Parkinson's disease (and atypical Parkinson's syndromes)Parkinson's disease is one of the most common disorders in people over 60 years of age. In Germany, more than 300.000 people affected. Parkinson's disease is one of the degenerative diseases of the extrapyramidal motor system and is unfortunately still not curable. It manifests itself in a slowly progressive loss of nerve cells that leads to problems u. a. in the physical mobility leads.
The diagnosis is made by
– Physical examination – L-dopa test – Imaging procedures (MRI, DaTSCAN, MIBG scintigraphy)
The four typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease
– Muscle tremor (tremor) – Muscle rigidity (rigor) – Slowed movements (bradykinesis or hypokinesis) – Postural instability (postural instability)
Parkinson's disease: Causes and delimitation of the disease
To date, no clear, tangible cause of Parkinson's disease has been identified. Among experts, the typical disease is also called idiopathic Parkinson's syndrome (IPS) called. Parkinson's is characterized by the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the substantia nigra (a structure in the midbrain).
(Atypical) Parkinson's syndromes have symptoms similar to those of classic Parkinson's disease. However, Parkinson's syndromes are very often triggered by certain medications. The exact cause and the course of further treatment must always be discussed with a specialist.
The course of Parkinson's disease can be divided into five stages.
Parkinson's treatment
Unfortunately, there is still no cure for Parkinson's disease. If the disease is detected early, the progression of the symptoms can be delayed, so that the quality of life of the affected person can be maintained for a long time.
Drug therapy for Parkinson's disease
Levodopa (L-dopa) treatment inhibits the four typical symptoms of Parkinson's disease: tremor, muscle stiffness, movement disorders, and instability. Effect of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Alleviate symptoms. The medication is usually taken in tablet form.
If the disease is already well advanced, a Pump therapy The following are used. In this case, the drug is administered to the ties through a cannula using an electric pump.
Physiotherapy as an important part of treatment
Advanced treatment of Parkinson's disease is usually composed of three therapies: Logopedic therapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy.
Logopedic therapy supports the musculature to counteract the impairment in speech and swallowing. Physical therapy and occupational therapy help to strengthen the mobility of the muscles or.