Parkinson's disease affects various aspects of a person's life, from the physical to the emotional, often leaving individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed. However, new treatments and lifestyle changes are making a significant difference, empowering those diagnosed to lead fuller lives.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that profoundly affects movement and other functions. Over 15,000 people in Wisconsin and nearly one million in the U.S. live with Parkinson's disease; this number is expected to rise to 1.2 million by 2030.
"Parkinson's disease, in the simplest terms, is a neurodegenerative condition which affects the neurons that produce dopamine in your brain," explains Prashant Natteru, M.D., assistant professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse. "So, you don't have enough dopamine in your body, and that manifests with some of the features of Parkinson's disease."
Dopamine is essential for regulating movement and emotional responses. "Imagine taking your grandkids out for ice cream and seeing the smile on their faces—that’s dopamine at work," Dr. Natteru adds. "You require dopamine to emote better, work better and exercise better. In Parkinson's patients, this 'happy hormone' is primarily low in quantity."
Symptoms can vary from person to person and often start gradually. Dr. Natteru shared some key signs to watch for including tremors when resting a hand on the table or while watching TV; a shuffling gait; lack of emoting such as a blank expression on the face; or being slow to move.
"There are also non-motor symptoms that can predate the motor symptoms by 20 to 30 years, such as constipation, sleeping problems, loss of smell or even depression," notes Dr. Natteru. "It's important to understand that it's not just one symptom by itself but a combination of symptoms that lead to a diagnosis."
"Parkinson's disease is more of a clinical diagnosis," says Dr. Natteru. "If you have a family member or friend dealing with tremors, slow walking or a blank expression, it's important to see a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist for a proper diagnosis." Diagnosis involves looking at multiple symptoms.
While there is no cure for Parkinson's disease currently, treatments can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life. According to Dr. Natteru, medications often help manage symptoms by increasing or substituting dopamine. In some cases, surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation may be recommended.
Men are 1.5 times more likely than women to have Parkinson's disease.
Although the cause of Parkinson's is unknown, some research suggests regular aerobic exercise might reduce risk while consuming caffeine may be associated with lower risk though more research is needed.
Exercise plays an essential role in managing Parkinson's disease."Staying active can slow down the neurodegeneration process," emphasizes Dr. Natteru."A pilot study from Yale School of Medicine showed structured high-intensity exercise not only slowed down neurodegeneration but also possibly caused neuroregeneration."
Dr.Natteru encourages patients to stay optimistic."Having a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is not a death sentence," he shares."You can change course if you want by staying physically active especially now there's evidence exercise can be potential therapy."
For more information on Parkinson’s disease visit Mayo Clinic Health System.
Mayo Clinic Health System consists of clinics hospitals other facilities serving healthcare needs across Iowa Minnesota Wisconsin.The community-based professionals paired with resources expertise enable patients receive highest-quality physical virtual healthcare close home.
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