The doctor revealed the symptoms of Parkinson's disease at an early stage

Among the possible factors of Parkinson's disease, researchers name a hereditary predisposition, bad habits, taking certain medications and deterioration of cerebral circulation. Despite the fact that the disease usually manifests itself after the age of 55, there are cases of its development at a younger age — even in 20-year-olds. On April 11, Ekaterina Demyanovskaya, a neurologist at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia about the first signs of this disease and ways to slow down its development.

Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disease in which the neurons responsible for dopamine production are gradually destroyed. This important neurotransmitter is necessary for the normal functioning of muscles, coordination of movements, as well as cognitive functions.

At the earliest, zero, stage, the disease is almost impossible to diagnose, since its symptoms are nonspecific. These include sleep disorders, digestive problems such as constipation, mood swings, and bouts of fatigue.

"Studies have also shown that one of the first early symptoms of Parkinson's disease may be a decrease in the sense of smell," the doctor added.

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According to her, these symptoms can worsen and subside over many months, making timely diagnosis difficult.

As the disease progresses, characteristic signs of so-called tremor paralysis (the second name of Parkinson's disease) appear. These include muscle stiffness, tremors of the limbs, head, tongue, and vocal cords.

"It becomes more difficult for a person with Parkinson's disease to make small movements: it is not possible to fasten a button quickly due to stiffness in his hands, it is not possible to bring a cup or spoon with liquid to his mouth without spilling, because of the tremor of his hands it is more difficult to shave, comb his hair, collect small objects," explained Demyanovskaya.

The neurologist clarified that tremors usually start on one side of the body, gradually spreading to the other.

The doctor noticed other important symptoms — a change in gait (it becomes shuffling), small and illegible handwriting, and quiet, monotonous speech. A person can "freeze" for a short time before starting to move, like a statue.

Demyanovskaya shared that these signs are often attributed to age-related changes and they turn to a specialist too late.

"It is impossible to cure the disease, but it is possible to slow down its progression. The sooner treatment begins, the longer the patient will be able to maintain activity and a habitual lifestyle," the neurologist said.

She explained that the doctor selects a treatment regimen for the patient with antiparkinsonian drugs that compensate for the lack of dopamine or increase the sensitivity of receptors to this neurotransmitter.

In addition, physical activity and massage play a significant role in therapy — regular walks and physical exercises slow down the development of the disease and make the symptoms less pronounced, and massage relieves muscle tension.

Earlier, on April 1, Demyanovskaya told Izvestia about the most common brain diseases. She explained that in neurodegenerative diseases, brain cells are gradually lost, and with them the functions they performed. According to her, such conditions may be hereditary or develop sporadically. They are united by a slow but sure progressive clinical manifestation that cannot be reversed, but can be slowed down. One of the most common degenerative diseases of the brain is Alzheimer's disease.