Parkinson’s Disease & How to Detect it Early?

How can you detect Parkinson’s Disease early?

In all the cases of identifying Parkinson’s disease, it has been seen that the disease was identified when one was older but there is one hypothesis that might aid the population that is looking to detect Parkinson’s disease in someone quite early in life.

Braak’s hypothesis, named for professor Heiko Braak, MD, who proposed the notion in 2003, proposes that Parkinson’s disease develops on the body’s periphery rather than in the brain. According to Braak’s concept, the early indicators of Parkinson’s disease are detected in the stomach and the olfactory bulb, a brain region involved in the sense of smell.

The deposition of the protein alpha-synuclein (a crucial feature of Parkinson’s disease, also known as Lewy bodies) is thought to start in the gastrointestinal system or the olfactory bulb before spreading to other parts of the brain. After alpha-synuclein aggregates develop, they appear to be capable of expanding and spreading across the brain from nerve cell to nerve cell.

The formation of alpha-synuclein aggregates corresponds with the beginning of symptoms. The presence of alpha-synuclein aggregates in the brainstem (region of the brain near the base of the skull) correlates with the onset of motor symptoms.

The presence of alpha-synuclein aggregates in the cortex (the outer layer of the brain that governs higher mental processes and cognition) is linked to dementia and cognitive failure.

One field of study aimed at assisting in the early identification and treatment of Parkinson’s disease is the hunt for “biomarkers”—proteins or molecules in the blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid that consistently help diagnose the disease, especially at the early stage.

Recent research, for instance, discovered alpha-synuclein clumps in the cerebral fluid. These aggregates were discovered in Parkinson’s disease individuals but not in people with other neurologic diseases. Many research studies are being conducted in order to uncover novel biomarkers, particularly those that may be able to predict whether or not someone would get Parkinson’s disease in the future.

What are the curable issues that are usually associated with Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is frequently accompanied by the following additional issues, which may be treatable:

1. Problems with thinking: You may develop cognitive issues (dementia) and difficulty thinking. These are more common in the advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease. Medication does not help with such cognitive issues.
2. Depression and emotional upheaval: People suffering from Parkinson’s disease usually suffer from depression, even in its early stages. Going to therapy may make it simpler to deal with the additional complications of Parkinson’s disease. Other emotional changes, such as dread, worry, or a loss of motivation, may occur. Medication may be prescribed by your doctor to relieve these symptoms.
3. Problems with swallowing: As your illness worsens, you may have difficulty swallowing. Drooling may occur as a result of saliva accumulation in your mouth as a result of slower swallowing.
4. Problems chewing and eating specifically in the Late-stage: The muscles in your mouth are affected by Parkinson’s disease, making chewing difficult. Choking and poor nutrition might result as a result of this.
5. Sleep disorders and sleep issues: People with Parkinson’s disease typically experience sleep issues, such as waking up repeatedly throughout the night, getting up early, or falling asleep during the day. Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, which includes acting out your dreams, can also occur. Medications may assist with your sleep issues.
6. Bladder issues: Parkinson’s disease can produce bladder difficulties, such as inability to regulate pee or trouble urinating.
7. Constipation: Constipation is common in persons with Parkinson’s disease, owing to a sluggish digestive tract.