What is the second most common degenerative brain disease after dementia?

Parkinson's Disease Distinct from Dementia by Gait Disorder and Muscle Stiffness

Early Diagnosis and Treatment Enable Daily Living

Parkinson's disease. [Image source=Clipart Korea]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] April 11th is 'World Parkinson's Disease Day.'

It was established to commemorate British physician James Parkinson, who first reported in 1817 patients exhibiting characteristic symptoms such as hand tremors, stooped posture, gait abnormalities, and muscle rigidity, calling it 'shaking palsy.'

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative brain disorder characterized by motor control impairments and non-motor symptoms caused by a deficiency of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain.

Dopamine, produced in brain nerve cells and responsible for transmitting chemical signals between cells, plays a role in regulating bodily motor functions. When about 50-70% of these cells are lost, body movements slow down and motor function declines.

The exact cause of Parkinson's disease has not yet been identified, but aging, genetics, toxic substances, and environmental factors are considered possible contributors.

In South Korea, according to the National Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service's statistics on diseases of public interest, the number of Parkinson's disease patients increased by 8.85% from 115,679 in 2017 to 125,927 in 2020. As of 2020, females (67.8%) outnumbered males (32.2%), and the disease was most prevalent among the elderly in their 80s, followed by those in their 70s and 60s.

About 70% of Parkinson's patients initially experience tremors while at rest. In the popular drama 'Hospital Playlist Season 2,' which aired last year, a scene depicts the mother of the protagonist, a neurosurgeon, complaining of symptoms but initially dismissing them before being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Such early tremors are sometimes overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis, so special attention is required.

Parkinson's disease causes increased muscle tone, resulting in stiff resistance when bending and straightening joints, slowed body movements, reduced movement amplitude, and a shuffling gait. Postural instability can lead to frequent falls, and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and hallucinations may also occur.

Due to various symptoms, Parkinson's disease can be confused with dementia. However, dementia primarily presents with cognitive decline such as memory loss and language impairment first, with gait disturbances and muscle rigidity appearing as the disease progresses, which distinguishes it from Parkinson's.

Typical Parkinson's disease can be diagnosed based on symptoms and neurological examinations alone, but since secondary Parkinsonism or atypical Parkinsonism with similar symptoms are common, blood tests and brain imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or positron emission tomography (PET), which measures the density and distribution of dopamine transporters, may be performed for differentiation. After diagnosis, medication is administered to alleviate and control symptoms.

In rapidly progressing cases, Parkinson's patients may become unable to live independently within 2 to 3 years. Since symptoms rarely improve once the disease develops, Parkinson's is known to be progressive and worsen over time. However, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can allow some patients to maintain daily living activities for over 20 years, although recovery is difficult.

Although treatment is challenging, medication, rehabilitation, and surgery are used to delay disease progression. Parkinson's patients often complain of pain due to muscle rigidity, so continuous rehabilitation such as gait training and posture correction is necessary to slow the stiffening of muscles. Additionally, radiofrequency treatment is used when long-term medication and rehabilitation no longer provide effective results.

Dr. Taeho Kang, Neurology Department at Daedong Hospital, advised, "Since Parkinson's disease is considered one of the brain's degenerative diseases, there are no definite preventive factors. However, if detected early and treated with appropriate medication, symptoms can be alleviated, allowing patients to maintain a high quality of life for a long time. Therefore, regular check-ups and consulting specialists at medical institutions when abnormalities appear are recommended."

For Parkinson's patients, regular medication and exercise, along with smoking cessation, abstaining from alcohol, balanced diet, appropriate exercise, and psychological stability are important. Especially since Parkinson's patients with significant movement restrictions are prone to constipation, a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, and adequate protein, along with sufficient hydration, is essential. Regular barehand exercises, walking, and joint movements performed 2 to 3 times daily are also helpful.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.