Exploring Parkinson's Disease Types and Modern Treatments

Want to know all about Parkinson’s disease, types and treatment? Reading this blog can help you understand everything you need to know about the disease. 

There have been tremendous advancements in the field of Neurosciences over the past decades, paving the way for new possibilities and hopes for people suffering from various neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, including Parkinson’s disease. It may be a word to some, but it is a reality for nearly 10 million people across the globe, the majority of whom belong to the age group above 60. As per the World Health Organization reports, the prevalence of the disease has doubled over the past 2.5 decades. Fortunately, with the improved and advanced management strategies, it has become possible to lead a better life.

In order to explore the types and treatments of Parkinson’s disease, it is important to start by answering the most basic question.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disorder identified by unintentional and unbridled movements that impact a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day tasks. A person suffering from the condition usually presents with symptoms like unusual shaking, excessive stiffness or impaired balance and coordination. These symptoms tend to aggravate progressively, making it a great concern. Learning about Parkinson’s Disease types and treatment can help you manage the condition more effectively. 

Wondering why this happens?

Parkinson’s Disease is a result of the gradual loss of neurons in a specific area of the brain which is responsible for regulating our movements, i.e. substantia nigra. The underlying cause of this may either be genetic or unknown. Although environmental factors have been found to play a detrimental role, these are hard to pinpoint. The nerve cells are either completely destroyed or damaged, thereby affecting their ability to generate dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter that plays a key role in controlling our movement and memory. The significant decline in dopamine production affects the ability of the neurons to coordinate with each other, resulting in the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s:

• Uncontrolled tremors 
• Bradykinesia 
• Muscle rigidity 
• Loss of balance and coordination 

Getting Familiar with Some Common types of Parkinson’s Disease

• Idiopathic Parkinson’s - Despite having no known cause, it happens to be the most common type of Parkinson’s Disease. It is quite uncommon in people below 50 years of age and is generally seen in those lying in the age group of 55 to 65 years. 
• Juvenile Parkinson’s - Although Parkinson’s is most commonly seen in people above 60 years of age, this one tends to be seen in the younger population, particularly those who haven’t reached 21 years of age yet. 
• Young-onset Parkinson’s Disease - This type of Parkinson’s is also seen in the younger population, particularly those below 40 years of age. The underlying causes are quite likely to be genetic. 
• Drug-induced Parkinsonism - As it is clear from the name itself, this type of Parkinson’s is triggered by a reaction to a drug that causes dopamine levels to drop drastically. The chances of developing drug-induced Parkinsonism tend to increase with age and it happens to rank 2nd on the list of the most common causes of Parkinson’s.
• Vascular Parkinsonism - The condition is characterized by the classic symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease, specifically affecting the lower body, which are triggered by an underlying cerebrovascular condition such as stroke. 

Parkinson’s Disease Treatment in Delhi 

Parkinson’s disease treatment has greatly evolved over the years. Earlier it was just based on empirical observation and medication, however, now we have modalities that have revolutionaized the whole scenario. Treatments like DBS (deep brain stimulation) have become a beacon of hope for patients. The treatment helps to stimulate certain areas of the brain using surgically implanted electrodes. Doctors can easily control and change the intensity of the electrical impulses, ensuring a personalized approach for each patient. What makes DBS the most preferred choice of doctors is the fact that it is a reversible procedure with no side effects. The procedure works by correcting abnormal electrical conduction between neurons and, as such alleviates the severity of Parkinson’s symptoms.

To know more about Parkinson’s Disease types and treatments, consult India’s leading experts at IBS Hospital, today. 

By -Dr Aaksha Shukla | October 18, 2023 | 9 Min Read