Early recognition and treatment of Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects the part of the central nervous system that controls movement. The main symptoms of this disorder include tremor, stiffness, bradykinesia, and balance problems. Because these symptoms can be mild in the early stages of the disease, it is especially important to recognize and treat the early stages of Parkinson's disease.
1. Early identification
Early recognition of Parkinson's disease is a challenge because its early symptoms can be mistaken for part of normal aging, or overlooked. However, early recognition is key, as early treatment can help delay disease progression and improve quality of life.
Early symptoms may include one or more of the following:
1. Hand tremor: This is the most common early symptom and usually appears at rest and decreases with activity.
2. Muscle stiffness: The patient's muscles may feel stiff, resulting in mobility problems and even pain.
3. Slow movement: Patients may become slow in their movements, such as getting up, walking, etc.
4. Decreased balance: Patients may stand unsteadily and fall easily.
5. Reduced facial expressions: Patients may have stiff facial expressions and reduced smiles.
6. Language changes: The patient's language may become monotonous, low in volume, and fast in speech.
7. Smaller handwriting: Patients may have smaller handwriting, which is called "microwords".
8. Reduced automatic movements: Patients may reduce involuntary movements such as blinking, swinging arms, etc.
9. Sleep problems: Patients may have sleep disorders, such as insomnia, dreaminess, etc.
10. Decreased sense of smell: Patients may experience loss of smell.
The above symptoms may not occur in every patient, and may not be obvious in the early stage, and it is necessary to pay close attention to physical changes and seek medical attention in time.
If you have the above symptoms, you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor may do a series of neurological tests and tests to determine if Parkinson's disease is the case.
Second, early treatment
The main goal of treatment of Parkinson's disease is to control symptoms, improve quality of life, and delay the progression of the disease. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are a variety of medications and treatments that can help manage symptoms.
1. Medication: The most commonly used medications are levodopa and carbidopa, which increase dopamine levels in the brain, which improves motor symptoms. Other drugs include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, CONT inhibitors, etc.
2. Physical therapy: Physiotherapists can provide a range of exercise and balance exercises to improve bradykinesia and balance problems.
3. Speech and swallowing therapy: A speech pathologist can help improve language and swallowing problems.
4. Psychotherapy: A counselor or psychologist can help deal with emotional and cognitive issues.
5. Deep brain stimulation: For patients who do not respond to medical treatment, deep brain stimulation is an option. This is a procedure in which electrodes are implanted to stimulate specific areas of the brain to improve symptoms.
Overall, early recognition and treatment of Parkinson's disease is essential to delay the progression of the disease and improve patients' quality of life. If you have any suspected symptoms, you should seek help from a doctor as soon as possible. At the same time, patients and families should also be actively involved in the management of the disease, including medication management, exercise training, dietary modification, and psychological support.
Third, how to prevent Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects motor function. Parkinson's disease is not completely preventable at this time, but the following lifestyle and healthy habits may help reduce your risk:
1. Healthy Diet: A balanced diet provides the nutrients your brain needs to contribute to a healthy nervous system. Some research suggests that foods rich in antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, may help reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.
2. Moderate exercise: Regular aerobic activity, such as walking, running, swimming, or cycling, can improve general health and may reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease.
3. Avoid overexposure to toxic substances: Some studies suggest that long-term exposure to certain pesticides and chemicals may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
4. Control blood pressure: High blood pressure may increase the risk of Parkinson's disease, so it's important to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
5. Non-smoking: Smoking is thought to increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
6. Limit alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause damage to the nervous system and increase the risk of Parkinson's disease.
7. Regular physical examination: Conduct regular health check-ups to detect and deal with possible health problems in a timely manner.
The above advice does not guarantee that you will not develop Parkinson's disease, but it may help reduce the risk. If you have symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as hand tremors, muscle stiffness, or bradykinesia, you should see a doctor right away.
Bibliography:
1. CHEN Xiufang, DENG Yan, WANG Xiaoling. (2009). Research advances in nursing of Parkinson's disease. Chinese Journal of Modern Nursing, 15(17), 2024-2027.
2. LI Jianjun, ZHANG Jianxin, WANG Ruiming. (2008). Etiology, pathology, and clinical features of Parkinson's disease. Chinese Journal of Practical Neurological Diseases, 11(1), 1-3.
