Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a progressive condition that primarily impacts movement, causing tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. While the exact cause of Parkinson’s Disease remains unknown, researchers believe it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

We develop personalized treatment plans based on individual needs, focusing on symptom management, functional improvement, and enhancing quality of life.

Symptoms Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating movement and mood. As dopamine levels decrease, individuals with Parkinson’s experience a range of symptoms, including:

Tremor

Parkinson’s disease often manifests with rhythmic shaking, known as tremor, typically starting in a limb, such as your hand or fingers. A characteristic motion called a pill-rolling tremor, involves rubbing your thumb and forefinger back and forth. Tremors may also occur when your hand is at rest but may diminish during activity.

Slowed movement (Bradykinesia)

Over time, Parkinson’s disease can slow down your movements, making even simple tasks challenging and time-consuming. Walking may involve shorter steps, and rising from a chair may become difficult. You might find yourself dragging or shuffling your feet as you walk.

Muscle rigidity

Parkinson’s can lead to muscle stiffness anywhere in your body, causing pain and limiting your range of motion.

Posture and balance issues

Individuals with Parkinson’s may experience stooped posture or balance problems, increasing the risk of falls.

Loss of automatic movements

Parkinson’s disease may impair unconscious movements such as blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms while walking.

Speech changes

Speech difficulties in Parkinson’s can include soft or rapid speech, slurring, hesitation before speaking, and a monotone voice rather than the usual speech patterns.

Changes in handwriting

Writing may become challenging, and your handwriting may appear smaller than usual.

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease involves the gradual breakdown or death of certain nerve cells, known as neurons, in the brain. Many of its symptoms arise from the loss of neurons responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical messenger crucial for brain function. Diminished dopamine levels disrupt normal brain activity, leading to movement issues and other Parkinson’s symptoms.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown, but various factors seem to contribute, including:

Genetics: Specific genetic mutations have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, though they are rare, except in cases with a strong family history of the condition. However, certain gene variations slightly elevate the risk of Parkinson’s, albeit with a low overall risk for each genetic marker.
Environmental Triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may raise the risk of developing Parkinson’s later in life, though the risk associated with these factors is generally small.

Researchers have observed several brain changes in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, although the reasons behind these changes remain unclear. These changes include:

Presence of Lewy Bodies: Lewy bodies are microscopic aggregates of particular substances found within brain cells, serving as markers for Parkinson’s disease. Scientists believe these structures, named Lewy bodies, hold key insights into the disease’s origins.
Alpha-Synuclein Accumulation: A significant substance found within Lewy bodies is the protein alpha-synuclein, also known as a-synuclein. This protein clumps together in a form that cells cannot degrade, a process of interest to Parkinson’s researchers. Clumped alpha-synuclein has been detected in the spinal fluid of individuals who later develop Parkinson’s disease, highlighting its potential role in the condition.

Types of Parkinson’s Disease

There are several types of Parkinson’s Disease, including:

Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease

The most common form, with no known specific cause. The symptoms of idiopathic PD are divided into two categories—motor (movement) and non-motor.

Motor symptoms of PD include:

Shaking (tremor)
Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
Rigidity (stiffness)
Poor balance

Non-motor symptoms include:

Mood disorders like depression, anxiety, and loss of motivation (apathy)
Sleep disorders
Fatigue
Loss of sense of smell
Urinary urgency
Reduced cognitive function, such as forgetfulness
Psychosis with hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)

Secondary Parkinsonism

Secondary parkinsonism arises from an underlying condition or factor, such as medication use, head trauma, exposure to toxins, brain infections, or stroke. These causes disrupt dopamine levels or function in the brain, leading to symptoms resembling those of Parkinson’s disease.

Atypical Parkinsonism

These conditions are marked by the abnormal accumulation of proteins within brain cells. However, the type and distribution of these protein deposits differ across the various diseases. “Atypical parkinsonism” serves as an umbrella term for a group of neurodegenerative diseases that exhibit symptoms resembling Parkinson’s disease (PD), including:

Dementia with Lewy bodies
Multiple system atrophy
Progressive supranuclear palsy
Corticobasal syndrome

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Parkinson’s Disease can be challenging, as symptoms often develop gradually and may overlap with other conditions. Besides the hallmark motor symptoms, individuals with Parkinson’s may also experience non-motor symptoms such as cognitive impairment, depression, and sleep disturbances.

Rehabilitation for Parkinson’s Disease

While Parkinson’s Disease is currently incurable, rehabilitation plays a crucial role in managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients. One innovative approach to rehabilitation is robotic neurorehabilitation, which utilizes advanced technology to facilitate movement and enhance motor function. At Glavic Clinic, we offer cutting-edge robotic neurorehabilitation programs tailored to the individual needs of Parkinson’s patients. Our multidisciplinary team employs the Glarth Method, a holistic approach combining traditional therapy techniques with state-of-the-art technology to optimize outcomes and promote independence.

By integrating robotic neurorehabilitation and the Glarth Method, we aim to empower individuals with Parkinson’s Disease to regain control over their lives and live to their fullest potential.

Support and Empowerment

Parkinson’s Disease poses significant challenges for patients and their families, but with comprehensive care and innovative rehabilitation approaches, individuals can continue to lead fulfilling lives. At Glavic Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate care and cutting-edge treatments to support Parkinson’s patients on their journey towards better health and well-being.

PARKINSON’S DISEASE

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