2023-08-09 16:04:13
Thanks to Professor Jean-Philippe Azulay, neurologist, head of the Parkinson’s expert center at La Timone, in Marseille and president of the French Society of neurology.
This disease, which affects 200,000 people in France according to France Parkinson, is systematically associated with tremors. However, there are other symptoms that should alert and, above all, promising treatments.
Do you necessarily tremble when you have Parkinson’s disease?
“1/3 of patients don’t have this symptom. And shaking frequently is more often due to essential tremor (a genetic neurological disease that affects regarding 1 in 200 people) than Parkinson’s“, notes Professor Jean-Philippe Azulay, neurologist, head of the Parkinson’s expert center at La Timone, in Marseille. Other motor disorders, a slowing of movements in particular, are more worrying. To establish the diagnosis, the neurologist relies on the clinical signs and, if necessary, on a cerebral MRI.
What are the other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Some symptoms are underestimated. Parkinson’s disease is linked to the loss of part of the neurons producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that provides the impetus for movement. Where from motor disorders, but also cognitive (decrease in attention, concentration, memory…), an increase in anxiety, depression and sleep problems. The autonomic nervous system is also affected, with digestive or urinary problems.
Can you live long with Parkinson’s disease?
“When the disease is announced, people often imagine in a wheelchair Few years later. However, thanks to the treatments, we can significantly reduce the symptoms and lead an almost normal life for ten years or more., reassures Professor Azulay. The drugs used promote the production of dopamine or mimic its action. They can be taken as tablets, but can also be given via a continuous pump if symptoms fluctuate too much during the day. There neurostimulation is also an option. Sometimes the disease progresses quickly, but it is quite difficult to predict.
Does staying active help curb the disease?
Sport seems to boost the activity of neurons of dopamine that are not yet affected. A 2023 study shows that gentle gymnastics increases cognitive control in the regions of the brain responsible for performing movements. To be practiced preferably under the guidance of a physiotherapist or a trained coach. “It is essential to maintain a maximum of social ties, to avoid isolation, among other things so as not to focus too much on the disease”notes the doctor.
Is the technology promising to improve the lives of patients?
Connected objects are coming with, for example, insoles (FeetMe) capable of recording walking, to adapt the treatment. The BeatMove app (under study) or the Walk DTx device (marketed) help make walking more fluid and reduce freezing (the feet are blocked, as glued to the ground) thanks to a rhythmic auditory stimulation.
Read also:
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Parkinson’s disease: symptoms, causes and treatment
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These bad habits that damage our brain
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