PORTIFISIO

Parkinson's disease results from the reduction of levels of a substance that functions as a brain chemical messenger in the centers that control movements. That substance is dopamine.

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Since dopamine controls muscle activity , symptoms are essentially related to movement. In addition to the tremors, stiffness and sluggishness, there are other manifestations that translate into patients' sleep, thought, speech and state of mind.

The first sign of the disease is, in general, a slight tremor in a hand, arm or leg that occurs when the affected extremity is at rest but which can increase in moments of greater tension. As a rule, it improves when the patient voluntarily moves the affected extremity and may disappear during sleep. As the disease progresses, the tremor becomes more diffuse and can affect the extremities on both sides of the body. When the muscles of the face are affected, the expression may be erased and, in the case of other muscles, the patient may be unable to take care of himself.

Depression or anxiety is common in Parkinson's patients, as well as memory disorders. Visual, chewing and swallowing difficulties, urinary incontinence, changes in sexuality, cramps, as well as increased sweating can also occur.

Postural instability and difficulties in walking make it quite incapacitating, making it difficult to sit and stand and forcing you to walk with small steps, dragged and without the normal pendulum movement of your arms.