Parkinson’s disease causes the brain’s nerve cells to break and eventually die. For this reason, the symptoms take place due to the loss of neurons. Eventually, the dopamine levels decrease and promote abnormal brain activity and imparted movement of the body. Although the main cause of the disease is unknown yet, some factors initiate this condition. They are:

• Genetic reasons– Some researchers say Parkinson’s is caused by particular genetic mutations. However, it is rare and takes place when many family members have been impacted by the disease in the past. In some cases, there can be gene variations that increase the risk for the diseases with a minor risk of each genetic marker.
• Environmental reasons– Sometimes exposure to some toxins or environmental factors can increase the risk of the disease. But, the risk is minor. Research suggests that there can be changes in the brain of the people in some cases and the reason for them is not known.
• Risk factors– There are different risk factors for Parkinson’s disease that includes age (usually in mid-life or latter-age above 60), Hereditary (close relative with Parkinson’s disease), gender (more likely in men), or exposure to toxins.

The signs of Parkinson’s Disease can be different for everyone. The early signs may be unnoticeable and then begin to develop more intensely on one side and get worse over time. Gradually, they begin to appear on both sides. 

Some common symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease may include-

• Tremor– A common symptom can be a tremor or shaking. It starts from the limb and goes to the hand or fingers. There can be a pill-rolling tremor and the hands can begin to shake when at rest.
• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)– Gradually, Parkinson’s disease can slow the movements of the body. Consequently, it will make simple body tasks difficult like walking smaller steps or difficulty getting off a chair. Over time, it makes normal body movement of getting up from the bed or chair difficult.
• Rigid muscles– Another symptom can be the stiffness of the body which can be painful. Over time, it might restrict the motion range of the body and cause balance problems for the body.
• Loss of automatic movements– A minor Symptom can be the reduced ability to make some common unconscious movements.  For instance, it can be difficult to blink, smile, walk or swing your arms.
• Speech changes– Parkinson’s disease can affect speaking ability.  It will cause more slur, hesitation and monotonous speaking reducing inflections in speech.
• Writing changes– Parkinson’s will make it difficult to write.
• Drooling– Another symptom is drooling with loss of facial muscle control.
• Mask-like facial expression– Also known as hypomimia, it can decrease and stop facial movements.
  
• Trouble swallowing (dysphagia)- It can be caused by decreased control of the throat muscles and increases the chances of pneumonia or choking problems.

There are no particular diagnostic tests for identifying Parkinson’s disease and the neurologist can detect the condition based on:

• Medical history
• Review of symptoms 
• Physical examination 

Along with that, a doctor might suggest any one of the below imaging Tests or a combination of them. 

• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) scan known as (DaTscan)
• Neurologic examination 
• Blood test
• MRI
• Ultrasound of Brain
• PET scan

There is no precise cure for Parkinson’s as of now. But, some treatments can ease the symptoms for a better living with the disease. 

The treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are:

• Supportive physiotherapy– Daily physiotherapy can make it easy to live with Parkinson’s disease. Physiotherapists can alleviate muscle stiffness and joint pain with exercises.  These exercises aim to make walking and other body movements flexible. Physiotherapy can be supported by occupational therapy, speech or language therapy and diet advice.
• Medication- Medications can improve the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease like shaking and movement problems. However, not every medication is useful for all patients and each has short- and long-term effects. Three common types of medications are-

• • levodopa 
  • dopamine agonists
  • monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors

A specialist can suggest the right medicine and the risks associated with it based on individual cases. At the same time, it needs daily reviews to analyze its condition and impact on the body. 

• Surgery (in specific cases)- Most of the patients are treated with medications and physiotherapy.  In some specific cases, a kind of surgery called deep brain stimulation is suggested. This surgery is available in specialist neuroscience centres in the UK. However, it is not for everyone and ensures that it is important to discuss the potential risks involved in it. 

Some special physiotherapy exercises for Parkinson’s disease are:

• Amplitude Training– A particular form of exercise for Parkinson’s disease is LSVT or Lee Silverman Voice Treatment. It involves exaggerated physical moments. A physiotherapist helps in making high steps and arm swings. Consequently, it is a method to regain muscle movement and decrease the progression of hypokinesia.
• Reciprocal patterns– This exercise involves side to side and left to right patterned movements. For instance, there are swinging arms and taking steps for walking because Parkinson’s impacts these patterns. The therapist can reinforce these patterns by using a recumbent bicycle.
• Balance Work– Parkinson’s disease can impact the normal balance of the body making normal walking ‘unstable’ that can be problematic. Consequently, practicing walking can enhance the balance with guidance from the physiotherapist.
• Stretching and Flexibility– It is normal for patients to get tight hip flexor, hamstring and calf muscles. For easing this stiffness, a stretch at regular intervals during the day can help. A qualified physiotherapist can guide the exercise.
• Strength Training– Parkinson’s disease usually affects people above 60. So, it’s natural that they have weak muscles with age and strength training is useful for it. As per research, muscle weakness can be a major issue for patients with Parkinson’s disease and therapists can suggest some resistance exercises with light dumbbells or a resistance band.

People affected with Parkinson’s often require physiotherapy for maintaining and strengthening physical capability and quality of movement in everyday life. At DynaFisio, our well–trained physiotherapists mainly focus on providing education and self-management to the patients. Physiotherapy exercises help to offset the consequences of Parkinson’s and minimize deterioration in strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. Book an appointment with an expert Neuro Physiotherapist at DynaFisio Physiotherapy Clinic today.