What is Parkinson’s?
Basically, it is a condition when the connections in the nervous system are faulty. The brain is the command center that tells how the body must move. With Parkinson’s, the brain can’t communicate signals to the body as expected. Sa madaling sabi, isa itong kondisyon kung saan hindi naaayon ang gusto ng isip sa galaw ng katawan.
When does Parkinson’s begin?
It can be diagnosed as early as the age of twenty (20) or between the age of thirty (30) and forty (40). There is no definite age when Parkinson’s begins. Since this disease is usually unnoticeable at its early stage, it is not identified until much later.
As the population ages, the disease is diagnosed among the elderly in their sixties (60s) and in their eighties (80s). Hindi ito karaniwan sa mga kabataan at mas madalas na nagiging kondisyon sa katandaan.
Who is affected by Parkinson’s?
Over millions of the whole population of the world are affected by this disease. It is, at least, 1% of people in old age globally.
Its symptoms are progressive over the years. As they become more obvious, the greater is its impact on a person’s quality of life.
What should you do if you have Parkinson’s?
Grab your pen and take notes! Learn about the symptoms of Parkinson’s and monitor them.
Have a diary or a logbook to help track the occurrences of each symptom. The information that can be collected allows a patient’s doctor, caregiver or family to understand the condition better and plan for the individual affected by Parkinson’s. Prescribing the correct medication and dedicated care can be easily identified with this symptom’s logbook.
The signs that indicate you have Parkinson’s may not be happening now, but it can help you know what to expect later. When it does, do note the important details! Your personalized tracker should describe how each symptom occurs.
What are the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s?
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary for each person.
There are both motor and non-motor signs and symptoms that may be considered. Let’s look over these signs and symptoms and be familiar with what to track.
EARLY-STAGE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
These start mildly where the symptoms do not interfere with day-to-day life.
Motor Signs and Symptoms:
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- Stiffness / freezing episode (paninigas ng katawan)
- Slowed movement (pagbagal sa paggalaw)
- Dystonia / muscle cramps (pamumulikat)
- Changes in handwriting (pagbabago sa sulat-kamay)
- Looking mad, sad, or disinterested all the time (walang pagbabago sa reaksyon)
- Resting / slight tremor (mahinang panginginig ng kamay, paa, o gilid ng katawan)
- Loss of balance (madaling madapa o matumba)
Non-motor Signs and Symptoms:
- Loss of sense of smell (pagkawala ng pang-amoy)
- Constipation (hirap sa pagdumi)
- Sleep problems such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome (Hirap sa pagtulog)
- Fatigue (pagkapagod)
LATER STAGES SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
This occurs when the symptoms are more noticeable, and it causes significant issues in a person’s daily life.
Motor Signs and Symptoms:
- Drooling (paglalaway)
- Difficulty chewing and swallowing (hirap sa pag-nguya at paglunok)
- Urinary dysfunction (hirap or kawalan ng kontrol sa pag-ihi)
- Speech problems (hirap sa pananalita)
- Cannot walk or stand (hindi makalakad o makatayo)
Non-motor Signs and Symptoms:
- Dementia
- Memory difficulties (hirap maka-alala)
- Difficulty in breathing (hirap sa paghinga)
- Digestive problems (komplikasyon sa sikmura)
These are just some of the different signs and symptoms that can manifest with someone who has Parkinson’s but not all of these may be experienced, and it is not the same for everyone.
Important Questions to Answer in Your Tracker
- What is the timing of your symptoms? How long do they last?
- How long does it take before the same symptom recurs?
- How long does your medication take effect?
- How long does it take before the medication wears off?
Option for Medication
An anti-Parkinson’s drug, like Sinedin, helps in managing the symptoms. The dosage varies depending on the degree of severity of the symptoms. It is important to take the right amount to ensure that it can have beneficial effects.
Sinedin is composed of Levodopa and Carbidopa and is made to help restore dopamine in the brain. There can be side effects to this medication, so a doctor’s prescription is highly important.
Live Your Life; even with Parkinson’s
Although this disease is progressive and there is no cure yet, these symptoms can be treated or managed to help ease and maintain the quality of life of the person affected by it.
To know more details on it, visit MedChoice Pharma. MedChoice wants to ensure “Galing at Kalinga sa Neurologic Disorders” by providing medicines like Sinedin which are effective and affordable for patients and families caring for their loved ones.
Sample Parkinson’s Symptom Diary
Print a copy of this table so you can track your day-to-day experience. Review it with your health care provider and doctor to understand more about your condition and help identify the best care and medication.
Identify the degree by marking the number that best describes the severity of the symptom.
0 = NONE
1 = SLIGHT OR MILD
2 = MODERATE, BOTHERSOME
3 = SEVERE, VERY BOTHERSOME
4 = UNABLE TO FUNCTION WITHOUT ASSISTANCE
| Symptom | Date and Time of Occurrence | Duration |
| 1. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 2. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 3. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 4. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 5. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 6. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 7. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 8. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 9. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ | ||
| 10. | ||
| Degree of difficulty: ❶ ❷❸❹ |
References:
Bottaram A. (2021, September), 10+ Facts About Parkinson’s Disease https://www.verywellhealth.com/facts-about-parkinsons-disease-5200700
UT Southwestern Medical Center, (2023), Parkinson’s Disease https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/parkinsons-disease/
Cleveland Clinic, (2022, April), Parkinson’s Disease https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8525-parkinsons-disease-an-overview
National Institute on Aging, (2022, April), Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease
Mayo Clinic, (2023), Parkinson’s Disease https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055