This is a neurodegenerative disease; this means that neurons in the brain are gradually lost. The loss of these cells causes a drop in dopamine levels, a substance that participates in the regulation of motor activity. For this reason, in this disease there is tremor, slowness to do things and stiffness of the muscles. On this occasion, Dr. Pablo Zumaeta, a neurologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma will give us more information on the matter.

Causes

The cause of this disease has not been discovered; however, most people who suffer from it have been depressed. On the other hand, it can very rarely be considered hereditary.

Symptoms

Among the main symptoms we find:

• Tremor in the hands, arms, legs and jaw
• Rigidity
• Lack of facial expression

On the other hand, as this disease progresses, there are difficulties in carrying out daily activities, such as moving around (walking, getting up from a seat), speaking and even chewing. Sometimes memory is affected over time, but not to a degree similar to that of Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is completely clinical and the specialist makes it based on the patient’s medical history, in addition to a neurological examination. There is no “Parkinson’s test”. If the specialist orders laboratory or imaging tests, it is only to rule out other diseases, since chronic liver problems or the use of certain medications can cause Parkinson’s symptoms.

Treatment

Parkinson’s disease has no cure, but it does improve. Therefore, there are medications that help reduce symptoms and improve the amount of dopamine in the brain. If timely treatment is not given to this disease, it will almost always get worse. On the other hand, there are experimental treatments (stem cells) that do not provide benefit, as well as deep brain stimulation that helps only in a few cases.

Dr. Pablo Zumaeta
Neurologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma