When one is diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, one of the first questions that patients and families usually ask is "is Parkinson's disease dangerous?" This question reflects an understandable anxiety, because Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system that affects movement and the quality of life. This article will set out the facts about the danger of Parkinson's disease, the complications that may arise, and the approach to management in order to reduce the risk effectively.
Is Parkinson's disease dangerous to life?
The truth about Parkinson's disease may not be as frightening as many people think, but the complications that may arise should not be overlooked. Understanding the character of the disease correctly will help the patient and the family be able to plan the care suitably.
Parkinson's disease is not a disease that causes death directly
The important fact is that Parkinson's disease itself is not a cause of death directly. This disease is a state in which the brain cells in the part that produces the substance dopamine gradually degenerate, with the result that there are symptoms of trembling, slow movement, and stiff muscles. Although these symptoms affect the quality of life, they do not threaten life immediately. Many Parkinson's patients are able to live for many years after the diagnosis, particularly if they receive suitable treatment and care.
The risks and complications that may be dangerous
Although Parkinson's disease does not threaten life directly, the complications arising from the symptoms of the disease may give rise to serious risks, such as falling from the problem of balance, infection in the lungs from difficulty in swallowing, or severe depression. Besides this, Parkinson's patients also have an increased risk of cerebrovascular disease (Stroke) because of many factors, namely limited movement making them exercise less, which has a bearing on the health of the heart and the blood vessels; having a problem of abnormal blood pressure, which is met in some Parkinson's patients; and poor circulation of blood from lying or sitting for a long time without moving, which may increase the chance of a clot blocking a vessel in the brain. Therefore the "danger" of Parkinson's disease lies in these complications rather than in the disease itself, which requires care and close follow-up in order to prevent them, both controlling the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and managing the risk factors of cerebrovascular disease alongside each other.
The complications of Parkinson's disease that must be watched for
When Parkinson's disease progresses, symptoms that begin as slight may develop into more complex complications. Knowing these complications will help the patient and the carer be able to prepare and manage them in good time.
The problem of balance and falling
One of the complications met most often and most dangerous in Parkinson's disease is the problem of balance leading to falls. When the disease progresses, the patient will have symptoms of unsteady walking, short steps, and the trunk leaning forwards. A fall may cause a broken bone, particularly the hip bone, which may require surgery and rehabilitation over a long time. For older people, a fall may lead to other complications, such as infection or reduced movement, which have a bearing on the lifespan and the quality of life.
Difficulty in swallowing, and the risk of choking
When Parkinson's disease affects the muscles in the throat and the oesophagus, the patient may have symptoms of difficulty in swallowing. Food or saliva may go into the airway unintentionally. This condition is called "aspiration", which may lead to infection in the lungs or pneumonia. Difficulty in swallowing also results in the patient eating less, giving rise to a state of malnutrition, weight loss, and the body becoming weaker.
Infection in the lungs and the respiratory system
Pneumonia is one of the main causes of death in Parkinson's patients at an advanced stage, because of the problem of difficulty in swallowing and of coughing that is not effective, which lets germs accumulate in the lungs easily. Besides this, Parkinson's patients usually move little, which results in the lungs not expanding fully and increases the risk of infection. Preventing pneumonia is therefore an important part of caring for Parkinson's patients.
The effect on mental health
Parkinson's disease does not affect only the body, but also has a significant effect on mental health. Many patients experience depression and anxiety, both from the chemical changes in the brain and from the challenges in living daily life. Severe depression may have a bearing on the intention to be treated, on self-care, and on the quality of life overall. Caring for mental health is therefore an indispensable part of treating Parkinson's patients.
The problem of sleep
Parkinson's patients usually experience problems of sleep, such as being unable to sleep, waking often, or having symptoms of trembling legs during sleep. The lack of sufficient rest has a bearing on the restoration of the body, the memory, the mood, and the symptoms of the disease overall. The problem of sleep also increases the risk of falling at night.
The "danger" of Parkinson's disease lies in the progression of the disease
When the question "is Parkinson's disease dangerous?" is considered in every dimension, it is seen that the true danger does not lie in the disease on the first day, but in the progression of the disease and the effects accumulated as time passes. Understanding this matter will help make the planning of care more effective.
The effect on the living of daily life in the long term
When Parkinson's disease has progressed for several years, the symptoms will become more severe and affect the ability to carry out the routines of daily life, such as dressing, eating, bathing, and walking. The patient may have to depend on others more, which has a bearing on independence and self-esteem. The burden on the carer also increases, which makes long-term planning an important matter.
The importance of diagnosing and beginning treatment early
Diagnosing Parkinson's disease early by a physician specialising in neurological internal medicine (a brain doctor) and beginning suitable treatment can slow the symptoms and reduce the severity of the complications. Using medicine to control the symptoms, doing physiotherapy in order to preserve the strength of the muscles and balance, and caring for mental health all play a part in helping the patient have a better quality of life and in reducing the risk from dangerous complications.
The approach to management in order to reduce the risks and the complications
Although Parkinson's disease cannot be treated so that it heals completely, suitable management can control the symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and reduce the risk from complications effectively. A comprehensive approach to management will help the patient have a life with quality.
