Parkinson’s is the second most common neurodegenerative disease, after Alzheimer’s. This condition usually presents after the age of 55 and more than 90% of patients have suffered from depressive illness, anxiety, sadness or anger for a long time. It very rarely manifests itself in young adults. On this occasion, Dr. Pablo Zumaeta, a neurologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, provides us with relevant information on this disease.

Causes

The origin of Parkinson’s is unknown; however, it is known that it is triggered when there is a decrease in the neurons that make a neurotransmitter called dopamine. This generates alterations in the control and coordination of body movements and muscle rigidity.

Symptoms

Among the best-known symptoms of Parkinson’s, we find:

• The tremor of one hand when it is at rest. This may decrease when performing a task. However, as the disease progresses, the tremors become more noticeable and can affect the arms, legs, jaw, and face.
• Slow movements. In its beginnings, simple tasks become complicated and demand more time. For example, steps are shorter when walking, getting up from a chair is difficult, some people even start to shuffle when walking.
• Muscle stiffness in any part of the body. This can cause pain and limit range of motion, as well as impaired posture and balance. It is common for the patient to slouch or fall frequently due to loss of stability and the ability to perform unconscious movements such as moving the arms when walking.
• Changes in speech and writing. People with the disease are likely to speak very softly, slowly, quickly, hesitate to utter a word, or have repetitive speech. In addition to having problems writing, since they vary the calligraphy, making it smaller.

It is extremely important to go to the neurologist if any of these symptoms occur, in this way an early diagnosis can be made in order to receive adequate and multidisciplinary treatment to maintain a good quality of life.

Dr. Pablo Zumaeta
Neurologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma