Parkinson’s Disease

What is Parkinson’s disease? 

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a chronic neurological condition named after Dr. James Parkinson, a London physician who was the first to describe the syndrome in 1817.  PD is a slowly progressive disease that affects a small area in the mid brain known as the Substantia Nigra. Gradual degeneration of these cells causes a reduction in a vital chemical known as "dopamine".  Parkinson’s disease is an illness of the middle-aged and the elderly.  Many famous people have suffered from PD, such as Deng Hsiao Ping, Mohammed Ali, Pope John Paul II, Janet Reno and Michael J. Fox.  They serve to highlight this neurodegenerative illness and the intensive research that is ongoing in search of a cure.  

• Tremors on one side of the body

• Slowness of movement

• Stiffness of limbs (rigidity)

• Gait or balance problems (postural dysfunction)

• Decreased facial expression (hypomimia)

• Lowered voice volume (dysarthria)

• Slight foot drag and lack of arm swing on the affected side

• Feelings of depression or anxiety

• Less frequent blinking and swallowing

Few individuals experience all of these symptoms and some may experience other signs.

The doctor will make a clinical diagnosis based on the symptoms and a set of physical signs that can be observed. Very early PD may be difficult to diagnose, thus the doctor may have to observe the individual’s condition for a period of time before making a definite diagnosis. 

There are currently no proven treatments that can slow down the disease progression. However, there are effective medications that can improve the signs and symptoms of PD. These medications include levodopa, dopamine agonists, anticholinergics, selegiline, amantidine and COMT inhibitors. 

The doctor will be able to recommend the most appropriate medications. The treatment has to be individualised, because a medication that is suitable for an individual may not be suitable for another. 

Good medical management helps restore lost functions, and protects against secondary symptoms that could otherwise develop.

What are some of the symptoms? 

These are some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

What tests will be done? 

Since there is no definitive laboratory test or brain scan to verify the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, it is strongly recommended that patients seek clinical verification of the diagnoses from a neurologist who specialises in movement disorders. 

Where can I go to for help? 

You may consult your family doctor for a referral, or contact us directly at 6887-5225  or email: neuroscience@meh.parkway.com.sg