Parkinson's disease: slowing progression
Tremors, slowness, stiffness: the Parkinsonian triad
Dr. Antoine Mercier
Neurologist
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.
Also read
Neurology
Migraine: Understanding and Managing Attacks
Migraines affect about 12% of adults. Identifying triggers and using the right treatment shortens crises.
Neurology
Epilepsy: Living With the Disorder
About 1% of the population has epilepsy. Two thirds achieve seizure freedom with appropriate medication.
Neurology
Alzheimer's Disease: Recognising Early Signs
Early detection enables better planning and access to therapies that may slow decline.