As
a common neurodegenerative disease among the elderly, Parkinson's disease is
emerging as the "third major killer" following tumors and
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. There are over 5 million patients
in China, with a prevalence rate approximately 1.77 times the global average,
posing a severe challenge for prevention and control.
Dai Wenxin, the executive director of the Multidisciplinary Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Geriatrics at Hainan Chengmei Hospital, stated that Parkinson's disease is not a "normal aging process" but rather a chronic disease that requires scientific intervention. Early identification, diagnosis, standardized treatment, and long-term management can effectively slow down the progression of the disease and help patients maintain their quality of life.
Parkinson's disease: beyond "shaking hands", these symptoms warrant more vigilance
Many people associate Parkinson's disease solely with "hand tremors," but Director Dai Wenxin explained that this is just one of the typical symptoms, and not all patients will exhibit it. The core manifestations of the disease include four major categories, among which non-motor symptoms often appear earlier than motor symptoms, serving as a key early warning.
There are primarily four types of motor symptoms:
One is resting tremor, where the fingers exhibit a "ball-rolling" tremor when at rest, which lessens with movement;
Secondly, there is bradykinesia, where daily movements such as buttoning buttons, tying shoelaces, and walking become slower, and it is difficult to start walking;
Thirdly, there is muscle rigidity, with limbs being stiff and exhibiting uniform resistance during passive movement, akin to "bending a soft lead pipe";
Fourth, there is a balance impairment in posture, characterized by leaning forward when walking, taking small but quick steps, and being prone to losing balance when turning or starting to walk.
Non-motor symptoms are more easily overlooked, yet their impact is profound:
① Hyposmia, which occurs in 70%-90% of patients, is characterized by no nasal obstruction or rhinorrhea, but a lack of sensitivity to perfume and food odors. It may appear 5-10 years earlier than hand tremors;
② Sleep disorders, with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder manifesting as shouting, punching, kicking, and even falling in dreams;
③ Long-term constipation occurs in over 60% of patients, and some individuals may experience it 20 years prior to motor symptoms, which warrants vigilance;
④ Emotional issues: Nearly half of patients suffer from depression and anxiety, which are easily misidentified as "changes in personality".
Early screening and early treatment: technology empowers, and full-cycle management protects patients
Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, but standardized treatment can effectively control symptoms. Director Dai Wenxin explained that current diagnosis and treatment follow the principle of "early diagnosis and early treatment, whole-process management", and technology is becoming an important driving force.
Early screening: In addition to symptom self-examination, olfactory assessment can be conducted through olfactory stick testing, and transcranial ultrasound can be used to detect changes in the substantia nigra. For those who are eligible, QSAA hypersensitive blood test can be performed, which can provide early warning of risks 7-10 years in advance.
Treatment plan:
In terms of medication, levodopa-based drugs are the core. Patients should follow the doctor's advice to take the medication regularly and avoid stopping or reducing the dosage on their own;
For surgical treatment, patients in the middle and late stages may consider deep brain stimulation (DBS), which involves implanting a "brain pacemaker" to precisely regulate symptoms;
Rehabilitation therapy, gait training, balance training, and hand function exercises can significantly improve daily living abilities. It is recommended to practice multiple times a day, with each session lasting 5-10 minutes, adhering to the principle of "no fatigue, no pain";
Comprehensive management requires multidisciplinary collaboration among neurology, neurosurgery, rehabilitation, psychiatry, and other specialties. Simultaneously, attention should be paid to patients' nutrition and emotions. Family members' companionship and support are crucial
Three major reminders: avoid misunderstandings and fight against Parkinson's disease scientifically
Clarification of misconception: Parkinson's disease ≠ Alzheimer's disease. The former primarily presents with motor dysfunction, while the latter mainly involves cognitive decline. The diagnosis and treatment of the two are completely different, so they should not be confused.
Medication Guidelines: Medications should be taken at regular intervals to avoid missed doses. If side effects such as fluctuations in efficacy or abnormal movements occur, seek timely follow-up consultations to adjust the treatment plan. Do not change medications on your own.
Home care: The home environment should be slip-resistant and equipped with handrails to prevent patients from going up and down stairs alone. In terms of diet, patients should drink plenty of water and consume more dietary fiber. Protein and levodopa should be taken with a 1-2 hour interval to minimize the impact of drug efficacy.
Parkinson's disease is not to be feared; what is frightening is inadequate understanding and delayed intervention. Director Dai Wenxin urges everyone to enhance their awareness of Parkinson's disease, pay attention to the physical changes in elderly family members, and seek medical examination promptly when early warning signs emerge. Through scientific prevention and control, as well as standardized management, Parkinson's patients can also enjoy a quality and dignified life in their later years
Expert Introduction
Dai Wenxin, Chief Physician
Executive Director of the Multidisciplinary Geriatrics Diagnosis and Treatment Center
Professor, doctoral candidate
Postdoctoral researcher, master's supervisor
Medical expertise:
I. Diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other geriatric diseases
II. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases across multiple disciplines, including respiratory system, cardiovascular system, nervous system, and geriatric diseases
III. Genetic diagnosis, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, microenvironment analysis, and integrated precision treatment of tumors
IV. Genetic diagnosis and precision treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, hyperuricemia, and hyperglycemia
V. New biomedical technologies such as stem cells and gene programming, as well as new technologies like insulin pumps and diabetes reversal
VI. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for treating benign and malignant tumors
VII. Microbial therapy of intestinal flora for chronic diseases and mental and psychological disorders
VIII. Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques under medical endoscopes such as bronchoscope, mediastinoscope, and thoracoscope
IX. Sleep medicine
X. Chronic disease management