Parkinsons: The hidden sign of the disease in your posture – Times of India

Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. It is a condition in which parts of the brain become progressively damaged over many years. This disorder of the central nervous system affects your movement.

Most people with Parkinsons first develop the disease after the age 60, however, about 5% to 10% experience onset of the neurological condition before they are 50 and around one in 20 people first experience symptoms of the condition when they're under 40 years. Early-onset Parkinsons are often, but not always, inherited. You should consult your doctor if you feel like you may be experiencing any symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's develops when the brain cells stop working properly and are lost over time. Researchers do not yet know why people get Parkinson's, but it is believed that a combination of age, genetic and environmental factors cause the dopamine-producing nerve cells to die. According to experts, around one in 500 people are affected by Parkinson's disease, with men slightly more likely to get this disease than women.

Symptoms of Parkinson's start appearing when the brain is unable to make enough dopamine to control the movements properly. One of the earliest symptoms is a tremor in one hand. Impaired posture and balance is also a possible sign of Parkinsons disease.

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Parkinsons affects control of automatic movements, so posture changes may occur without the brains automatic reminders on how your posture should be. Your posture may become stooped or you may have balance problems. These changes in posture include rounded shoulders, decreased low back curve or forward lean of the head or whole body. This will make you look hunched over. A parkinsonian gait includes a tendency to lean forward; small, quick steps and reduced swinging of the arms. You may also have trouble initiating or continuing movement.

Parkinsons symptoms often begin on one side of the body. As the disease progresses, it eventually starts affecting both sides of the body. However, the symptoms can still be more severe on one side.

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The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremors, slow movements and stiffness. Symptoms like loss of smell, constipation, depression and REM sleep behaviour disorder can occur years before the diagnosis. Other symptoms may include difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking. You may also experience urinary or skin problems.

Although there is no cure for Parkinsons disease, early diagnosis can help the patients receive proper treatment and advice on how to take care and prevent growth of symptoms. According to Parkinsons UK, doing 2.5 hours of exercise a week may help in slowing the progression of your symptoms.

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Parkinsons: The hidden sign of the disease in your posture - Times of India