What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, restricts mobility and negatively affects quality of life. This disease manifests itself with symptoms such as movement disorders, tremors, muscle stiffness and balance problems. Although Parkinson’s disease is usually seen in individuals aged 60 and over, it can also occur at an earlier age. In this article we have written for you, we will share important information from the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease to the formation process and causes of the disease.

What Are The Initial (Early) Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are usually mild and vague. Therefore, the disease can often be difficult to diagnose. The first symptoms include the following;

• Mild tremor (tremor) in the hands,
• Decrease in facial expressions (masks face),
• Speech changes, a lower and less emotional tone of voice,
• Changes in gait, shorter steps and dragging of the feet,
• Muscle stiffness and slowing of movements (bradykinesia),
• Balance problems and tendency to fall,
• Reduced arm swinging movements,
• Fatigue and loss of energy,

How Does Parkinson’s Occur?

Parkinson’s disease is caused by a decrease in the neurotransmitter called dopamine in the brain and the death of some brain cells. Dopamine is produced in the substantia nigra, the brain region that controls movement and coordination. Dopamine deficiency leads to difficulty in controlling movements and other symptoms. As the disease progresses, the amount of dopamine in the brain decreases further and the symptoms worsen.

What Causes Parkinson’s?

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not yet known. However, a combination of genetic and environmental factors are thought to play a role in the formation of the disease. Some genetic mutations can lead to the disease, especially in familial Parkinson’s cases. However, in the majority of sporadic Parkinson’s cases, the role of genetic factors in the development of the disease is limited.

Environmental factors can also increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. For example, exposure to toxic chemicals, living in rural areas and pollution in drinking water are among the factors that increase the risk of Parkinson’s. In addition, age, gender and some lifestyle factors can also affect the risk of the disease. For example, men are known to have a higher risk of Parkinson’s than women.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that reduces quality of life, and early symptoms may be mild and vague. Genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disease, but the exact cause is still unknown. Awareness and early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is important to improve patients’ quality of life and slow the progression of the disease.

What Are The Symptoms of Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder known as a central nervous system disorder that adversely affects the ability to move. Due to the lack of a chemical substance called dopamine, movement control in the brain is impaired and the disease progresses over time. Parkinson’s symptoms usually occur at the age of 60 and over, but can also be seen at an earlier age. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are as follows;

• Tremor,
• Slow movement (bradykinesia),
• Muscle stiffness (rigidity),
• Balance and coordination problems,
• Changes in facial expression and speech,
• Difficulty swallowing,
• Constipation and urinary problems,
• Sleep problems,
• Spiritual changes,

How Is Parkinson’s Diagnosed?

Parkinson’s disease is diagnosed as a result of the patient’s complaints, clinical examination and some tests. Firstly, the patient’s symptoms are evaluated and family history is examined. During the neurological examination, the patient’s mobility, balance, coordination and muscle strength are tested. Although there is no test for the definitive diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, brain scans and other tests can help diagnose the disease. These tests also aim to differentiate other neurological diseases.

How Is Parkinson’s Treated?

There is currently no definitive treatment for Parkinson’s disease. However, current treatment methods aim to improve the quality of life of patients and alleviate symptoms. The treatment process is determined according to the patient’s age, severity of the disease and general health status. Treatment methods for Parkinson’s disease are as follows;

• Drug treatment,
• Physical and occupational therapy,
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS),
• Alternative therapies,

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that negatively affects life. Symptoms and treatment process vary from person to person. Early diagnosis and regular treatment play an important role in improving the quality of life of patients.

Does Parkinson’s Turn into Alzheimer’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are the two most common types of a group of diseases known as neurodegenerative diseases. Both diseases are characterized by deterioration in brain function and cell loss that occurs with age. Parkinson’s disease is associated with movement disorders and motor symptoms, while Alzheimer’s disease is associated with impairments in memory and thinking abilities. So, can Parkinson’s disease develop into Alzheimer’s disease over time?

Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are linked due to neurodegenerative processes and some common pathological changes. For example, both diseases are characterized by protein accumulation in the brain, cell death and loss of neurons. However, the brain regions affected by these diseases and their symptoms are different.

People with Parkinson’s disease may experience impaired cognitive function and memory loss as the disease progresses. This condition is called dementia due to Parkinson’s disease in the later stages of the disease. Dementia due to Parkinson’s disease is different from Alzheimer’s disease and not all Parkinson’s patients are at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

However, it is known that people with Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of dementia than people with Alzheimer’s disease. The risk of developing dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease is approximately 4-6 times higher than in the general population. It is therefore important that people with Parkinson’s disease pay particular attention to their brain health.

Although Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are linked due to neurodegenerative processes and some common pathological changes, the brain regions affected by these diseases and their symptoms are different. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by movement disorders and motor symptoms, while Alzheimer’s disease is associated with impairments in memory and thinking abilities.

People with Parkinson’s disease are not at risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. However, with the progression of Parkinson’s disease, cognitive functions may deteriorate and memory loss may occur, which is called Parkinson’s disease-related dementia. It is important that people with Parkinson’s disease pay particular attention to their brain health and follow the course of the disease with regular check-ups.

Parkinson’s Treatment Prices in Turkey

Turkey has managed to announce its name to the world with its investments and studies in the field of health. Especially the latest technological devices used in diagnosis and treatment procedures have been a beacon of hope for many diseases. However, there has been an increase in health tourism in Türkiye.

• Hospitals are large, clean, spacious and fully equipped in terms of technological equipment.
• Turkish doctors are specialized, successful, and skilled in their fields.
• Nurses and carers are friendly and compassionate.
• Finding answers to the questions asked quickly and accurately.
• Patience and understanding of all staff, including the intermediary company dealing with the patient.
• Turkey offers holiday opportunities with its natural and historical beauties.
• Easy transportation.
• Diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, eating, drinking, dressing, and holiday needs can be met at affordable prices.

Such situations are shown among the reasons for preference. We can see that patients and relatives of patients who want to come to Turkey are doing research on Parkinson’s Treatment Prices in Turkey. However, it would not be correct to give clear price information at this stage. Many factors such as the type of disease, stage, diagnosis process, treatment process, and stay in Türkiye affect the price issue. If you want to get more detailed price information, you can contact us. In addition, if you come to Turkey for treatment through us, we can facilitate your visa application process with the invitation letter sent by us to the consulate.