Parkinson disease 2024: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that impacts movement, mental well-being, sleep, pain, and other aspects of health. Over time, the disease worsens and, although there is no cure, treatment options such as medications and therapies can help alleviate symptoms.
Common symptoms include tremors, stiff or painful muscle contractions, and difficulty speaking, all of which can significantly affect daily living. Additionally, many people with PD experience dementia as the disease progresses, further complicating their care and quality of life.
PD is a leading cause of disability and long-term care needs. While it mainly affects older adults, younger individuals can also develop the condition. Men are more likely than women to be diagnosed with PD.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease remains unknown, but those with a family history of the disease are at a higher risk. Environmental factors, such as exposure to air pollution, pesticides, and certain chemicals, may also contribute to the risk of developing PD.
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Parkinson disease 2024: Symptoms and Their Progression
As Parkinson’s disease advances, its symptoms become more pronounced, significantly reducing a person’s quality of life. PD causes a variety of motor symptoms, including slow movement (bradykinesia), tremors, involuntary movements, muscle stiffness, difficulty walking, and issues with balance.
These motor difficulties often result in physical limitations that make everyday tasks increasingly difficult to perform.
Beyond motor symptoms, PD also leads to non-motor issues such as cognitive impairment, depression, anxiety, dementia, and sleep disturbances. People with PD often experience painful muscle contractions (dystonias) and involuntary movements (dyskinesias), which can make speaking and moving even more challenging.
Parkinson disease 2024
As a result, the disease causes a high rate of disability and necessitates significant care from healthcare providers, family members, and caregivers.
Although Parkinson’s is the most common movement disorder, there are other conditions with similar symptoms, such as multiple system atrophy, progressive supranuclear palsy, chorea, ataxia, and dystonia.
These disorders also involve challenges related to diagnosis, treatment, and medication access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where healthcare resources are often limited.
Diagnosing and Understanding Of Parkinson disease 2024
Parkinson’s disease is typically diagnosed based on clinical symptoms, which can be assessed not only by neurologists but also by non-specialist healthcare workers trained to recognize its signs.
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This is particularly important in LMICs, where access to specialized neurological care may be limited. Training primary care providers to diagnose and manage PD is critical in these regions.
The global burden of Parkinson’s disease has increased significantly over the last few decades. According to estimates, the number of people living with PD worldwide more than doubled over the past 25 years. In 2019, there were approximately 8.5 million people with Parkinson’s disease globally.
That same year, PD accounted for 5.8 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), marking an 81% increase since 2000. The number of deaths due to Parkinson’s also rose sharply during this time, reaching 329,000 deaths, which is more than double the rate from 2000.
Parkinson disease 2024: Treatment and Care Options
Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, various treatments can help alleviate symptoms. The most commonly prescribed medication is a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, which works by increasing dopamine levels in the brain to improve motor function.
Other medications, such as anticholinergics, may be used to help control involuntary muscle movements.
In some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation can be effective in reducing tremors and the need for medication. Physical therapy, including strength training, gait training, and hydrotherapy, is often recommended to improve mobility, balance, and overall function.
These rehabilitation therapies can enhance the quality of life for individuals with PD and reduce the strain on caregivers.
However, access to these treatments, especially medications and surgical options, is not always available or affordable in many parts of the world, particularly in LMICs. Improving global access to Parkinson’s treatments remains a critical challenge.
Parkinson disease 2024: The Impact on Families and Caregivers
Caring for a person with Parkinson’s disease can be extremely demanding, particularly as the disease progresses and the individual requires more assistance with daily activities.
Family members and friends often serve as informal caregivers, providing physical and emotional support.
This responsibility can be overwhelming and lead to significant physical, emotional, and financial stress. As a result, caregivers often need support from healthcare, social, financial, and legal systems to cope with the pressures of caregiving.
Resources developed for caregivers of people with similar conditions, like dementia, can be helpful. For example, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) iSupport programme, designed for caregivers of dementia patients, provides practical tools and knowledge that can also be adapted for Parkinson’s disease care.
Addressing Stigma and Ensuring Human Rights
People with Parkinson’s disease frequently face stigma and discrimination, particularly in the workplace and within their communities. This can prevent them from fully participating in society and accessing the same opportunities as others. Misunderstandings about the disease, such as the belief that PD is contagious or simply a normal part of aging, can create additional barriers to care and treatment.
Individuals with PD need accessible healthcare services that address both their Parkinson’s symptoms and general health needs. Ensuring prompt diagnosis and access to appropriate care and medications is essential, but these services are often lacking due to insufficient awareness and knowledge among healthcare providers.
Global Response by WHO on Parkinson disease 2024
In 2022, the World Health Assembly endorsed the Intersectoral Global Action Plan on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders (2022–2031), which aims to address the challenges in providing care for individuals with neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease.
This comprehensive plan seeks to improve diagnosis, treatment, research, and public awareness of neurological disorders.
Additionally, WHO provides resources for policymakers, caregivers, and healthcare providers to help develop effective strategies for managing Parkinson’s disease globally, particularly in regions where healthcare access is limited.
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