Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a long-term condition that gradually affects your nervous system, making movement harder. It usually affects people over 50 and the condition gets worse over time. Understanding the causes and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can help you get the right treatment for yourself and your loved ones.

Causes

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease isn’t fully understood in most cases, but it involves a combination of factors. Here’s what we know:

Dopamine Cell Loss:

Parkinson’s occurs when dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra degenerate, disrupting movement control. Symptoms appear after about 50–60% of these cells are lost.

Genetic Factors:

Around 10% of cases are inherited, involving genes like SNCA, LRRK2, and PINK1. Some gene mutations are linked to early-onset Parkinson’s.

Environment:

Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, and certain chemicals increases risk.

Other Risk Factors:

Age (especially 60+), male gender, and repeated head injuries also raise the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s.

Signs and Symptoms

Main Motor Symptoms

Tremors: Involuntary shaking, usually starting in one hand or fingers, especially when resting. It’s often called the “pill-rolling” tremor and affects about 80% of cases. The shaking usually stops during sleep or purposeful movement.
Bradykinesia: This is when your movements slow down, making everyday tasks harder, like walking or even buttoning a shirt. It often leads to a shuffling walk with small steps.
Rigidity: Muscle stiffness, which can feel constant like a “lead-pipe” or jerky like a “cogwheel.” It can cause pain, discomfort, and make it harder to move, even affecting facial expressions.
Postural Instability: Difficulty with balance and coordination, often causing a stooped posture or increasing the risk of falls, especially in later stages.

Non-Motor Symptoms

Loss of smell

Sleep issues: Including restless sleep, acting out dreams, or feeling drowsy during the day
Mental and emotional: Depression, anxiety, fatigue, or lack of motivation. Some may develop dementia or hallucinations later.
Autonomic issues: Dizziness when standing, urinary problems, excessive sweating, dry or oily skin, or sexual dysfunction
Constipation: Pain, muscle cramps, or muscle stiffness and digestive troubles beyond just constipation

Treatment

While there’s no cure, treatments focus on managing symptoms:

1. Medications:

Levodopa/Carbidopa is the most effective drug, increasing dopamine to improve movement. Other options include dopamine agonists and MAO-B inhibitors, though side effects vary.

2. Surgery:

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Used when medications aren’t effective, electrodes are implanted to help control tremors and stiffness.

3. Rehabilitation:

Physiotherapy: Improves strength, balance, and mobility
Speech Therapy: Aids speech and swallowing
Occupational Therapy: Supports daily tasks and independence

4. Additional Therapies:

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, support groups, and activities like yoga, tai chi, and massage help improve well-being and quality of life.

Where can I get help?

Lotus Disability Care offers a space where those with Parkinson’s can find comfort and connection. Through shared moments, gentle walks, and heartfelt activities, we aim to help express emotions and brighten each day. We wish to be a companion on your healing journey, making each step lighter and filled with warmth.

How do I get Started?

My Lotus Care Group supports a number of families living with ASD We provide support and education for families including:

Support Accessing NDIS
Support Coordination: to provide and manage your support services, NDIS funding and necessary reporting
Access to Allied heath practitioners including OT, Speech therapists, physiotherapists, Dieticians, Social Workers, Psychologists and counsellors
Domestic assistance with cleaning and yard care
Small group social events to provide stimulation, maintain skills and socialisation

To find out more please contact info@mylotus.com.au.