Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects your nervous system and body parts controlled by your nerves, such as your hands. While there’s currently no cure, treatments can help manage your symptoms effectively and improve quality of life.

The condition develops when neurons in your brain gradually break down or die. These neurons produce important chemicals that help regulate brain activity. When their levels decrease, it leads to irregular brain function and results in symptoms such as tremors.

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown.

Parkinson’s disease is caused by the gradual loss of nerve cells in part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The exact reason the nerve cells are lost is not fully understood, but it is thought to result from a combination of factors including:

• Abnormal protein build-up: Dying nerve cells contain clumps of proteins called alpha-synuclein. These clumps disrupt the cell’s ability to function and clear waste which can cause cells to die. 
• Mitochondrial dysfunction: Damage to mitochondria, the cell’s energy-producing structures, makes nerve cells more vulnerable to degeneration.
• Oxidative stress: Excessive harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage proteins, DNA and cell membranes which can result in the cell dying. 
• Genetic factors: While most cases are not inherited, mutations in certain genes can increase the risk of developing early-onset Parksinson’s disease. 
• Environmental exposures: Long-term exposure to some pesticides and chemicals has been linked to a higher risk of Parksinson’s disease.
• Brain inflammation: An overactive immune response in the brain can release harmful chemicals that damage neurons. 

In its early stages, Parkinson’s may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as it progresses, your symptoms may worsen and become evident.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include:

• Tremors – continuous shaking of a limb, typically the hands or fingers
• Slowed movements (bradykinesia)
• Muscle stiffness – causing pain and limiting your movement
• Difficulty multitasking
• Posture or balance changes – you may stoop more or fall over often
• Changes in speech – you might start slurring and talking too quietly or quickly
• Loss of smell
• Handwriting changes – often, it becomes smaller (micrographia)
• Constipation
• Fatigue – sometimes accompanied by sleep disturbances
• Fluctuating blood pressure

While these symptoms can greatly disrupt daily life, treatment for Parkinson’s disease can help improve them and allow people to regain some control over their abilities with proper management.

If you are experiencing any symptoms that you think could be Parkinson’s disease, book an appointment with our neurologists.

Seeing a neurologist is also helpful if you’re concerned about your risk of developing the condition. A neurologist can provide an accurate diagnosis and modern treatment techniques for symptom management.

At Dementech Neurosciences, we use comprehensive testing methods to diagnose Parkinson’s disease accurately. Our testing methods can be used to monitor your condition’s progression. Methods we use include:

Computerised cognitive assessments

Computerised assessments of cognitive function are pivotal in evaluating changes in your mental ability associated with Parkinson’s disease.

These neuropsychological assessments are designed specifically for Parkinson’s Disease to measure areas such as memory, attention, executive function, and other cognitive skills. They support early detection of cognitive changes and help guide personalised treatment planning.

Our specialist team conducts detailed and specific neuropsychological evaluations for Parkinson’s Disease, allowing them to identify subtle symptom changes and gain a comprehensive understanding of your cognitive profile.

Advanced brain scans

Advanced brain scans using the latest technology offer detailed insights into your brain’s structure and function. These tests can help to confirm Parkinson’s disease and rule out other conditions.

During the scan, a radioactive substance is injected into your arm and moves up towards your brain. A special camera is then used to detect the gamma rays emitted by the substance, helping to confirm which parts of your brain are affected. This can confirm or rule out Parkinson’s disease.

Blood tests

Blood tests are an emerging diagnostic tool for Parkinson’s disease as they can help detect specific biomarkers associated with the condition.

By taking a multifaceted approach to diagnosis, we can provide early intervention and offer symptom management fast.