News
Parkinson’s Awareness by Dr Anna Putnis
April 8, 2022
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative neurological condition characterised by both motor (movement) and non-motor symptoms. It is estimated to affect over 10 million people worldwide and around 100,000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s.
The average age of diagnosis is 65 years. While the risk of contracting the condition increases with age, Parkinson’s is not part of the natural aging process. Younger people are also diagnosed with the disease, and this is called Young Onset Parkinson’s.
Symptoms
There is no definitive medical test (blood test or scan) to diagnose Parkinson’s. It is diagnosed by identifying a range of symptoms and features.
Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
- Resting tremor
- Slowed movement (bradykinesia)
- Rigid muscles
- Posture and balance problems
- Reduced facial expression (blank-like appearance)
- Gait problems such as freezing, shuffling, drooped shoulders and lack of arm swing.
Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s
- Cognitive impairment
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep difficulties
- Loss of sense of smell
- Constipation
- Speech (voice becomes quieter)
- Swallowing problems
- Writing problems (writing may appear small)
- Vision difficulties
- Apathy and fatigue.
Parkinson’s symptoms affect everyone differently. Many people will experience some symptoms and not others. The progression of the disease also varies between people.
Management
If you become aware of symptoms, visit your GP. They will usually refer you to a neurologist or geriatrician to confirm the diagnosis and to share management.
Parkinson’s disease is primarily related to a lack of a neurotransmitter chemical called dopamine. This is usually due to degeneration of dopamine producing neurons within the mid-brain. Most pharmaceutical treatment options for Parkinson’s disease attempt to restore the balance of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.
As Parkinson’s progresses, needs change, and medications must be reviewed regularly by your GP and specialist for dose adjustments.
More information
Visit Parkinson’s Australia (https://www.parkinsons.org.au/)
This April, you can also support Pause4Parkinson’s which is an awareness and research fundraising event organised by Shake It Up (https://shakeitup.org.au/pause4parkinsons)