Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s is life-altering. Not only for the patient but for their family and loved ones. Around 1 in 500 people will get this news. As there is no cure for this condition, Parkinson’s disease treatments are mostly aimed at reducing the symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms
For most people, symptoms begin to appear after the age of 50. A small number of people will develop symptoms before they turn 40.
There are three main symptoms of Parkinson’s. The easiest symptom to identify is the tremor. This is when part of the body shakes. The other significant symptoms are slow movements and stiff muscles
As well as these three main symptoms, there are several other problems that are seen with Parkinson’s. Most patients will experience symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as insomnia. Some people will also have issues with their balance and memory. Some people can even lose their sense of smell.
Doctors will prescribe medications once the tremors become unmanageable. Your doctor has a choice of medicines to use. However, there are side effects for each medication. You can rotate and trial different medicines so that you can feel the benefits and determine which is the right one for you and your symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease Treatments
Treatments for Parkinson’s focus on improving the quality of life. During the early stages of the disease, there may be no treatment given. However, there will still be regular appointments to monitor your condition.
As your condition progresses, you can receive physiotherapy for the muscle pain, and to improve flexibility. Occupational therapy can help you to manage your day to day life. Speech and language therapy can help with swallowing and speech.
Finding a Doctor
Dr Dominic Paviour is a London based consultant neurologist. If you need to speak to a doctor about Parkinson’s disease treatments, then Dr Paviour is an excellent choice. He is highly respected in his field and has many patient recommendations. Make an appointment today to discuss your options.