What is Parkinson’s Disease? Why cannot it be cured?

Did you know?
According to data given by the WHO, deaths due to Parkinson’s disease in Nepal have reached about 0.5% of all deaths.

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition in which the neurons producing dopamine get damaged.

It affects the parts of the brain that control the movement of the body parts. This disease mostly occurs among people aged 65 and older. 

Data

Nepal Data:

Death Number: 760
Percentage (%): 0.47

Source: WHO

Global Data:

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of Parkinson’s disease has doubled in 25 years. In 2019, over 8.5 million people lived with this disease, and the death rate has increased by 100% since 2000. The global death rate caused by this disease in 2019 was 329,000.

Myths Vs Facts

Myth: Everyone with Parkinson’s disease has tremors.
Fact: Not everyone with Parkinson’s disease gets tremors, and those with tremors do not necessarily have Parkinson’s.

Myth: Parkinson’s disease goes away on its own.
Fact: Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that keeps getting worse over time. However, some medications can slow the progress. 

Myth: Parkinson’s disease only affects physical movement. 
Fact: Parkinson’s disease not only affects people physically but also causes many other invisible symptoms like depression, anxiety and fear, smell disorder, constipation, and other bladder problems. 

Myth: The medicine for Parkinson’s disease worsens the symptoms. 
Fact: Medicine should be taken exactly on time every day. Taking medicines too late than prescribed won’t be effective and can cause adverse reactions. 

Myth: Parkinson’s disease is entirely genetic.  
Fact: Only some cases of the disease can be genetic, but it can also be caused by other factors such as head injury, exposure to toxic chemicals, neurological illness, etc. 

Cause

Parkinson’s disease is caused when neurons produce a chemical called dopamine (“Feel good” hormone) in a certain part of your brain that is damaged or affected. However, the exact cause of this disease is not known yet. 

Genetic: 10-15%
Other Factors: 80-90%

Risk Factors

1. Genetic
2. Head Injury 
3. Exposure to pesticides and herbicides
4. Metal Exposures

Vulnerable Group

1. People aged 60 years and older,
2. People with Neurological problems,
3. Men are more likely to develop this disease.

Stages and Symptoms

There are multiple stages of Parkinson’s disease, along with varying symptoms:

Stage 1: Mild Symptoms 

Stage 2: Symptoms get progressive such as; Tremors, Shaking of hands, and stiffness in body parts. 

Stage 3: Limitations in Movement such as; Difficulty walking & loss of balance.  

Stage 4: Severe symptoms develop such as; requiring external help from a caretaker. 

Stage 5: The symptoms worsen requiring constant help or support for even taking a step or standing.

Management and Treatments

Parkinson’s disease worsens without proper treatment and management. 

1. Medications: Medicines increase dopamine or act as a substitute for dopamine in the brain. This helps to manage symptoms like tremors, shaking and stiffness. 
   
2. Therapy: Physiotherapy improves the bodily movement, stiffness and other physical functions from worsening. Similarly, speech therapy improves their speaking and communication. 
   
3. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): DBS is a from of treatment that helps to relief tremors, stiffness and shakings and also helps to reduce the side effects of used medicines. 
   
4. Surgery: In some cases, surgery can also be performed. 

Conclusion

Parkinson’s disease is mainly a progressive disease that develops gradually. This disease has no cure.

However, people taking medications on time and performing prescribed therapies have their condition managed. The likelihood of this disease increases with age and usually requires a full-time caretaker as the symptoms deteriorate.

References

PARKINSON’S DISEASE. (n.d.). Retrieved September 27, 2023, from https://www.nepalindata.com/insight/331/
Parkinson’s Disease in Nepal. (n.d.). World Life Expectancy. Retrieved September 27, 2023, from https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/nepal-parkinson-disease
Myths and Facts: 7 Parkinson’s Disease Misconceptions. (2020, February 21). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/myths-and-facts-7-parkinson-disease-misconceptions
Myths About Parkinson’s | Parkinson’s Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved September 28, 2023, from
https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons/myths
Parkinson disease. (n.d.). Retrieved October 2, 2023, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/parkinson-disease