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Parkinson's disease |
Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the brain. It occurs when certain nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra die or become impaired. Normally, these cells produce a chemical known as dopamine. Dopamine allows smooth, coordinated function of the body's muscles and movement. When approximately 80% of the dopamine-producing cells are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson disease appear.
Diagnosis is based on the presence of tremor, rigidity and slowness of movement, either together or alone.
At this time no treatment has been shown to slow or stop the progression of this disease. Instead, therapy is directed at treating the symptoms that are most bothersome to an individual with Parkinson's disease.
Treatment does not alter progression and individual response can be variable, such as in benign tremulous Parkinson's disease where the tremor may respond poorly, but usually progresses very slowly. In some patients, immediate treatment might not be necessary.
Parkinson disease affects 1 in 100 people over the age of 60, with the average age of onset being 60 years. It can also affect younger people.
Care should be taken with dose adjustments. Abrupt increases in antiparkinsonian's drugs may produce confusion and hallucinations complications, whilst abrupt dose reduction may result in an acute problem of immobility and the risk of precipitating a rare but serious complication with muscle rigidity and elevated temperature this requires emergency medical treatment.
As Parkinson's disease progresses and disabilities begin to increase, the assistance of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech pathologists, can be helpful. It may be helpful for you to talk with your GP to arrange a General Practice Management Plan and Team Care Arrangements. This Commonwealth initiative allows eligible patients access to up to five visits each year with allied health providers with the support of a medicare rebate.
Exercise is encouraged, continue with their work and hobbies, socialise and lead as normal a life for as long as possible. There are many aids, eg walking aids, helpful hints (satin sheets to help turning in bed) and the local Parkinson's disease association, which can offer advice and support.
There are a variety of medical treatments available and in selected cases surgery in the form of a thalamotomy is considered usually for those who are younger with a unilateral tremor. Other procedures for patients with advanced and uncontrolled disease responding poorly to medical therapy include pallidotomy and thalamic or subthalamic nucleus stimulation, which are undertaken in a few specialised centres.
Parkinson's Australia
Parkinson's NSW has a range of practical and helpful resources including newsletters, videos, audio tapes and books for people with Parkinson's and their families.
Parkinson's NSW
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