Parkinson's Disease

Symptoms & Causes Diagnosis & Treatment Doctors

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It develops due to the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and slowed movements. Over time, the condition can also impact balance, posture, and non-motor functions like mood and cognition.

While Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, treatments such as medications and surgical interventions can help manage its symptoms. At Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC), patients in Malaysia benefit from advanced neurology care tailored to their needs.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease vary among individuals and often begin on one side of the body before affecting both sides, with one side typically more affected. Early symptoms might be mild and easily overlooked. Common symptoms include:

Tremor: A rhythmic shaking usually starting in the hands or fingers, sometimes the foot or jaw. A characteristic "pill-rolling" motion may be observed when rubbing the thumb and forefinger. Tremors may lessen during purposeful movement or activity.
Bradykinesia (Slowed Movement): Movements become slower, making routine tasks like standing up, dressing, or showering more challenging. Facial expressions may become reduced, and blinking may decrease.
Muscle Rigidity: Stiffness can occur in any muscle group, causing discomfort and jerky arm movements.
Posture and Balance Issues: A stooped posture and impaired balance may lead to falls.
Loss of Automatic Movements: Unconscious movements such as blinking, smiling, or arm swinging while walking may diminish.
Speech Changes: Speech may become soft, rapid, slurred, or monotone.
Writing Difficulties: Handwriting may become small and cramped.
Non-Motor Symptoms: These include depression, anxiety, constipation, sleep disturbances, frequent urination, reduced sense of smell, cognitive difficulties, and fatigue.

When to Consult a Neurologist

If you experience any symptoms suggestive of Parkinson's disease, consulting a healthcare professional is important for accurate diagnosis and to exclude other conditions. Early evaluation by a neurology specialist at Subang Jaya Medical Centre can facilitate timely management and improve outcomes.

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease results from the gradual loss of nerve cells (neurons) in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger essential for smooth and coordinated movement.

The reduction in dopamine disrupts normal brain activity, leading to the characteristic symptoms of the disease. Another chemical messenger, norepinephrine, which regulates functions like blood pressure, is also diminished.

The exact cause remains unknown, but several factors may contribute:

Genetics: Certain rare genetic mutations are linked to Parkinson's disease, especially when multiple family members are affected.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, herbicides, or substances like MPTP (found in some illicit drugs) may increase risk, though no definitive environmental cause has been confirmed.

Brain changes associated with Parkinson's include:

Lewy Bodies: Abnormal protein clumps found in brain cells, containing alpha-synuclein, are a focus of ongoing research.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Changes in the energy-producing parts of cells may contribute to neuron damage.

Risk Factors Associated with Parkinson's Disease

Age: The risk rises with age, typically beginning around 50 years or older, with an average onset near 70. Early-onset cases are uncommon.
Family History: Having close relatives with Parkinson's slightly increases risk.
Gender: Men are more frequently affected than women.
Toxin Exposure: Long-term exposure to certain chemicals may slightly raise the risk.

Potential Complications of Parkinson's Disease

Cognitive Decline: Memory, language, and reasoning skills may deteriorate, sometimes progressing to dementia.
Mood Changes: Depression, anxiety, and irritability can occur at various stages.
Swallowing and Chewing Difficulties: Muscle control problems may cause nutritional challenges and choking risks.
Sleep Disorders: Frequent awakenings, nightmares, and daytime sleepiness are common; REM sleep behaviour disorder may cause acting out dreams.
Other Symptoms: Bladder urgency, constipation, blood pressure drops causing dizziness, loss of smell, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunction. These complications are managed in collaboration with neurology and other specialties.

At SJMC, a multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care for these complications.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

While the exact cause remains unclear, certain lifestyle choices may reduce the risk:

Regular Aerobic Exercise: Associated with a lower risk.
Caffeine Intake: Moderate consumption of coffee or green tea may be linked to reduced risk.
Certain Medications: Some evidence suggests ibuprofen and statins might lower risk, though findings are inconclusive.

FAQs About Parkinson’s Disease Causes and Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease can make daily activities like walking, dressing, and eating more challenging due to slowed movements, tremors, and muscle stiffness. Non-motor symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood changes may also impact overall quality of life.

While most cases of Parkinson’s disease are not hereditary, having a close family member with the condition may slightly increase your risk. Rare genetic mutations are linked to familial Parkinson’s cases.

Essential tremor is a separate neurological condition that primarily causes shaking during movement, whereas Parkinson’s tremors often occur at rest and are accompanied by other symptoms like bradykinesia and muscle rigidity.

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids may support overall brain health. Avoiding high-protein meals near medication times can improve the absorption of certain Parkinson’s medications.

Yes, there are support groups and organisations in Malaysia that provide resources, emotional support, and community for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Your neurologist at SJMC can guide you to these resources.

Regular exercise can improve flexibility, balance, and overall mobility in Parkinson’s patients. Activities like tai chi, yoga, and walking are particularly beneficial for managing symptoms and maintaining independence.

Yes, Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and falls due to impaired mobility and weakened muscle control.