Parkinson’s disease occurs as a result of the deterioration of cells in the brain that produce a substance called dopamine, which enables brain cells to communicate with each other. Dopamine-producing cells are responsible for a person’s movements. As a result of the deterioration of these cells, slowness in movements and hand tremors begin. Although Parkinson’s usually occurs over the age of 60, today this disease has descended to the age of 20s. It is not known exactly what causes Parkinson’s disease.
WHAT CAUSES PARKINSON AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
Although the factors that cause Parkinson’s are not known exactly, drugs, chemicals and genetic factors taken into the body can cause Parkinson’s disease.
• Tremor, hand tremor; Uncontrolled movement of the thumb, tremors in the chin and lip, and sometimes twitching in the leg muscles may accompany. It should not be forgotten that not all hand tremors mean Parkinson’s disease.
• The tremors in Parkinson’s disease occur when the hands are at rest. It is necessary to distinguish it from tremors that occur when stressed and excited, develop after coffee or drug consumption, or with a familial tremor disease called essential tremor.
• Slowing of Movements (Bradykinesia); Difficulty in starting and maintaining movement are common findings in Parkinson’s Disease. Patients often walk with short steps and have body aches due to muscle stiffness.
• Changes in Speech: Increase in speaking rate or speaking with a low tone of voice, decrease in facial expressions and monotony of speech are among the Parkinson’s findings.
• Degradation of Handwriting; Sudden worsening of handwriting, shrinkage of words, or close spelling of words should suggest Parkinson’s disease.
WHAT IS PARKINSON TREATMENT?
Parkinson’s is usually treated with medication. It is also possible to treat advanced Parkinson’s patients by implanting a brain pacemaker. During the treatment process, patients need to live a more regular life, eat properly and do brain exercises.
HOW SHOULD PARKINSON PATIENTS FEED?
Parkinson’s patients follow a special diet program prepared by doctors. It is possible to minimize the progression of the disease with proper nutrition.
In order to prevent the effect of levodopa, large amounts of protein should not be taken.
Content rich in carbohydrates should be consumed.
Meals should be eaten frequently. Eating meals should not be overdone.
Foods containing plenty of fiber and plenty of fluid should be consumed.
Fruits and vegetables high in antioxidants should be eaten.