Neurology, Addiction and Psychiatry Conference

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing largely loss of movement. It is one of the most common movement disorders, and its symptoms were known to be induced by a loss of dopamine-producing neurons within that part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. A deficient level of this dopamine leads to the motor symptoms characterizing Parkinson's, such as tremors, bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity, and postural instability.

In addition to these hallmark symptoms, most patients with Parkinson's are also suffering from so-called non-motor symptoms like mood disorders, cognitive decline, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction that can dramatically affect their quality of life. The causes of Parkinson's disease are not clearly defined, though it is believed that genetic and environmental factors both play roles.

Parkinson's disease falls under the larger grouping of movement disorders, which encompass a range of diseases affecting voluntary and involuntary movements. Other relatively common movement disorders include dystonia, which presents as involuntary muscle contractions leading to repetitive movements or even postures, and dyskinesia, which comes as random, uncontrollable movements, especially in patients with Parkinson's though it more characteristically occurs as a drug effect in patients on long-term treatment.

There is no particular test to diagnose Parkinson's, or indeed most movement disorders. Thus, the diagnosis is essentially clinical. Neurologists rely on physical examinations, medical history and responses to medication-like levodopa, a drug that helps replenish dopamine levels, to confirm a diagnosis.

Since there is still no cure for Parkinson's disease and movement disorders, the treatment focuses on symptom management. The most common medicines used to control motor symptoms are dopaminergic medications, such as levodopa and dopamine agonists. For advanced cases, patients may be advised on deep brain stimulation, a surgical process that involves inserting electrodes in targeted regions of the brain to modulate abnormal electrical impulses, thereby reducing tremors and improving motor function.

Physical, occupational, and speech therapy also form an integral part of treatment by enabling the patients to maintain mobility, increase muscle strength, overcome speech and swallowing problems, and much more.

Recent research has focussed on neuroprotective treatments aimed at arresting the progression of the disease and improving outcomes. Investigational therapies include gene therapy and regenerative medicine, which promise future hope in treating Parkinson's as well as other movement disorders.

Thus, in conclusion, Parkinson's disease and movement disorders greatly affect loss to motor functions and living daily lives. Unfortunately, there is no cure for them, but some brighter light emerges in medical treatment and therapies that will give them hope for better management of symptoms and in their quality of life in this challenging disease.