2023-09-01 20:58:00
400,000 People Affected by Parkinson’s in Germany: Symptoms and Hope for Therapy
Up to 400,000 people are currently affected by Parkinson’s disease in Germany, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the country, following Alzheimer’s. The German Society for Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders (DPG) revealed these concerning statistics.
Parkinson’s disease, also known as Parkinson’s, is a condition where the symptoms develop slowly over time. The DPG explains that the symptoms typically start on one side of the body and worsen as the disease progresses, affecting everyday life and independence. Parkinson’s originates from a specific region in the brain called the black matter in the midbrain. This region contains special nerve cells that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for controlling movement. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s causes the death of these nerve cells, resulting in a lack of dopamine and an imbalance in neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to the typical symptoms of the disease. The exact cause of cell death in Parkinson’s is still not fully understood.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, balance problems, freezing of movements, difficulties in speaking and swallowing, and various other complications such as sleep disorders, depression, and cognitive impairments. These symptoms significantly affect the quality of life for individuals living with Parkinson’s.
Currently, there is no known cure for Parkinson’s, and the progression of the disease cannot be stopped. The primary treatments for Parkinson’s include medication, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy. However, a recent study funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation brings hope for better treatment approaches.
The study suggests that individuals may show symptoms other than muscular problems many years before the onset of Parkinson’s disease. Recognizing these early warning signs can potentially lead to improved treatment outcomes. “We see an enormous number of Parkinson’s patients in different stages every day, and that’s tough because you just can’t do anything,” says Brit Mollenhauer, chief physician at the Paracelsus-Elena-Klinik in Kassel, a specialist clinic for Parkinson’s. While medication can alleviate symptoms, patients gradually lose control of their movements, resulting in a significant loss of quality of life.
The study, in which Mollenhauer is also involved, aims to explore new healing approaches for Parkinson’s. Michael J. Fox, the founder of the organization, has personally been diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29. The study highlights that Parkinson’s disease is usually diagnosed between the ages of 55 and 60, suggesting that it is crucial to detect the disease earlier to prevent its progression. Non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disorders and impaired sense of smell, may occur as early as 20 years before the typical symptoms appear.
Unfortunately, many doctors are not aware of these early signs. The DPG emphasizes the importance of educating healthcare professionals and the general public about these overlooked symptoms. This knowledge can empower individuals to pay attention to their bodies and seek early clarification if they experience these warning signals.
While current treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk of developing Parkinson’s. Mollenhauer suggests that maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, good nutrition, and minimal stress can have a protective effect.
Although Parkinson’s remains a challenging disease, advancements in research and understanding bring hope for better therapies and improved quality of life for those affected. It is crucial to continue raising awareness and investing in the pursuit of a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
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