Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 14, 2024
00:00
00:00

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common degenerative disease in the elderly, primarily causing the death of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, leading to corresponding clinical manifestations. Research has confirmed that other systems may also be damaged in the early stages of Parkinson's disease symptoms. The early symptoms may primarily include: First, patients experience persistent constipation, which is a very important early symptom of Parkinson's disease. Second, some patients may experience sleep disturbances, mainly characterized by tossing and turning, shouting out loud during sleep, without being aware of it. Additionally, some patients in the early stages may also experience a reduced sense of smell, constipation, cognitive impairment, and other clinical manifestations. There are also some early motor symptoms, mainly that the patient becomes clumsy and inflexible in the movements of one side of the body. These are the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
1min 2sec home-news-image

Is Parkinson's disease scary?

Parkinson's disease is not a terrifying disease, as its onset is relatively hidden and slow, with gradual progression. Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms, prolong their lives, and enhance their quality of life through rehabilitation training and medication. However, there is no effective cure for Parkinson's disease at this time; current treatments only relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients with Parkinson's should not be afraid and must regularly visit neurology outpatient clinics for follow-up. Neurologists will provide appropriate medications for Parkinson’s and guide the daily life of patients. Moreover, patients must prevent falls. Parkinson's is not a terrifying disease; what is dangerous is arbitrarily stopping or reducing medication without listening to the doctor's advice. (Note: This answer is for reference only, medication should be taken under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be taken blindly.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
54sec home-news-image

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

The cause of Parkinson's disease is mainly due to a part of the brain called the brainstem, which has some black moles and clusters containing a large number of neurons that can produce dopamine. The death of these neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, caused by various factors, leads to Parkinson's disease. This results in noticeable slowness of movement in the limbs, muscle rigidity, as well as tremors, and unstable walking and other clinical manifestations. The causes of the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra include genetic factors. Additionally, age is the biggest cause of the disease. Furthermore, dysfunctions in mitochondrial function, ischemia and hypoxia in the midbrain, certain traumas, and the use of drugs that deplete dopamine can all potentially cause Parkinson's disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
53sec home-news-image

What department should you go to for Parkinson's disease?

Registration for Parkinson's disease should be in the Department of Neurology, as Parkinson's disease is a common disorder within neurology, so seeing a neurologist is sufficient. Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease, primarily affecting middle-aged and elderly people. Although there is a genetic predisposition in some cases of Parkinson's disease, those with a family history might develop the disease in their youth, but sporadic cases generally occur in middle-aged or older individuals. Patients exhibit many motor symptoms that severely affect their quality of life, including muscle rigidity, limb tremors, and slowed movement, as well as other complications. Many neurologists are very familiar with Parkinson's disease and have seen many patients with it, possessing significant diagnostic and treatment experience. Therefore, consulting neurology is entirely appropriate.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
56sec home-news-image

Is Parkinson's disease hereditary?

Parkinson's disease is mainly divided into two types. One type is familial Parkinson's disease, which definitely has a clear genetic predisposition. This disease is caused by mutations in some genes that lead to disruptions in some internal environments and the accumulation of abnormal proteins, eventually causing the death of neurons. Since the disease is caused by genetic mutations, there is definitely a certain genetic predisposition, and reproductive counseling is necessary to prevent the birth of offspring with Parkinson's disease. Moreover, most cases of Parkinson's disease are sporadic, and these diseases may be related to acquired factors, such as long-term mental stress, excessive pressure, brain trauma, or cerebrovascular diseases in patients, which can all lead to Parkinson's disease. This type of disease is definitely not inherited, so there is no need to worry too much.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
55sec home-news-image

Where to treat Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a very common neurodegenerative disease in neurology. Therefore, if Parkinson's disease is suspected, treatment can be sought in the neurology department, which is available in most hospitals. Many neurologists have extensive experience in treating Parkinson's disease. The treatment primarily includes medication and surgery. Medication therapy mainly refers to the administration of anticholinergic drugs or dopamine receptor agonists, as well as preparations of Levodopa. These medications can help improve symptoms, such as reducing muscle rigidity and tremors. Surgical treatment mainly refers to deep brain stimulation, which is suitable for patients who have been clearly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease for over five years and whose primary symptom is tremor, without significant dementia.