Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressing chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. It is accompanied by the death of nerve cells containing dopamine, as a result of which the patient loses the ability to control body movements and, over time, to perform simple daily activities.
The disease is diagnosed mainly in the elderly. According to statistics, the average age of patients with this pathology is 57 years.
Symptoms
The onset of the disease is usually inconspicuous, with manifestations growing gradually. Parkinson's disease can be suspected by the following signs:
• resting tremor — rhythmic, slow, increasing with excitement, weakening with movement and in sleep;
• slowness of movement;
• muscle stiffness;
• stiffness of movements;
• flexion pose;
• shuffling gait;
• balance disorders falls;
• changes in the amplitude of habitual movements;
• chronic constipation;
• depression;
• episodes of falling blood pressure;
• cognitive impairment, hallucinosis (in the later stages).
As a consequence, over time, a syndrome of increased fatigue and pain in the muscles, cramps, and a wobbly gait appear. The face becomes mask-like, blinking of the eyelids is less frequent than usual. Weakening of the facial muscles is observed, perhaps even a complete lack of facial activity.
In severe clinical cases, urinary incontinence and the inability to move independently are observed. At the same time, the patient continues to think straight.
Approximately one-third of patients with advanced Parkinson's disease develop dementia. Problems with memory and thinking grow.
At the appearance of the first symptoms, you should make an appointment for a consultation with a doctor because, behind tremor, physical lethargy, and fatigue can hide a dangerous disease. Timely and proper treatment can slow the progression of the pathology and maintain a satisfactory quality of life.
