Overview:
Parkinson's (Parkinson's disease) is a progressive neurological condition that causes problems in the brain and gets worse over time. Its cause is still unknown, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach. Many people respond well to treatment and have only mild to moderate disability, while a minority may not respond well. Medications are the most common treatment, but surgery and lifestyles modifications (e.g. rest and exercise) may also help manage the disease.
Over the month of April, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (MDS) aims to raise awareness about Parkinson's (Parkinson's disease) for disseminating knowledge and promoting research; in order to positively influence patient care.
Facts:
- People with Parkinson's don't have enough of the chemical dopamine because some of the nerve cells that make it have died. Dopamine is a precursor of norepinephrine that acts as a neurotransmitter at certain synapses of the brain.
- Symptoms start to appear when the brain can’t make enough dopamine to control movement properly.
- There are 3 main symptoms: Tremor (shaking), slowness of movement and rigidity (muscle stiffness).
- Patients may not need any treatment during the early stages of Parkinson's disease, as symptoms are usually mild.
- While Parkinson's itself is not fatal, disease complications can be serious.
- It's thought around 1 in 500 people are affected by Parkinson's disease.
- Men may be more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women.
Objectives:
- Spread knowledge about Parkinson's disease.
- Support research into its causes, prevention, and treatment.
- Impacting positively Parkinson's disease patients through consultation and guidance.
Official Date:
- Globally: April 11th, 2022
- Locally: Ramadan 10th, 1443H.
Theme:
«Integrated Health Care»
References: