A guide to the different types of parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects about 1% of people over the age of 65. Patients experience trouble with movement, and witness psychological decline that gets progressively worse. Therefore, it is crucial to start treatment early. A big part of getting the treatment is knowing which amongst the different types of Parkinson’s Disease, one may have. Many may not know that there are several types of Parkinson’s, so here’s a quick guide to help you understand.Understanding Parkinson’s DiseaseParkinson’s Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative conditions in the world. It primarily damages the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called substantia nigra. Parkinson’s Disease is part of a group of disorders known as Parkinsonism. Classic symptoms of Parkinsonism include tremors, unsteady gait, rigid muscles, and psychological symptoms like depression or hallucinations. Parkinson’s has no cure, although treatment such as Stem Cell Therapy, Physiotherapy, and Occupational Therapy can slow disease progression and keep symptoms in check.Types of Parkinson’s DiseaseWhile many people use Parkinson’s Disease as a blanket term, there are in fact, several types of Parkinson’s. The ‘classic’ form of Parkinson’s accounts for about 85% of cases, while the other 15% consists of various forms of Parkinsonism that have several symptoms in common. We will discuss the different types of Parkinson’s Disease in detail below.Idiopathic Parkinson’sThis is the ‘classic’ form of Parkinson’s Disease and the most common one. The first onset occurs when the patient is between 55 and 65 years of age, and symptoms include trouble walking, bradykinesia (slow movements), and tremors.Drug-induced Parkinson’sThis is the second most common type of Parkinson’s Disease. It occurs when a drug that the patient is taking for another condition interferes with normal dopamine transmission, leading to movement disorders. The tremors and instability tends to be relatively lesser as compared to Idiopathic Parkinson’s. Antipsychotics, antidepressants, and antiepileptic medicines have all been identified as potential culprits.Juvenile Parkinson’sThis is a rare condition in which Parkinsonism affects patients younger than 21. It is primarily attributed to genetic causes and has symptoms similar to Idiopathic Parkinson’s. A related condition is Young-onset Parkinson’s, where Parkinsonism develops in patients under 40.Progressiva Supranuclear AtrophyThis is a type of Parkinson’s Disease that affects people in their mid-60s and causes problems with walking, movement, and mental ability. However, this condition progresses much faster and also affects eye movement and swallowing. It occurs due to deterioration of cells in the substantia nigra and the brain stem.Multiple System AtrophyThis is amongst the rarer types of Parkinson’s Disease. It primarily affects patients in their mid-50s and leads to muscle stiffness, unsteady gait, and impaired movement, just like with Idiopathic Parkinson’s. This condition can also affect the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder control. It may also lead to dizziness during early stages.Vascular ParkinsonismAlso known as Arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism, this is a type of Parkinson’s Disease that primarily affects the lower body. It is attributed to the occurrence of multiple small strokes in those parts of the brain that control movement. A patient’s risk of getting vascular Parkinsonism goes up with age, because the risk of getting a stroke also increases with age. Symptoms include tremors or stiffness in the lower body, unstable posture, and a shuffling or freezing gait.Dementia with Lewy BodiesThis is a condition that occurs due to the abnormal buildup of a protein known as lewy bodies in the brain. It is a progressive condition that shares physical symptoms with Idiopathic Parkinson’s, and also has mental symptoms like memory problems, trouble with processing information, difficulty concentrating, and hallucinations. It affects patients above the age of 50, and men are slightly more prone to it than women are.Normal Pressure HydrocephalusThis is a condition that occurs due to a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in brain cavities, putting pressure on brain cells and leading to Parkinsonism. Symptoms include a shuffling or a wide-stance gait, forgetfulness, reduced attention, and loss of bladder control.Corticobasal SyndromeThis is one of the rarest types of Parkinson’s, and results due to the abnormal buildup of a protein known as tau, in the brain. It affects patients between the ages of 50 and 70. Symptoms include jerky movements, tremors, muscle stiffness, trouble controlling one limb, trouble swallowing, and slow or slurred speech. It tends to progress faster than Idiopathic Parkinson’s.Diagnosing the different types of Parkinson’s DiseaseWhen a patient experiences symptoms that could indicate Parkinsonism, it is important to promptly get a check-up. A neurologist will conduct multiple tests to identify which amongst the types of Parkinson’s Disease is responsible. These tests may include:

• Genetic testing: If there is a family history of Parkinsonism, the doctor can use this information to identify the cause of the disease.
• DaTscan: A dopamine transporter chemical scan is an imaging technique that indicates how much dopamine there is in the patient’s brain. Abnormally low levels are a good indicator of Parkinson’s disease.
• Blood tests: While these cannot directly identify Parkinson’s Disease, they can help to rule out other possible causes, and make a diagnosis for types of Parkinson’s like Corticobasal Degeneration or Multiple System Atrophy.
• MRI: This imaging technique can identify Vascular Parkinsonism and Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus. It can also show whether a brain tumor may be responsible for the symptoms.

The initial symptoms of the various types of Parkinson’s are quite similar, which is why the doctor may only be able to make a final diagnosis when the condition progresses a bit more.In conclusion, the various types of Parkinson’s Disease all have their own causes and progression patterns, making an accurate diagnosis crucial. The patient can accordingly benefit from the best possible treatment and enjoy a healthy life, one that isn’t defined by Parkinsonism alone.https://www.healthline.com/health/parkinsons/types-of-parkinsonshttps://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/types-parkinsonismFAQs

• What is the difference between Parkinson's Syndrome and Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease is caused majorly by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain, while the causes of Parkinson’s Syndrome or Parkinsonism are numerous, including side effects of medication, chronic head traumas, metabolic diseases, and neurological diseases.

• What time of day do Parkinson's symptoms peak?

There is no specific time of the day when Parkinson’s symptoms worsen. This may vary from one patient to another.

• Do Parkinson’s patients sleep a lot?

Parkinson's patients experience several sleep related difficulties due to the disease itself and the medication that treat it. This may lead to increased sleepiness during the day.

• What is the average lifespan of someone with Parkinson's?

According to research, on an average, people with Parkinson’s can expect to live almost as long as those who don’t have the condition. The disease itself isn’t fatal, however, related complications can reduce life expectancy by 1 to 2 years.

• Is Parkinson's Disease hereditary?

Parkinson's disease can run in families as a result of faulty or mutated genes being passed on. But it's rare for the disease to be inherited this way. In most cases, Parkinson Disease occurs in people with no apparent family history of the disorder.

• Is there any way to prevent Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's Disease is a long-term disease that worsens with age. Although there is no way to prevent or cure the disease, the right treatment plan can significantly relieve your symptoms.

• Is milk bad for Parkinson's?

Dairy products have shown a negative impact on Parkinson's. This effect was shown as stronger in men than in women, and not seen in those supplementing with calcium.

• How do we stop or slow down the progression of Parkinson’s?

Early-stage Parkinson's Disease can be slowed with a few days of vigorous exercise every week.

• What happens if Parkinson's is left untreated?

If left untreated, Parkinson's Disease can worsen over time. Parkinson's may lead to deterioration of all brain function and consequently, an early death.

A highly regarded neurologist and stem cell specialist, Dr Na’eem Sadiq studied neurology and clinical neurophysiology in London before working with some of England’s and the Middle East’s most prestigious medical institutions. He completed his MBBS