What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a gradually continuing disease of the nervous system that impacts millions of individuals across the globe. The disease remains to be occurring more commonly in the older population, and the rate of its prevalence varies from country to country. The healthcare professionals have been taking extensive steps to control the occurrence and progress of the disease, as complete cure is not yet available. The interdisciplinary teams and the concept of IPE hold key importance in this regard.

More About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a neuro-degenerative disease, that progresses slowly and gradually affecting involving some primarily functions such as the control of movement and balance. It is the disease of nervous system and belongs to the group of diseases called Movement Disorders. The name has been given to the disease due to James Parkinson, a London surgeon chemist of the nineteenth century, who first described most of the symptoms of the disease. Parkinson disease is known to slow down the moment with stiffness of body and uncontrolled shivering and movements. The most important consequence of this neuronal loss is a marked decrease in cerebral availability of dopamine, the main substance synthesized by these neurons, dysfunction originating in the regulation of key brain structures involved in movement control.

Tremor is the most palpable symptom and mainly common, although about 30% of individuals with Parkinson’s disease onset does not show it. The tremor in typically “at rest” with low frequency, disappears during voluntary mobility and usually worsens in times of emotional stress, while it is absent during sleep. It involves mainly the most distal portion of the limb and at onset typically appears in a single arm or leg, subsequently becoming bilateral.

The Parkinson’s disease cannot be completely treated; however, there are therapeutic options that might contribute to improve the quality of patient’s life by decreasing the signs and symptoms of the disease. The treatment options available are:

• Medications
• Surgical procedures

The treatment options selected varies depending on the condition and need of the patient. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, slowly progressive, involving several motor functions, autonomic, behavioral, and cognitive, with consequences for the quality of life. With appropriate treatment, the expectation of life is considered to be similar, or only slightly reduced, compared to that of the general population. This document has explained the Parkinson’s disease, the treatment options and the preventive methodologies to reduce the progression of the disease. The document further explained the concept of inter-professional education health care teams and their role in the process.