Parkinson's disease and life expectancy, initial signs, stages

Parkinson's disease is a disease known to mankind since ancient times. In the 19th century, doctor D. Parkinson described the characteristic symptoms and came to the conclusion that it was trembling paralysis. The disease was named after the scientist - Parkinson's disease. What is it? How does modern medicine see this disease and its treatment methods?

Characteristic

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system, primarily affecting the functioning of the musculoskeletal system. It mainly occurs in old age (after 70–80 years), but there are cases of the development of the disease after 40 years. Statistics show that every 500 inhabitants of the planet suffer from this ailment.

Many find Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease similar. In both cases, the central nervous system is affected to one degree or another, but the development mechanism itself is very different. Alzheimer's disease is characterized by cognitive impairment, and with Parkinson's, mainly the musculoskeletal system is disturbed.

Disease anatomy

The central nervous system is responsible for making the movements. As soon as a person thinks about what he wants to accomplish, the cerebral cortex already sends a signal to all the systems that will be involved in the action. One of the signal receiving sides is the basal ganglia. This is an element of white matter in the form of neural nodes that are involved in the commission of complex and complex movements. The quality of the impulses transmitted by them depends on how accurate, high-quality and fast the action will be.

The neurotransmitter dopamine regulates the process. Parkinson's disease affects some parts of the basal ganglia, resulting in impaired conduction of nerve impulses. In addition, patients have a decrease in dopamine levels, which is responsible for the inhibition of constant stimulating brain signals. As a result, part of them is transmitted directly to the muscles and stimulates their contraction. What provokes hypertonicity and frequent trembling, explained by the constant tension of muscle tissue.

Causes of occurrence

Much time has passed since the moment when the set of symptoms began to be considered as a separate disease. The mechanism of central nervous system disruption is still largely only theoretical, in particular Parkinson's disease. What scientists know about this, but what exactly contributes to its education is not known for sure. Presumably the following factors affect the development of the disease:

• body aging - a natural decrease in the number of nerve cells and dopamine production;
• hereditary factor - the existence of the Parkinson's disease gene is not scientifically confirmed, but 10% of patients in the family tree have a relative with a similar pathology;
• prolonged intoxication (exposure to heavy metals, toxins, pesticides);
• the use of antipsychotics (reduce the production of dopamine and can provoke the disease);
• brain injuries and tumors;
• stress, poor sleep and nutrition, lack of vitamins;
• other diseases.

The causes of Parkinson's disease and treatment are directly dependent on each other. The doctor will proceed from what provoked the development of conduction disturbances in nerve impulses. High-quality treatment of the root causes will give good results in the general treatment of the disease.

Symptoms

Knowing the first signs of the disease can help in early diagnosis and treatment, which increases the chances of recovery and life expectancy. In the table, we consider the main symptoms and the nature of their occurrence:

Parkinson's patients are constrained in movements. A characteristic picture of the appearance of such a person: arms are bent at the elbows and pressed to the body, the body is slightly bent, and the weight is shifted forward, the head is slightly extended. Periodic trembling of the limbs is noticeable, the face is calm, does not express any emotions.

Parkinson's disease and life expectancy

One of the most exciting questions for patients and their relatives is: “How many years can you survive after diagnosing a disease?” The answer of specialists is as follows: “With a disease at an early age, life expectancy is much higher than in senile.” Recent studies indicate an average of 7.4 years. This is the period that an average person with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease lives.

And life expectancy would be biased to evaluate only on the basis of the age of the sick. The speed of progression depends on many factors that, fortunately, can be influenced these days:

• quality of medical care and care;
• Country of Residence;
• timely diagnosis and initiation of therapy.

Studies in Britain suggest that with CNS lesions occurring around the age of 40 years, the average life expectancy is 39 years. It turns out that, regardless of whether the disease develops or not, a person has every chance to live to a very old age. Of course, this is feasible only if a healthy lifestyle is observed and therapeutic treatment aimed at slowing the progression of the disease.

Developmental stages

The disease does not arise out of nowhere, it gradually progresses. Each of the stages is characterized by specific symptoms. Based on the form of Parkinson's disease, the treatment technique is determined. There are 6 stages of the disease:

1. Initial (zero) - there are no symptoms, but you can already notice the increased absent-mindedness and forgetfulness.
2. The first is a unilateral lesion, the symptoms are weak. At this stage, few people see a doctor.
3. The second - the disease affects both limbs, the balance of the body is disturbed, it is difficult for the patient to maintain balance.
4. Third - it becomes difficult to walk without support, tremor increases.
5. Fourth - the complete lack of the ability to independently carry out movements and walk, but retains the ability to stand without support. The patient needs careful care and help.
6. Fifth - a person is bedridden, there is a complete loss of control over the musculoskeletal system.

