Index
- How's the end stage of Parkinson's disease?
- Parkinson's Disease: A Progressive Pathology
- The different forms of this disease
- Stages of Parkinson's disease progression
- How does the terminal phase manifest itself?
- What are the treatments for terminal illnesses?
How's the end stage of Parkinson's disease?
In addition to the deterioration of various functions that occurs naturally with old age, some neurodegenerative diseases can also occur over the years. Among the degenerative diseases associated with old age, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease are the most common. These diseases are irreversible and no treatment currently exists to cure them. Worse, they evolve in such a way as to completely alter the patient's health and make him or her less and less autonomous. In what follows, we will look at the various stages of Parkinson's disease. The main focus will be on the terminal phase of the disease.
Parkinson's Disease: A Progressive Pathology
Parkinson's disease, in addition to being a neurodegenerative disease, is a chronic progressive disease. As a disease of old age, it usually occurs between the ages of 50 and 70. In concrete terms, this pathology results from the degeneration of dopamine cells. This degeneration can take place over several years. And as the disease progresses, its symptoms also increase in severity to the point of incapacitation. The terminal phase of Parkinson's disease is also quite distressing for both the patient and those around him.
The different forms of this disease
The degeneration of dopamine cells in the brain is caused by a pathogenic cluster known as "alpha-synuclein". The characteristics of this cluster, including its shape, determines how Parkinson's disease will manifest itself.
Thus, two very distinct forms of this disease exist according to the superposition of alpha- synuclein :
- When the cluster in question is in the form of "spaghetti", the pathology is more toxic and aggressive. This is because the clump can easily enter the brain cells and accelerate the progression of the disease.
- When the cluster is in the form of "linguine", the disease progresses more slowly.
Stages of Parkinson's disease progression
Since Parkinson's disease is progressive, it is characterized by a succession of several stages. As the stage of the disease progresses, the symptoms become more and more prominent.
- Stage 1: this phase of the pathology corresponds to the onset of the first It is generally at this stage that the diagnosis is made. It lasts about 5 to 10 years and is characterized mainly by slow movement. This sign is better known as "bradykinesia". The patient is also prone to single limb rigidity and tremors at rest.
- Stage 2: This stage is called the honeymoon phase. During this period, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease do not show up in a significant way. The patient can then continue to live a normal day-to-day life. Depending on the patient, the honeymoon period can last between 3 and 8 This period is also favourable for dopaminergic treatments.
- Stage 3: This phase is referred to as the "fluctuation period". Indeed, during this period, the dopaminergic treatment is no longer as effective as it used to be. The patient thus suffers from various motor problems. Stage 3 appears on average within 6 years after the first symptoms appear. During this phase, these symptoms worsen rapidly.
- Stage 4: This is the most advanced stage of Parkinson's disease. The symptoms that characterize it will be discussed in the next paragraph.
How does the terminal phase manifest itself?
Advanced Parkinson's disease is the fourth stage of the disease. It is characterized by the aggravation of motor complications, but also non-motor complications. The patient's quality of life and autonomy are then greatly impacted. During the final stage of this neurodegenerative disease, the effectiveness of dopaminergic treatment is minimal. In some patients, this treatment is completely ineffective.
The sick person is then subject to very serious balance disorders that lead to postural instability. The patient has difficulty walking and standing. During the terminal phase, the patient may also experience depression. As a worsening phase of Parkinson's disease, the fourth and final phase is characterized by an increase in intensity of all of the following symptoms:
- Tremors increase in intensity and frequency
- The patient's psychological health is He is depressed and memory loss becomes frequent and significant. Also, confusion and dementia increase
- The patient is also prone to urinary dysfunction, blood pressure disorders and cramps
What are the treatments for terminal illnesses?
Although there is no treatment to stop the progression of Parkinson's disease, there are three treatment options for advanced Parkinson's disease:
- Deep brain stimulation: this is a neurosurgical technique that can improve about 50% of the motor difficulties caused by Parkinson's disease
- Intrajejunal administration of Carbidopa gel
- The subcutaneous infusion of apomorphine
The choice of technique to adopt depends essentially on the patient's condition. In any case, it is important to remember that these therapies have the effect of relieving symptoms without stopping the progression of the disease.
