Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms

PARKINSON’S DISEASE is a progressive, degenerative neurological movement disorder that affects the brain area that deals with the control and the coordination of movement, muscle tone and posture. Approximately 100,000 people in Spain are living with Parkinson’s disease.

This disease occurs at the same rate in men and women and usually appears after the age of 50, with symptoms usually presenting themselves in the when patients are in their 60s.

The cause of the disease is currently unknown, except for cases caused by trauma, heavy medicine intake, hereditation or drug abuse.

According to the Spanish Foundation for Neurological Diseases (FEEN), between 10 and 15 per cent of all diagnoses are estimated to have hereditary causes and in early-onset cases this percentage increases up to 50 per cent.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s:

The first symptoms of Parkinson’s aren’t usually very noticeable but will persist and worsen over time. Generally joint pain, difficulties with movement and fatigue could be an early indicator of the disease. Symptoms of the disease occur on only one side of the body in 80 per cent of patients. The character of the person may also change, falling into depression with no apparent cause. In addition to these symptoms, tell-tale signs of the disease are:

• Tremors in limbs: A constant rocking movement. It often appears in the hands, although it can occur in feet or in the jaw.
• Rigid muscles: They can provoke difficulty to swallow and chew.
• Loss of spontaneous and automatic movements.
• Impaired posture and balance.
• Problems urinating.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Lack of facial expression.
• Total loss of movement that appears suddenly and lasts a few minutes.
• Reduced sense of smell: Hyposmia, a symptom that can appear years after the beginning of Parkinson’s disease.

Tips to prevent Parkinson’s:

Currently there are no known ways to prevent Parkinson’s disease’s advances.

With Parkinson’s it is essential to receive an early diagnosis, as each case may be treated differently.

Observation is the best way to detect the pathology of Parkinson’s. A regular observation by doctors and family to control possible physical and emotional symptoms is essential.

At HC Marbella’s Neurology Unit we recommend booking an appointment with your neurologist in order to make the appropriate diagnostic tests and to receive the best prognosis.

If you would like more information don’t hesitate to get in touch with the specialists at HC Marbella through their webpage www.marbellahighcare.com or book an appointment by calling 952 908 628.