Dr Sahil Mehta of department of neurology, PGI
, tells
Shimona Kanwar
about Parkinson’s Disease and how to live with it
What is Parkinson’s disease?It is a brain disorder that causes problems with coordination, making walking and balance difficult. Body movements are controlled by nerve cells in the brain that pass messages to one another. These messages are sent using chemicals called
neurotransmitters
, which pass between nerve cells.
Dopamine
is one such neurotransmitter
What causes the disease?Those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease (PD) have deficiency of dopamine in the brain. This disturbs the relay of messages and consequent movement of the body. The lack of dopamine is because the brain has lost many cells that normally make dopamine. PD is not an infectious disease and is not contagious
Risk factors➤Though Parkinson’s is primarily a neuro-degenerative disease of old age (usually above 60 years), about 3% to 5% cases are of young people
➤More cases of Parkinson’s are now being recognised in the younger population due to increasing awareness
➤The youngest patient seen so far in PGI is 11-year-old where genetic factors are responsible for the disease. It has also been reported in children as young as 3 years
➤Interplay of genetic and environmental factors, with 10% cases caused by genetic factors
New therapiesInhaler form of levodopa. In addition, drugs that prolong action of the standard treatment of the drug levodopa –– older drugs were to be given with every dose of the standard drug. Opicapone, that prolongs the action of levodopa, is given once a day. Apomorphine injections/pumps in certain patients. The pumps are imported and cost around Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 per month. Deep brain stimulator therapy
WorkoutExercise and physiotherapy slows down progression. Drugs work symptomatically. Physiotherapy and exercise improve mobility and quality of life
Doctors recommendContinue walking despite tremors. Physical workout helps as it improves secretion of neurotransmitters
When to see a doctor?➤Tremor (trembling) in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
➤Stiffness of the limbs and trunk
➤Trouble sleeping
➤Loss of smell
➤Slowed movement
➤Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
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Shimona Kanwar is a senior assistant editor with The Times of Ind...
Read MoreShimona Kanwar is a senior assistant editor with The Times of India, who has been with TOI since 2005. She covers health and science. With a background in science and English literature, she attempts at simplifying complex health and science stories, making them accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Shimona is passionate about crafting narratives that resonate, ensuring her reporting is not only informative but also enjoyable to read, free of jargon, and deeply connected to people's lives.
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