Today, April 11, many countries are holding events on the occasion of World Parkinson's Day, UNN reports.
Parkinson's disease is a slowly progressive degenerative disease of the central nervous system, which is mainly manifested by motor disorders in the form of hypokinesia, muscle rigidity, resting tremor and pastoral disorders, as well as autonomic, cognitive, affective and other disorders.
It was first described as a separate disease in 1817 by the British physician James Parkinson.
Parkinson's disease has three main symptoms:
- tremors: tremors that usually start in the head and arm (more often when the limb is relaxed);
- bradykinesia: slowing of movement, when physical movements are much slower than normal, which can make everyday tasks difficult and lead to a characteristic slow movement with very small steps;
- Stiffness: stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move and express yourself, and can lead to painful muscle spasms (dystonia).
Today, there are more than 4 million people in the world suffering from Parkinson's disease. Scientists predict that by 2040 the number will reach more than 14 million, as humanity is rapidly aging.
The first symptoms of the disease most often appear at the age of 55-60, but according to the WHO, the age group of 20-50 accounts for approximately 5% of all reported cases. Such cases are classified as young-onset Parkinson's disease.
According to the Ministry of Health statistics, more than 23 thousand people with Parkinson's disease are registered in Ukraine, or 61.4 per 100 thousand people. Every year, about 2,500 Ukrainians learn about this diagnosis from doctors
Currently, Parkinson's disease is incurable, and all available treatments are aimed at alleviating its symptoms.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the main means of preventing Parkinson's disease:
- A healthy diet and no alcohol abuse;
- A mobile lifestyle, it is advisable for older people to have a hobby, such as gardening, to maintain physical activity;
- Psychological readiness for stressful situations;
- Timely preventive and medical examinations, timely treatment of any diseases.