Parkinson's Disease and Its Important Symptoms

Parkinson's Disease Overview: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Parkinson's disease is known as a central nervous system disorder and tends to occur especially in older individuals. This chronic and progressive disease is characterized by the gradual deterioration and death of nerve cells in the brain. Parkinson's results in the loss of dopamine-producing neurons that control movement and coordination. As dopamine levels drop, this causes people to experience the classic symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, namely tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, and unsteadiness. As Robotic Rehabilitation Center, we would like to emphasize that we play an important role in the management and treatment of Parkinson's disease. In this article we describe the most common causes of the disease, its symptoms and available treatment methods.

Causes of Parkinson's Disease
Although the exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, researchers blame a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic mutations increase the risk of Parkinson's in some families, while environmental factors include exposure to toxins and head injuries. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial disorders, and damage caused by free radicals may also play a role in the development of Parkinson's disease.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, symptoms are usually mild and worsen over time. Tremor is usually the first symptom of the disease, but it is not seen in every patient. Other symptoms include muscle stiffness, slow movements, facial expressionlessness, speech changes and walking problems. In later periods, the likelihood of cognitive and emotional disorders such as depression, anxiety, sleep problems, and changes in memory and thought processes increases.

Parkinson's Disease Treatment
The main goal in Parkinson's treatment is to control symptoms and improve the quality of life of patients. Medication is the first treatment option for most people with Parkinson's disease. Levodopa helps relieve motor symptoms by increasing the brain's production of dopamine. Other medications include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and anticholinergic drugs. In addition to drug therapy, deep brain stimulation (DBS), one of the surgical options, can help relieve symptoms, especially in advanced-stage Parkinson's patients.

The Importance of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy is central to the treatment of Parkinson's disease. At the Robotic Rehabilitation Center, we aim to increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and balance by offering specially designed exercise programs to our patients. Physical therapy reduces the risk of falls while improving the ability to perform daily activities. In addition, our physiotherapists can provide patients with guidance and support on where and how they can improve their movements.

Parkinson's disease is a serious condition that has a profound impact on life, but with the right treatment and support it can become manageable. As Robotic Rehabilitation Center, we offer comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation programs to improve the quality of life of individuals affected by Parkinson's disease and enable them to maintain optimal physical function. We prepare the most appropriate treatment plan for our patients, taking into account their individual needs. In this way, we aim to provide Parkinson's patients with the necessary tools to overcome their symptoms and continue to live an active, independent life.