Each of the stages of the development of the disease requires an individual approach. If there are initial signs, you should immediately consult a doctor. Early therapy will help defeat Parkinson's disease and life expectancy will increase significantly.

Diagnostics

When contacting a doctor at any stage of the development of the disease, a clinical examination is prescribed, which helps determine the exact diagnosis. The doctor relies on the following algorithm:

• inspection and identification of signs confirming the presence of parkinsonism;
• determination of the nature of the disease: secondary parkinsonism caused by heart disease and brain damage, or independent;
• confirmation of the diagnosis based on the data of the collected history and laboratory and other diagnostic procedures.

Most often, modern diagnostics are used: CT, MRI, PET or an examination of the vessels of the brain (REG, EEG) is prescribed.

The characteristic symptoms are signs confirming muscle tone, a long course of the disease and its progression. For example, passive flexion of the joint should be accompanied by relaxation of the nearest muscles, and in the patient, on the contrary, they contract.

Parkinson's Disease Medications

A diagnosis does not always mean immediate treatment. The doctor evaluates all possible risks and complications, the duration of the disease and the speed of its progression. How to treat Parkinson's disease? The therapeutic effect is based on taking medications that are aimed at producing dopamine and blocking the elements that destroy it. For these purposes, use the means:

• with the content of dopamine, its precursors or agonists (Levodop, Lizurid, Ropinirol, Bromocriptine);
• blocking enzymes that contribute to the destruction of dopamine (MAO and COMT inhibitors);
• facilitating the release of neurotransmitter reserves (Bemantan, Amantadin);
• blocking the excessive excitation of neurons (Biperiden, Trihexyphenidyl, Procyclidine, Memantadine);
• antipsychotic, antihistamines, as well as antidepressants and muscle relaxants.

In the early stages, opinions on how to treat Parkinson's disease with medications are often purely individual. For example, Levodop is considered a more serious drug and prefer to delay its use. Other groups of drugs (agonists, MAO inhibitors and COMT) act more gently and do not allow the disease to progress. Thanks to such drugs, it becomes possible to delay the administration of Levodopa.

End stage treatment

Regardless of the nature of the course of the disease, in its development there comes a moment when the disorders become irreversible and significantly increase in quantity. Long-term use of the drug "Levodop" (about 5 years or more) leads to the formation of resistance to its effects. There is a need to increase single doses, which entails other problems.

Treatment of a patient with a terminal stage is reduced to alleviating impaired consciousness, high-quality medical and household care. The dosage of the drugs taken is regulated daily depending on the body's response and effectiveness.

Surgical treatment methods

Surgical intervention is rarely used and only in cases where conservative treatment is powerless. The operation is performed on the brain: thalamus or cortex. Formed several approaches to such treatment:

• Electrostimulation of the motor parts of the brain - electrodes are inserted into the patient’s brain structure, which are connected to a neurostimulator implanted under the breast. The procedure slows down Parkinson's disease. Reviews about the operation are positive: the general condition improves, the tone and stiffness of movements decrease, the ailment progresses more slowly.
• Thalamotomy is a risky method, but sometimes it brings good results and restores the motor activity of the musculoskeletal system. It consists in the destruction of certain structures of the thalamus.
• Dopaminergic tissue transplantation is an experimental approach based on transplantation of a donor substance. It contributes to the normalization of dopamine production and the restoration of motor functions.

Surgery is an extreme treatment for Parkinson's disease. The global community of scientists is actively developing and improving existing methods of invasive and conservative effects on the brain.

Alternative Medicine Recommendations

To maintain the body, you should reconsider your lifestyle, change some habits. The patient should give up harmful addictions, establish nutrition, have more time to relax and not be nervous in vain. Physiotherapy exercises, fresh air and professional massage will also not hinder the restoration of strength.

It is not forbidden to try alternative treatment for Parkinson's disease, based on the use of medicinal plants. At the same time, one should not forget about the need to take medicines: natural remedies play an auxiliary role, but not the main one. For treatment, linden, propolis, oats, sage, St. John's wort are used. They have an anticonvulsant and muscle relaxing effect.

Parkinson's disease and life expectancy directly depend on the severity of brain damage, the speed of progression, the current condition of the patient. Early diagnosis and treatment, as a rule, provide up to 20-30 years of life.