Precursive symptoms such as REM sleep behavior disorder, loss of sensation, and constipation...Take medication for the rest of your life
Mar 04, 2025
|
◇ Major symptoms and prognosis of Parkinson's disease
The main early symptoms of Parkinson's disease include trembling progression in the hands and feet, stiffening of the body, slow-acting westward movement, walking disorders and balance disorders. Patients may walk slower, their movements become awkward, and their speech may not be heard well or their facial expressions may disappear.
Non-motor symptoms can occur as precursors years before these symptoms appear.
Typical precursor symptoms include REM sleep behavior disorder, loss of smell, constipation, urine disorder, orthostatic hypotension, and depression. In particular, more than 90% of patients with REM sleep behavior disorders are likely to develop related diseases such as Parkinson's disease or Parkinson's syndrome after 20 years, and 30% to 50% of patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are accompanied by REM sleep behavior disorders. Professor Lee Ji-eun said, `It is possible that anterior symptoms are a leading factor in Parkinson's disease, but these symptoms alone cannot diagnose Parkinson's disease, so additional tests are conducted", he explained.
◇ Listening to medical history and neurological examination first for diagnosis
Parkinson's disease is mainly diagnosed through listening to a neurologist's medical history and neurological examination. In addition, brain magnetic resonance imaging (Brain MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) can help diagnose and discriminate.
In particular, glucose PET (FDG-PET) or dopamine transporter PET can be helpful if distinction from other diseases such as secondary Parkinson's syndrome or atypical Parkinson's syndrome is required.
Professor Lee Ji-eun said, `Depending on the patient's symptoms, additional blood tests, cognitive function tests, and sleep tests are performed, and these evaluations play an important role in determining the progress and prognosis of the disease.'
◇ Take medicine for life and manage...Physical therapy in parallel
Parkinson's disease often begins with medication, which aims to alleviate symptoms and help maintain daily life rather than aiming for a cure. So far, there is no treatment that has the effect of stopping or slowing the progression of Parkinson's disease, but a healthy life can be maintained through proper management and treatment by a specialist.
When starting medication, it should be customized in consideration of various factors such as the patient's age, occupation, level of social activity, severity of the disease, symptoms of discomfort, and duration of medication. In particular, long-term treatment plans are important, and the type and dose of drugs should be continuously adjusted according to the patient's condition and situation.
Professor Lee Ji-eun emphasized that "Parkinson's disease is a disease that must be taken and managed for a lifetime, so it must be accompanied by continuous treatment by a Parkinson's disease specialist.'
Parkinson's disease patients frequently develop symptoms such as muscle pain, back pain, and joint stiffness, and in severe cases, joint stiffness and muscle weakness can be greatly limited in movement. In addition, muscle abnormalities or pain may occur during drug treatment. Physical therapy should be combined to relieve these symptoms, and physical therapy is effective in releasing hardened muscles and joints and increasing exercise.
In addition, posture correction, walking training, and speech therapy can help patients recover their function and improve their quality of life. Parkinson's disease patients should continue to exercise regularly, such as swimming, walking, and gymnastics, to maintain an independent life and slow the progression of the disease.
If there is no response to drug treatment or difficulty taking drugs due to severe side effects, specialists can evaluate patients and consider surgical treatments such as Deep Brain Stimulation. Surgery is determined by comprehensively evaluating the patient's age, severity of symptoms, drug reactions, and accompanying symptoms such as cognitive impairment or depression.
◇It is difficult to cure at the moment...You're supposed to be the 'partner' of life
If Parkinson's disease occurs, it is necessary to accept it as a friend for the rest of your life. Although it is difficult to cure Parkinson's disease with current medical technology, the quality of life and prognosis may vary depending on the attitude toward the disease. Some patients are dragged around by the disease and buried in discomfort, but patients who accept the disease as friends and manage it positively continue to live better lives.
Professor Lee Ji-eun said, `Parkinson's disease is not just a disease that ends with a prescription for medicine like a cold. It is important to consistently accompany a Parkinson's specialist because you have to control and manage your medication throughout your life."
|
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
