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Parkinson's
Disease |
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SeniorIndian.com |
What is Parkinson's disease? What are the symtoms?
This is a disease which occurs due to the deficiency of a chemical called 'Dopamine'. It
starts with a mild tremor, severe muscle stiffness, movement problems and mental
impairment.
The tremors which start in the hands may later involve facial and tongue muscles and the
legs. It becomes worse with movements. During sleep the trembling disappears completely.
If the person is tensed or stressed, the tremor becomes worse.
The muscle stiffness may cause a stooped flexed posture. The spasm often causes a fixed
expression in the face with staring eyes and infrequent blinking.
When the patient walks, a hurrying gait occurs spontaneously. The quality of speech maybe
affected, because the muscles are stiff and uncoordianated.
Mental depression, irritability and a loss of will to do things are common.
Heat intolerence and excessive sweating may occur. |
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What are the common problems faced by people with Parkinson's?
Falls are frequent.
Walking maybe difficult
There maybe difficulty in performing daily activities like drinking, washing, dressing
etc.
Due to these difficulties they may restrict themselves to the bed |
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How do we manage Parkinson's disease?
Though there is no true cure for Parkinson's, medicines are now available which
control the symtoms if treatment is started early and continued regularly. Sufficient
calories, fluids and roughage should be included in the diet. Physiotherapy is required.
Heat and massage are soothing to the stiff and painful muscles.
Stress and tension should be avoided. |
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Is there any particular advice about mobility?
A person with Parkinson's needs good advice from a physiotherapist due to the
stiffness and rigidity of the muscles. For eg. while getting up from bed one could follow
this pattern.
Get up from bed by bending the knees up and turning the top half of the body. The lower
half will follow.
Place the feet at the edge of the bed and come to a sitting position, slowly.
While in sitting posture one should lean forward to bring the body weight over the feet
and then stand up. |
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