BRAIN

Parkinson's disease, what to remember

After Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease is the most common neurodegenerative pathology. The disease results from the destruction of dopaminergic neurons. This results in a loss or impairment of mobility. As a result, the patient can no longer  control the movements of his or her body. Also, he gradually has difficulty concentrating. Very disabling, this disease often causes the patient's complete dependence. The question on the minds of those close to the patient is: How is Parkison's disease managed? What treatments are available and how can the patient's daily life be made easier?

The main signs of Parkinson's disease

This neurodegenerative pathology is progressive. As such, its symptoms intensify over time. Also, they do not manifest themselves in the same way in patients. Among the main symptoms of Parkinson's disease, the following signs are the most frequent:

There are also other non-motor signs that are characteristic of Parkinson's disease. These include sleep disturbances, hypersalivation, excessive drowsiness, constipation, pain, depression, hallucinations, and difficulty urinating. These signs can occur at any stage of the disease. In any case, one of the early signs of this pathology remains mood disorders.

At what stage of the disease are the treatments effective?

From one patient to another, the speed of progression of Parkinson's disease varies greatly. But in general, there are three distinct periods in the course of Parkinson's disease. And as soon as the diagnosis is made, treatment can be offered immediately. The first objective of treatment is to compensate for the decrease or even disappearance of dopamine from the body. If the treatment is offered from the earliest stages of the disease, it is very effective.

Indeed, it will correct the lack of dopamine and control symptoms such as tremors, stiffness and slowness. These early stages can last up to 10 years and are called the "honeymoon". After a few years, the treatment will cause various motor complications, as its effectiveness will fluctuate. And during the third phase of the disease, the symptoms develop and amplify while the treatment will no longer have any effect.

Treatments adapted to each symptom and complication of the disease

Since the symptoms of this pathology are numerous, its treatment must also be adapted to them. Thus, the management of Parkinson's disease varies according to the signs and disorders that the patient faces. Generally, the non-motor disorders that occur are those listed below.

Sleep disorders

Very common in Parkinson's disease, sleep disorders can handicap the patient. In addition to insomnia and night cramps, the patient may feel drowsy during the day. The patient may also suffer from restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea. The most appropriate treatment for insomnia is melatonin. Melatoninergic antidepressants may be given to the patient. And to boost energy during the day, noradrenergic antidepressants can be administered.

Fatigue

In Parkinson's disease, the fatigue perceived by the patient is immense. However, there is no treatment to relieve the patient. Doctors can simply make sure that he or she has neither anemia nor hypothyroidism. Also, he or she should be encouraged to engage in stimulating activities and help him or her get a good night's sleep.

Depression

The treatment of depression in Parkinson's disease is based on psychotherapy and cognitive therapies. Indeed, this symptom is caused by the way in which the patient lives his disease, as well as by neurological lesions.

Hallucinations

When the patient is prone to hallucinations, the dose of dopaminergic medication should be reduced. Then, the use of neuroleptic drugs is necessary in order to act both on the hallucinations without disturbing motor skills.

Pain

Various types of pain can occur in Parkinson's disease patients. They can be joint  pain, muscle pain, osteoarthritis pain, neuropathic pain, or tingling. In the majority of cases, these pains are all treated with dopaminergic treatment. If the dopaminergic treatment fails to relieve the pain, treatment with opiates derived from morphine may be prescribed.

Cognitive impairment

In order to treat the loss of concentration and attention, mental training exercises can be performed. For example, the patient is encouraged to read and do calculations. A little physical activity such as walking, dancing or Tai Chi with more social interaction also helps to combat the harmful effects of intellectual disorders.