Parkinson's Disease: Starting symptom that people usually brush aside

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition that affects not just the nervous system but also the parts of the body that depend on nerves for their proper operation, including the brain. As a result, it is characterized by unintended movements such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulties with balance and coordination in the body parts. It is crucial to be aware of the condition, recognize its symptoms, and be familiar with the appropriate treatment strategies because Parkinson's disease is not curable. Parkinson's disease is a chronic ailment with irreversible symptoms that only get worse with time.

According to new research, 'changes in speech' are one of the first signs of Parkinson's disease that appear before tremors and muscle stiffness. As a result, patients in the early stages of the disease may speak softly, and their tone may be dull, slower, and fragmented, making them less noticeable to the ear.

Dr. Rupam Borgohain, Consultant Neurologist & Chairman Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorder Research Centre, Citi Neuro Centre, Hyderabad, says, “Parkinson's symptoms are not limited to speech. Motor skills are also impacted by the neurodegenerative condition. Some of the symptoms include tremors, slower motion, muscle rigidity, difficulty maintaining posture, balance, and coordination, movement loss, and writing difficulty.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is no known cause of Parkinson's disease, but a number of things can make you more likely to get the disorder. The risk of developing Parkinson's disease rises with age, and it typically manifests in middle or late life. The disease typically strikes people when they are 60 or older. Toxins and a combination of hereditary and environmental factors, such as the environment, can also contribute to Parkinson's disease.

“Early PD treatment is required for Parkinson's disease. Depending on the patient's condition, limited medicines and additional treatments like physiotherapy and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are recommended. With each passing year the medicine requirement is increased with each dose as well as the number of doses and number of medicines. Once the five doses of Levodopa are required and patient has two hours of slowing/tremors and 1 hour of extra movements(dyskinesia)/ DBS is required. An elective surgical treatment called DBS involves implanting electrodes in specific parts of the brain. Electrical impulses produced by these electrodes, sometimes known as leads, are used to regulate aberrant brain activity,” says Dr. Borgohain.
The stimulation of brain areas is controlled by a programmable generator that is placed under the skin in the upper chest. It is a well-established and effective treatment option that helps improve day-to-day experiences for movement disorder patients.