Parkinson’s disease prognosis can be improved with early diagnosis, quality medical care, medication, physical therapy, and emotional support. Age, severity of symptoms, and family history also play a role.
Parkinson’s disease is a lifelong, incurable neurological disorder that gets progressively worse over time. The prognosis may seem dismal, but modern advances in diagnostic tools, drugs, and surgical techniques help large numbers of patients enjoy long, active lives despite their condition. Many different factors can influence the prognosis of Parkinson’s, but some of the most important are the severity of the symptoms at the time of diagnosis, the patient’s age, and the availability of quality medical care. Receiving serious psychological and emotional support as the disease progresses can also improve the prognosis of Parkinson’s.
Most people diagnosed with Parkinson’s are over the age of 40. Their doctors may discover muscle movement abnormalities accidentally during routine checkups or after patients report early signs of the disease, such as hand tremors or difficulty walking and talking. In general, the earlier problems are discovered, the better the prognosis for Parkinson’s. Individuals who have family histories of the disease should be especially alert to early warning signs and schedule regular checkups with their doctors in hopes of contracting minor problems before they cause major neurological dysfunction.
Decades of research and advances in modern medicine have greatly improved the prognosis of Parkinson’s disease. It is now known that many of the problems associated with the condition stem from low levels of dopamine in the brain. This fact has allowed pharmaceutical experts to develop drugs that supplement the natural production of dopamine and help keep the chemicals flowing in the brain for longer.
Levodopa is a daily oral drug that turns into dopamine when it reaches the brain. Many patients also receive monoamine oxidase (MAO) B inhibitors, which block the action of natural enzymes. MAO enzymes normally break down dopamine and their effects in Parkinson’s patients can be significantly slowed or stopped with inhibitory drugs to prevent dopamine loss. Other medications that fight specific symptoms, such as hand tremors, can also improve a person’s quality of life during treatment.
Dedicated physical therapy, a positive attitude, and support from family and professional therapists can have a major impact on the prognosis of Parkinson’s. Individualized physical therapy programs help patients build strength, improve their walking and speaking skills, and perhaps most importantly, gain confidence. Emotional support from friends, family, psychologists, and community support groups help people stay focused on their goals in life and stay optimistic. A prognosis for Parkinson’s does not mean the end of happiness and activity as long as a person is willing to keep fighting.
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