Parkinson's disease affects the ability to move. People affected by it can hope to control their symptoms.
Parkinson's is a progressive disease. It affects brain cells, or neurons, which produce chemicals (neurotransmitters) that are involved in controlling movement. In people with Parkinson's disease, neurons lose their ability to produce a specific neurotransmitter, called dopamine, in a certain area of the brain. This results in an imbalance, which in turn, causes problems with movement which is characteristic of the disease.
A person with Parkinson's disease may have both motor (movement) and non-motor symptoms.
Motor symptoms include:
Tremors are one of the first symptoms to appear. Initially, they may be intermittent or affect only one side of the body, and later progress to the other side. Tremors can affect several parts of the body:
Tremors are more noticeable when the person is immobile, and can be accentuated by anxiety, stress, and strong emotion. On the other hand, tremors decrease during physical activity and disappear during sleep.
Difficulty initiating movement may result in a feeling of numbness or a slowing of motor performance. Thus, it becomes more challenging to:
Muscle stiffness causes balance problems. This explains the typical gait of people with Parkinson’s disease, who hunch forward and take small steps. They also find it difficult to resume walking after a period of inactivity. Loss of facial expression can also be observed.
Non-motor symptoms include:
Fortunately, the treatments and resources available to people living with Parkinson's disease have changed significantly over the last few decades. The medical management of this condition is complex, as treatment must be adapted to the stage of progression of the disease. Optimal management involves close collaboration between the affected person, family members, and an entire team of healthcare professionals—doctors (general practitioner, neurologist), nurse, physiotherapist, kinesiologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, pharmacist, and others.
A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease necessarily involves health and lifestyle changes. The people who cope best with the disease are those who have been able to prepare themselves to deal with these changes. Being well-informed about the disease and its treatments is a key part of healthy coping. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, find out about the resources available to you. Consult the Parkinson Quebec or Parkinson Canada websites
A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease necessarily leads to changes in health and lifestyle. The people who cope best with the disease are those who have been able to prepare themselves to face these changes. Knowing about the disease and its treatments is a key part of healthy coping. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, find out about all the resources available to you. Consult the Parkinson Quebec or Parkinson Canada websites.
There is no medication or surgery available to cure Parkinson's disease. However, medications can help control symptoms. Treatment must be tailored to each person, and medication must be taken at specific times depending on the onset of symptoms. It is important to follow the medication schedule to get the maximum benefit. Stopping the medication is certain to cause the symptoms to return. If you are having problems taking your medication, don't hesitate to discuss it with your pharmacist, who will be able to provide valuable advice.
Because medications can cause adverse effects, drug treatment should only be started when symptoms become bothersome. Your pharmacist can suggest possible solutions to lower the impact of adverse effects on your life.
News of a progressive disease like Parkinson's can come as a shock. However, it is reassuring to know that there are people around us who have the knowledge and skills needed to help us adapt to this new reality. Remember that pharmacists are trusted medication experts. Don't hesitate to speak to them as often as needed; they will be happy to offer you advice and support!
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