Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinsons Disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disorder that primarily affects movements. If occurs when the nerve cells (neurons)  in a specific part of the brain called the Substantia Nigra become damaged or die.

These neurons produce a chemical called dopamine which is critical for controlling movement and coordination. As dopamine levels reduce, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease gradually worsen over time.

Parkinsonism is an umbrella term used to cover a range of conditions that share similar symptoms to Parkinson’s disease. These conditions include:

Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease

This is the most common form of Parkinson’s disease, the exact cause is unknown (idiopathic).

Vascular Parkinsonism disease

Vascular Parkinsonism diseased is called by small strokes or reduced blood flow to the brain. Vascular Parkinsonism typically affects the lower half of the body and causes changes to mobility.  Vascular Parkinsonism can also cause problems with bladder control, communication, thinking and memory.

Typically people with Vascular Parkinsonism do not respond as well to medication management of symptoms.

Drug Induced Parkinsonism

The is a form of parkinsonism caused by medication that interfere with dopamine signalling in the brain. This form of parkinsonism is often reversible once the medication is identified and discontinued.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease / Parkinsonism

Motor Symptoms

·        Tremors – rhythmic shaking that typically start in one hand and reduces during voluntary movement

·        Rigidity – stiffness or resistance to movement in muscles which can lead to feelings of tightness, heaviness and cramping

·        Bradykinesia – slowness of movement of difficulty initiating movement.

·        Postural Instability – difficulty maintaining balance which increases risk of falling

·        Micrographia – gradual decrease in the size of handwriting across a single line or paragraph

Non motor Symptoms

·        Changes to cognition such as memory problems, slowed thinking or, in advanced stages, dementia

·        Automimic dysfunction, blood pressure changes, bowel or bladder dysfunction, excessive sweating or drooling

·        Changes to sleeping pattern including insomnia, acting out dreams and daytime sleepiness

·        Sensory changes such as loss of smell

·        Restless legs

·        Changes to speech or communication

·        Eating or swallowing changes

·        Emotional changes

·        Hallucinations

·        Fatigue

How can physiotherapy help?

·        Improve movement and mobility

·        Reduce the risk of falling

·        Improve balance and confidence

·        Promote functional independence

·        Strengthen muscles

·        Improve range of movement

·        Improve posture  

·        Increase mental and emotional wellbeing.

Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s Disease, however, there are a variety of treatments that can help to manage symptoms, improve quality of life and slow the progression of the disease. Medication therapy can be extremely effective in increasing dopamine levels in the brain, blocking the breakdown of dopamine or mimicking the effects of dopamine. This can help to reduce symptoms, however, as the medication wares off symptoms tend to return. This is know as the On and Off phases

  • On: When Parkinson's medications are effective and symptoms are well controlled 

  • Off: When Parkinson's symptoms return or worsen because the medication's effects have worn off 

Physiotherapy plays a key role in the management of Parkinson’s disease and coincides with medical management to help improve motor function and reduce the rate of symptom progression. If you would like to discuss how Neulife Therapy can help you with Parkinson Disease or Parkinsonism please get in touch.

Parkinsons UK is a brilliant charity which is dedicated to supporting people affected by Parkinson’s disease or parkinsonism. They fund research into finding a cure, provide supportive information, changes attitudes and raise awareness. If you would like to lean, more about Parkinsons Disease or Parkinsonism please follow the link to their website.