Parkinson’s disease, a brain disorder that mostly affects people over age 60, may lead to shaking, stiffness, problems in balance and coordination and eventually difficulty in walking and talking as the disease progresses and gets worse over time. The fastest growing neurological condition in the world has no cure so far. It has over 40 symptoms and affects sleep and mental health of those affected apart from pain and stiffness. The disease affects both men and women, however 50% more men are affected by it compared to women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The neurodegenerative movement disorder occurs when the dopamine-producing cells in a part of the brain called substantia nigra start to deteriorate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The symptoms set in slowly and usually begin with a tremor in one hand or stiffness in movement that will over time progress to stiffness, the inability of coordinating movements, posture problems, a reduced sense of smell, mood changes, and sleep problems. But not much is known about this condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are many myths surrounding Parkinson’s disease considering the symptoms are not the same for everyone affected by it. The truth is that some people may not have common symptoms like tremors or even younger people can get the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
World Parkinson’s Day, observed annually on April 11, is aimed at raising awareness about the disorder. Dr Pavan Pai, Interventional Neurologist, Wockhardt Hospitals, Mira Road and Dr Aditya Gupta, Neurosurgeon, bust myths about the brain disorder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fact: <\/strong>This is not entirely correct because patients with the condition also have non-motor symptoms, which can appear before motor symptoms. Some of the non-motor symptoms are sleep dysfunction, pain, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parkinson\u2019s disease will impact multiple areas of the brain. Non-motor symptoms also include smelling problems, cognitive difficulties, constipation\/bladder problems, fatigue, pain, shaking, small handwriting, anxiety, and depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact: <\/strong>This statement is false. It can affect people of any age group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fact: <\/strong>The exact cause of Parkinson\u2019s disease is not clear yet. But there can be genetic and external factors behind the occurrence of it. It can run in families, which suggests a genetic (hereditary) factor. But it is also seen in people without a family history of the disease. Someone who has a mutation associated with Parkinson\u2019s disease will not necessarily develop the disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMyth 2: Only Elders can Get Parkinson\u2019s Disease<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth 3: Parkinson\u2019s Disease Happens Due to Genetic Mutation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Myth 4: Parkinson\u2019s Disease is Curable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n