April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month

By Dr Anna Putnis, of Bulli Medical Practice

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative neurological condition characterised by both motor (movement) and non-motor symptoms. It is estimated to affect over 10 million people worldwide and around 100,000 Australians are living with Parkinson’s.

The average age of diagnosis is 65 years. While the risk of contracting the condition increases with age, Parkinson’s is not part of the natural aging process. Younger people are also diagnosed with the disease. This is called Young Onset Parkinson’s.

Symptoms

There is no definitive medical test (blood test or scan) to diagnose Parkinson’s. It is diagnosed by identifying a range of symptoms and features.

Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s include:

• Resting tremor

• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)

• Rigid muscles

• Posture and balance problems

• Reduced facial expression (blank-like appearance)

• Gait problems such as freezing, shuffling, drooped shoulders and lack of arm swing.

Non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s include:

• Cognitive impairment

• Depression and anxiety

• Sleep difficulties

• Loss of sense of smell

• Constipation

• Speech (voice becomes quieter)

• Swallowing problems

• Writing problems (writing may appear small)

• Vision difficulties

• Apathy and fatigue.

Management

If you become aware of symptoms, visit your GP. They will usually refer you to a neurologist or geriatrician. Parkinson’s disease is primarily related to a lack of a neurotransmitter chemical called dopamine. This is usually due to degeneration of dopamine producing neurons within the mid-brain. Most pharmaceutical treatment options for Parkinson’s disease attempt to restore the balance of dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

As Parkinson’s progresses, needs change, and medications must be reviewed regularly by your GP and specialist for dose adjustments.

More information

Visit Parkinson’s Australia. This April, you can also support Pause4Parkinson’s which is an awareness and research fundraising event organised by Shake It Up.