25 Oct 2017

Parkingson disease is said to be a movement disorder characterised by tremor, slowness in movement, rigidity and postural instability and it is normally common in old patients but has also been diagnosed in younger patients.

In an interview, public relations officer at Princess Marina Hospital, Ms Florence Setlhabi said parkingson disease is usually genetic, but some environmental factors may also be implicated and there is no clear evidence for causes.

She noted that trauma to the brain may be one of the causes; giving example of former boxer the late Muhammed Ali who had parkingson disease from repetitive trauma to the brain.

Ms Setlhabi noted that there are motor and non-motor signs and symptoms of this disease.

She said the motor signs and symptoms include tremor which is mostly unilateral especially in one hand, rigidity, which is stiffness affecting activities of daily living, bradykinesia which is the slowness in movement, for example taking a long time from sitting to standing position and postural instability which is loss of balance.

She further said non-motor signs and symptoms include depression, sleep disturbance, decreased libido, dementia (forgetfulness) and behavioural changes.

She noted that this disease mostly affect the elderly, who are more than 60 years and less likely in young patients.

Ms Setlhabi said the disease is a clinical diagnosis usually based on symptoms and clinical examination by a doctor.

For care and treatment, she said medication can be described by a qualified doctor based on the symptoms that the patient have and the main treatment is to replace a hormone (near transmitter) called Dopamine for the motor symptoms and other symptoms are treated as the patient gets them.

She highlighted that the patient will need supportive care from the relatives and care givers.

Ms Setlhabi further said physiotherapy can help to train patients to avoid falls and occupation therapist can also help the patient with coping with activities of daily living.

She explained that the disease can be prevented through healthy living, adequate brain stimulation and control of significant vascular risk factors (no smoking, healthy diet, good control of hypertension and diabetes. ENDS