especially some neurology experts who specialize in Parkinson's disease have their own unique views on the pathogenesis, etiology, and clinical manifestations of the disease. Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological condition primarily divided into motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms, severely impacting the quality of life and work of patients. Symptoms include bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscle rigidity, etc. Treatment involves anticholinergic drugs and dopamine receptor agonists. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and self-medication should be avoided.)