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A detailed guide to Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world. According to Parkinson’s Foundation, more than 10 million people worldwide are living with the disease.
For people affected by Parkinson’s Disease, getting a thorough consultation and proper treatment from a world-class neuro and research center like Plexus in Hyderabad and Bangalore is the best option. Our treatments can keep the symptoms under control and significantly improve quality of life. But before you take a step towards your Parkinson’s Disease treatment, read through our guide to learn about the essential facts about Parkinson’s Disease.
Decoding Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is caused by the death of nerve cells in a part of the brain called Substantia Nigra, leading to reduced production of the hormone dopamine. Dopamine is essential for the Basal Ganglia to work, which is the part of the brain that controls movement. When dopamine levels go down, it leads to tremors and stiff muscles that are characteristic of Parkinson’s patients.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease are usually manageable at first and then become progressively worse, with most patients having to rely on professional caregivers during the later stages of the disease. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Tremors in the limbs or jaw
Slowing down of body movements (Bradykinesia)
Muscle stiffness and rigidity
Painful muscle cramps (Dystonia)
Unsteady gait
Slurred or indistinct speech
Memory problems
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is unknown. However, several factors play a role according to leading scientists, including:
- Genes: Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson’s Disease. But these are uncommon except in rare cases with many family members affected by Parkinson’s Disease.
- Environmental triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson’s Disease, but the risk is relatively small.
- Age: Young adults rarely experience Parkinson’s Disease. It ordinarily begins in middle or late life, and the risk increases with age. People usually develop the disease around age 60 or older.
Treatments for Parkinson’s Disease
Several rehabilitative treatments can help you and your loved ones with Parkinson’s Disease achieve desired results in minimum possible time. A holistic treatment and rehabilitation program would include the following:
Cell Therapy
Cell Therapy is proving to be the best treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s Disease due to its success in providing relief without any surgery or side effects of drugs. This form of regenerative medicine uses autologous mesenchymal cells from the patient’s bone marrow to repair the damaged cells within their body. These cells are then transplanted into the patient’s central nervous system, where they replicate the properties of the degenerated cells of the substantia nigra. As a result, the Parkinson’s symptoms gradually go away with time.
Regenerative Rehabilitation Program
A comprehensive Regenerative Rehabilitation Program helps to maximize functional ability and minimize secondary complications of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. The main aim of the program is to help patients perform daily activities and maintain quality of life without help, as much as possible.
A well-designed Parkinson’s Disease rehabilitation program would include the following:
Our treatment program at Plexus
Plexus has a long history of treating and rehabilitating patients with Parkinson’s Disease. Under the guided supervision of Dr Na’eem Sadiq, we provide the most advanced Cell Therapy for treating Parkinson’s Disease. Our team of specialists administers autologous mesenchymal cells that are extracted from your bone marrow.
We provide a customized rehabilitation program to maximize your functioning abilities and maintain your quality of life with Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Therapy.
The goals of our treatment vary for each individual, but in most cases, focus on the following aspects:
Maintain overall quality of life
Improve mobility and function
Reduce rigidity
Reduce tremors
Reverse slowed movements
Improve posture, gait, balance, speech, and writing skills
Maintain mental sharpness
Our team of advanced professionals have specialized training that allows them to provide the best medical, nursing, and therapeutic care. They evaluate your medical needs and treatment goals as well as address the needs and concerns of your families. After thorough consultation, a curated treatment plan is devised to help you achieve the best possible outcome, which includes activities such as:
Hand Functions Retraining
Bradykinesia Management and Agility Training
Functional Retraining
Rigidity Management
Speech Therapy Exercises
What our patients say
Anand Pathak (name changed)
“I went to Plexus for my mother’s treatment, as she was suffering from Parkinsonism for the last couple of years. Some of her prominent symptoms included body imbalance, hand stiffness, falling down while walking, and slurred speech.
Being in Bangalore for many years, I took her to multiple hospitals but never got a positive response from any doctor. The common answer that I got was that there is no cure for her condition and it will only deteriorate with time. At some point, she will be completely bed ridden. It was extremely depressing for us as a family to hear this response.
Then we found Dr Na’eem Sadiq at Plexus Neuro and Cell Research Center and things completely changed. At first, we were skeptical as we had already tried too many doctors and the response was always negative. But seeing my mother’s condition, we eventually decided to go ahead and give it a try. Dr Na’eem suggested that we go ahead with a one-month program with four shots of Cell Treatment along with Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy on a daily basis. After a month of treatment, my mother started feeling a lot better and has regained her confidence in performing daily tasks. This is extremely satisfying for us.
I further want to share that during our visits to Plexus, we saw many patients in critical conditions coming in wheelchairs and walking on their way out while leaving the place.
I want to thank the entire team of Plexus for their professionalism and dedication towards their work. I would highly recommend Plexus to anyone suffering from any neurological disorder. When there is no hope, there is Plexus.
”
Mark Gomes (name changed)
“I came to Plexus with a glimmer of hope for my wife Gloretta who is suffering from Parkinson's Disorder. Our experience at the center was heart-rending. Dr Na'eem meticulously explained the procedure of the treatment and the staff conducted it in a smooth and systematic manner. The entire staff at Plexus including the receptionists, nurses, and therapists, are extremely polite and cooperative. Now my wife is able to do a lot of things such as cooking, bathing, grooming, and other tasks related to her personal needs. She was able to do all of these tasks for more than two years. We are content and happy with the treatment and would recommend everyone with neurological disorders. Kudos to Dr Na’eem and the staff of Plexus. May God continue to shower his blessings upon them for the great job they have been doing.”
FAQs answered
No, Physiotherapy helps in relieving symptoms and does not cure Parkinson’s. Cell Therapy from a renowned neurological center, along with medications and specific exercises prove to be beneficial.
A wide range of exercises such as biking, running, yoga, pilates, dance, weight training, and non-contact boxing can help to manage Parkinson’s symptoms.
Aerobic activity as well as training for strength, balance, agility, and flexibility can help strengthen the legs of a Parkinsons’ patient.
A tailor-made Regenerative Rehabilitation program that focuses on the patient is proven to be the best form of therapy for Parkinson’s Disease.
Patients can live a near-normal life with a tailor-made exercise program that can relieve symptoms and reduce the impact of Parkinson’s Disease upto a great extent.
Some of the vitamins that may help patients with Parkinson’s Disease, include Coenzyme Q10, Curcumin, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E.
Stem Cell Therapy is the newest treatment option for patients with Parkinson’s Disease that has been highly successful in providing relief without any surgery or side effects of drugs.
Neurologists are specifically trained in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the nervous system, such as Parkinson’s Disease. They help to manage symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and rigidity, and overcome other such complications.
A wide variety of treatments such as oral medications, injections, and neurosurgical procedures can calm tremors in Parkinson’s Disease.
Medication changes, infection, dehydration, sleep deprivation, recent surgery, stress, or other medical problems can worsen Parkinson’s Disease symptoms.
