Parkinson's disease: slowing progression
Tremors, slowness, stiffness: the Parkinsonian triad
Dr. Antoine Mercier
Neurologist
In simple terms
Levodopa, dopamine agonists, deep brain stimulation: an arsenal to preserve autonomy.
A neurodegenerative disease
Parkinson's disease results from the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. The 2nd most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's, it affects 1% of people over 60.
Motor symptoms
Asymmetrical resting tremor, akinesia (slowness), hypertonia (cogwheel rigidity), balance disorders. Non-motor symptoms often early: anosmia, REM sleep behavior disorder, constipation, depression.
Medication treatments
Levodopa (combined with carbidopa/benserazide): benchmark, especially after 70 years. Dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole): younger subjects. MAO-B inhibitors (rasagiline, selegiline) and COMT inhibitors (entacapone): adjuncts.
Advanced treatments
Pumps (apomorphine, intestinal levodopa), deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus for debilitating motor fluctuations.
Global approach
Active physiotherapy, speech therapy, physical activity (boxing, tango, Nordic walking: evidence of efficacy), psychological support.
The words explained
Medical terms used above, in everyday language.
- Symptom
- A sign you can feel or see that something is wrong, like pain, tiredness or a rash.
When should you see a doctor?
- Your symptoms last more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
- They get worse quickly, or stop you doing everyday things.
- You notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding — seek urgent care.
- You already take medication and want to change anything about it.
This article explains general health information. It does not replace advice from your own doctor.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Parkinson's disease: slowing progression?
- Levodopa, dopamine agonists, deep brain stimulation: an arsenal to preserve autonomy.
- What are the main symptoms or signs of Parkinson's disease: slowing progression?
- Common signs vary from person to person. The article above lists the symptoms to watch for, how they progress, and when they need medical attention.
- When should you see a doctor for Parkinson's disease: slowing progression?
- See a doctor if symptoms last more than a few weeks, get worse quickly, stop you doing everyday things, or if you notice sudden pain, breathing trouble, fainting or bleeding.
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