How many people in Ukraine were diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and how many deaths were recorded last year?
Kyiv • UNN
Last year in Ukraine, over 7.2 thousand patients were discharged with Parkinson's disease, and 21 deaths were recorded. Patients can receive free services and medications under the medical guarantee program.
Last year, more than 7,200 patients with Parkinson's disease were discharged from healthcare facilities in Ukraine, and 21 deaths were recorded. This was reported to UNN journalist by the Center for Public Health.
Today, April 11, is World Parkinson's Day. This is a disorder that primarily affects the brain neurons that produce dopamine. The disease is constantly progressing and leads to impaired coordination, motor disorders, speech disorders, tremors at rest, and can affect mood, way of thinking, and memory. However, timely diagnosis and therapy can alleviate symptoms, somewhat delay the progression of the disease and help maintain the quality of life of a person.
The situation with Parkinson's in Ukraine
Experts from the Center for Public Health reported that, according to operational data, in 2024 in healthcare facilities of state, communal and private ownership there were:
⦁ 7258 patients with Parkinson's disease were discharged;
⦁ 21 deaths were registered;
⦁ the discharged patients spent 68,344 bed-days.
The Public Health Center notes that all these patients are people aged 18 and over.
Currently, the Center does not have information on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease in Ukraine due to the termination of the collection of relevant data since 2018 according to reporting form No. 12 "Report on diseases registered in patients residing in the area of service of a medical and preventive institution
In 2019, the Public Health Center reported that, according to the Ministry of Health statistics, more than 23,000 people with Parkinson's disease were registered in Ukraine.
The Center for Public Health also told UNN that within the Medical Guarantee Program, patients with Parkinson's disease can receive free medical services, including consultations, diagnostics, observation, and treatment. Medicines are also available to patients within the "Affordable Medicines" program. For this, people with Parkinson's disease need to consult a family doctor.
Symptoms of Parkinson's disease
According to the Center for Public Health, Parkinson's disease has three main symptoms:
- trembling — tremor, which usually starts with 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 complicate everyday tasks and lead to a characteristic slow movement in very small steps;
- rigidity — stiffness and tension in the muscles, which can make it difficult to move and express facial expressions, and can also lead to painful muscle spasms (dystonia).
Patients have a characteristic appearance, in particular, posture: the head is tilted forward, the knees and elbows are semi-bent, the back is hunched.
Parkinson's disease develops as a result of the loss of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the gray matter.
Nerve cells in this part of the brain are responsible for producing a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine acts as a mediator between parts of the brain and the nervous system that help control and coordinate body movements.
If these nerve cells die or are damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain decreases. Accordingly, the part of the brain that controls movement cannot function as well as under normal conditions, and this leads to slow and unhealthy movements.
The loss of nerve cells is a slow process. Symptoms of Parkinson's disease usually begin to develop when about 80% of the nerve cells in the substantia nigra of the brain have been lost.
The true etiology of the disease remains unknown. According to scientists, genetic predisposition, age and environmental factors (pesticides and herbicides used in agriculture and in transport or industrial pollution) are of great importance. The interaction of these factors initiates degeneration processes in the neurons of the brainstem.
In approximately 1% of patients, the disease is genetically transmitted. The older a person gets, the greater the likelihood of getting sick. There is no special preliminary examination.
Diagnostics
The Center for Public Health reports that no tests can convincingly show that you have Parkinson's disease.
The doctor will determine the diagnosis through symptoms, medical history and a detailed medical examination. In particular, you may be asked to perform some simple mental or physical tasks, such as moving or walking.
If the doctor suspects Parkinson's disease, he will refer you to specialists:
- neuropathologist — a specialist in diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system;
- geriatrician — a specialist in the problems faced by elderly people.
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are methods available to help alleviate symptoms and maintain quality of life:
- supportive therapy — for example, physiotherapy;
- medications;
- surgery (for some people).
The diagnosis of "Parkinson's disease" is irreversible. A person will need long-term treatment to control their symptoms and adapt to performing simple everyday tasks.
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How to prevent Parkinson's disease
Organic food
Scientists have found high levels of pesticides in the brains of patients with Parkinson's disease. In addition, studies show that agricultural workers who are exposed to pesticides have significantly higher rates of Parkinson's disease than the general public. Therefore, it is very important to control the quality and origin of the food that you and your loved ones consume.
Fresh vegetables
It has been scientifically proven that folic acid significantly reduces the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The best source of folic acid is dark green vegetables (broccoli, spinach, greens, Brussels sprouts, asparagus). Vitamin B can also be found in avocados, legumes and lentils.
Omega-3 fatty acids
A 2008 study in Canada confirmed the effectiveness of Omega-3 in the prevention of Parkinson's disease. These acids help to balance cholesterol levels, increase immunity and improve cardiovascular health. Omega-3 is a kind of building material for the brain, nervous and endocrine systems.
Vitamin D3
Researchers have found that about 70% of patients with early Parkinson's disease have low levels of vitamin D. As a vitamin, it stimulates the formation of a special transport protein in the intestinal mucosa, which transports calcium and phosphorus to bone and muscle tissues.
Due to this, a constant level of calcium and phosphorus is maintained in the blood, which is necessary for the formation and growth of bones, prevention of osteoporosis, fractures, rickets and tooth decay, as well as spasms in muscles.
Regular exercise:
- walking is a simple and affordable physical activity for everyone that will help maintain a normal weight and be healthy. An intense 10-minute daily walk in the fresh air is very beneficial for the body and can be part of the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise;
- cycling is a useful and exciting exercise, available to people of all ages and all walks of life;
- yoga is a set of exercises that combine strength, flexibility and breathing to improve physical and mental well-being;
- physical exercises: to protect and improve health, older people should engage in two types of physical activity every week: aerobic and strength exercises.
- The amount of physical activity your body needs each week depends on your age.
Stress reduction
The most important thing we can do for our physical and mental health is to reduce stress. All stresses — physical, emotional, and chemical — cause inflammation and long-term damage to the entire body.
Regardless of whether you are interested in preventing Parkinson's disease or ways to alleviate its symptoms, remember that any of the above tips will only help your health.
Supplement
The material is for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about health problems, consult a doctor.
