Parkinson Disease
Introduction Parkinson Disease is a progressive movement disorder characterized by bradykinesia, resting tremor, muscular rigidity and loss of postural reflexes. It is due to a loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, as well as other dopaminergic and nondopaminergic areas of the brain. The prevalence of Parkinson disease increases with age. Non-motor complications of Parkinson disease are major causes of disability. Fatigue Neuropsychiatric symptoms, e.g. depression , anxiety , psychosis Sleep disturbances Autonomic symptoms, e.g. orthostatic hypotension, bladder dysfunction, constipation, sexual dysfunction Pain and other sensory symptoms Dysphagia Dementia - common in late disease, with a prevalence of 20-40%; Patients with Parkinson disease are at an increased risk of falls, poor nutrition, weight loss and a loss of muscle mass. Management Parkinson disease has no cure, so the principles of treatment are to Keep the patient functioning as long as possible with the ...