When a person with Parkinson's or a relative wants to find out about a possible disease, accompanying symptoms play a crucial role. These can affect different parts of the body, including skin, skeleton, sensory organs and psyche. The severity and occurrence of these symptoms vary from person to person, and it is important to note that some symptoms may have other causes.
Possible accompanying symptoms are:
- Reduced facial expressions: The face looks like a mask.
- Changed handwriting: The font often becomes smaller towards the end of the line.
- Disturbed eye and eyelid movements, reduced blinking: Problems with eye motor skills, less blinking.
- Blurred vision, problems perceiving contrasts: Impaired vision and contrast perception.
- Problems with speaking: Quiet voice, slurred speech.
- Swallowing disorder, uncontrolled salivation: Difficulty swallowing and increased salivation.
- Stooped posture: The torso leans forward or to the side when standing and walking.
- Mental (cognitive) limitations: Lack of concentration.
- Depression and anxiety disorders: Psychological stress.
- Sleep problems, severe tiredness and exhaustion (fatigue): Difficulty sleeping and persistent fatigue.
- Problems with circulation, digestion and bladder emptying: Impairments in these functions.
- Smelling disorders: Decreased ability to smell.
- Discomfort or pain in the neck, back or limbs: Sensory disturbances or pain.
- Skin changes: Areas of the face appear greasy or oily (“ointment face”).
Causes of Parkinson's
Parkinson's is a disease in which nerve cells in the black matter of the brain gradually die. These cells produce the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is essential for controlling movements. The lack of dopamine leads to symptoms such as slow movement, tremors and muscle stiffness.
The exact causes of cell loss are not yet fully understood, but age, other diseases, genetic factors and environmental influences play a role.
Different forms of Parkinson's
Doctors essentially differentiate between five forms of Parkinson’s:
- Idiopathic Parkinson's syndrome: Cause unknown, occurs most frequently.
- Symptomatic Parkinson's syndrome: Triggered by certain medications, environmental toxins or other illnesses.
- Hereditary Parkinson's syndrome: Inherited form, occurs early or runs in families.
- Sporadic Parkinson's disease: Caused by Lewy body dementia.
- Atypical Parkinson's syndrome: Caused by other neurodegenerative diseases.
Diagnosis of Parkinson's
A neurologist is the best person to contact for an accurate diagnosis. Symptoms such as lack of exercise, muscle stiffness, tremors at rest and instability are characteristic. Imaging tests help rule out other conditions and, in some cases, genetic testing may be performed.
Physical examinations check gait behavior, mobility, degree of sedentary behavior, muscle stiffness and tremor. Imaging diagnostics such as cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and genetic testing can also contribute to the diagnosis.
Early signs of Parkinson's
The early symptoms of Parkinson's can include REM sleep behavior disorder, constipation, impaired sense of smell, increased urination, sexual dysfunction, depressive moods, impaired color vision and cognitive impairment. There is currently no test for routine early detection.
Treatment options for Parkinson's
Treatment includes drug and non-drug measures. Drugs such as levodopa, dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors are used to compensate for dopamine deficiency or to increase its effects. Non-drug approaches include deep brain stimulation, pallidotomy, exercise therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and psychotherapeutic care.
help in everyday life
It is important to know that Parkinson's is a permanent disease. Close medical care and communication with other affected people are essential. Self-help groups offer support, and there are various tools that can make everyday life easier.
Parkinson's and need for care
Parkinson's progresses slowly, but in advanced stages, care may be necessary. It is advisable to think about care options early on, create a health care power of attorney and talk to doctors and relatives about the future. The article provides general information Information and cannot replace medical advice.
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