Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition resulting from the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells, causing movement-related symptoms that gradually worsen over time. It most commonly develops in older adults.

• Tremor, often starting in one hand and most noticeable at rest
• Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
• Slowness of movement (bradykinesia), making everyday tasks take longer
• Stooped posture and shuffling gait, with an increased risk of falls as the disease progresses
• Reduced facial expression and softer speech
• Non-movement symptoms can include sleep disturbance, constipation, and changes in mood or thinking over time

• Results from the progressive loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in a specific area of the brain, though the exact trigger for this cell loss is not fully understood.
• Risk increases with age, and it is more common in men.
• A small proportion of cases have a genetic component, particularly with early-onset disease or a strong family history.

• Diagnosed clinically based on the characteristic combination of tremor, rigidity, and slowness of movement, together with examination findings and response to treatment.
• There is no single definitive test; diagnosis relies on clinical assessment by a health worker experienced in movement disorders, sometimes supported by imaging to exclude other causes.

Medicines that increase dopamine levels or activity in the brain, such as levodopa, are the mainstay of treatment and can significantly improve movement symptoms, particularly in the earlier stages of the disease.

Treatment is individualised and often adjusted over time, as the response to medicine and the balance of benefits and side effects can change as the disease progresses.

Physiotherapy and regular exercise help maintain mobility, balance, and quality of life.

Falls prevention, including home safety assessment, is an important part of ongoing care as the disease progresses.

A multidisciplinary approach, involving physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and support for non-movement symptoms, provides the best long-term care.

• Engage in regular physical activity, which has been shown to help maintain mobility and may slow functional decline.
• Attend regular follow-up for medicine adjustment as the disease and its response to treatment change over time.
• Address home safety to reduce fall risk as mobility changes.
• Seek support from family, caregivers, or support groups, given the progressive nature of the condition.