Treatment with medicine and following up the symptoms with the doctor
The use of medicine is an important foundation of treating Parkinson's disease. The medicines used generally, such as Levodopa, help increase the level of dopamine in the brain, so that the symptoms improve. Seeing a physician specialising in neurological internal medicine (a brain doctor) and a rehabilitation physician regularly in order to adjust the dose of the medicine and follow up the side effects is necessary, because the need for medicine may change according to the progression of the disease.
The role of physiotherapy in preventing falls
Physiotherapy has an important role in preserving the strength, the flexibility, and the balance of Parkinson's patients. The physiotherapist can design a programme of exercise suited specifically to the individual, which helps reduce the risk from falling and increases confidence in movement. At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic we have physicians specialising in rehabilitation medicine and physicians specialising in neurological internal medicine (brain doctors) ready to give advice and design a programme of therapy suited to the symptoms and the needs of each patient.
Care in the area of nutrition and swallowing
When the patient begins to have symptoms of difficulty in swallowing, adjusting the texture of the food so that it is soft or is a thick liquid may help reduce the risk from choking. A dietitian can advise on the way of eating food that is safe and gives sufficient nutritional value. Eating food in a position of sitting upright and swallowing slowly are also important things.
Caring for the mental health of the patient and the carer
Caring for mental health should not be overlooked. Talking with a psychologist or a psychiatrist, taking part in a support group, and using antidepressant medicine when necessary can help the patient and the family deal with the challenges of the disease better. Caring for the mental health of the carer is also an important matter, because the burden from caring for a patient in the long term may have a bearing on the health of the carer themselves.
The approach to treatment for Parkinson's patients at PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic
At PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic, we are directed at caring for Parkinson's patients holistically with a multidisciplinary team, consisting of physicians specialising in neurological internal medicine (brain doctors) and rehabilitation physicians, who work together in order to design a plan of treatment suited to each patient.
Assessment and diagnosis by specialist physicians
Our physicians specialising in neurological internal medicine (brain doctors) will carry out a detailed assessment of the symptoms, examine the body, and analyse the history of the illness, in order to diagnose precisely and plan suitable treatment. Diagnosis early will help make the treatment most effective.
A programme of physiotherapy specific to the individual
Our team of physiotherapists will design a programme of exercise and rehabilitation suited to the level of symptoms of each patient, emphasising training balance, walking, and increasing the strength of the muscles, in order to reduce the risk from falling and increase independence in living daily life.
Modern technology for rehabilitation
At our clinic we have modern technology that helps in rehabilitating Parkinson's patients, for example:
- Robotic Exoskeleton Gait Training - modern robot technology for helping walking, which helps train walking and balance for Parkinson's patients effectively. The system helps support and control the movement of the legs, so that the patient is able to train walking safely, reducing the risk from falling, and helping restore the correct pattern of walking
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) - stimulating the brain with electromagnetic waves is an advanced technology that helps improve the working of the brain cells, reduce trembling, improve movement, and help relieve the symptoms of depression met in Parkinson's patients, without surgery and with no side effects
- Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS) - stimulation with electromagnetic waves in order to reduce pain and tightness of the muscles, helping muscles stiffened by Parkinson's disease release and move better
- High Power Laser Therapy- treatment with high-power laser light in order to relieve pain and increase the circulation of blood, helping reduce inflammation and stimulate the repair of tissue at the cell level
- Examination with high-frequency sound waves (Ultrasound Diagnosis) - in order to assess the condition of the muscles and the tendons precisely, helping the doctor be able to plan the treatment on target and most effectively
Continuous care and following up the result
We give importance to following up the result of the treatment regularly. The doctors and the multidisciplinary team will assess the progress of the treatment, adjust the plan of therapy as necessary, and give advice on self-care at home, so that the patient receives comprehensive care and has the best quality of life.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the average lifespan of Parkinson's patients?
The lifespan of Parkinson's patients differs according to each individual, but on average patients are able to live 10-20 years after the diagnosis, depending on the age when the illness began, the severity of the symptoms, and the care and treatment. Receiving suitable treatment and caring for the complications closely can help extend life and increase the quality of life.
What should be done when the patient begins to have a problem of swallowing?
When it is noticed that the patient is beginning to have symptoms of difficulty in swallowing, choking often, or coughing while eating food, a doctor should be consulted urgently in order to assess the severity and find a suitable approach to management. Adjusting the texture of the food, training in techniques of swallowing with the physiotherapist, or using assistive devices may be a suitable choice.
In summary
When the question "is Parkinson's disease dangerous?" is answered straightforwardly, Parkinson's disease itself is not a disease that threatens life directly, but the complications arising from the progression of the disease, such as falling, difficulty in swallowing, and infection in the lungs, may give rise to serious risks. Understanding the nature of the disease, diagnosing early, and treating suitably alongside doing physiotherapy, caring for nutrition, and caring for mental health will help Parkinson's patients be able to have a good quality of life and reduce the risk from complications effectively.
If you or someone you love wants advice about managing pain or about restoring the condition of the body, you may contact PYONG Rehabilitation Clinic. We have specialist physicians in rehabilitation medicine and physicians specialising in neurological internal medicine (brain doctors) ready to give the care and the advice that suit you.