Parkinson’s disease (PD)

Parkinson’s disease is a problem seen mainly in elderly people and rarely in young people. This is a disorder of movement with slowness in activities.

Symptoms

• Slowness in the day to day activities
• Tremors of limbs and shaking
• Drooped posture
• Reduced facial expression
• Short stepped gait
• Tendency to fall
• Memory slowing and behavioral issues

Diagnosis

The main way of diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is clinical with a proper history. Supportive investigations include

• MRI Brain
• TRODAT SPECT
• Genetic studies in young-onset Parkinson’s disease when indicated

Treatment

The treatment of Parkinson’s disease is with Levodopa and other dopaminergic medications.

Medications need to be optimized to manage motor fluctuations if any.

Regular monitoring of therapy and follow-up and adequate medication compliance will produce good outcomes.