What Is Parkinson’s Disease? What Are Its Symptoms?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder and one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases affecting millions of people worldwide. It develops as the brain regions responsible for movement control gradually lose their function. The disease is characterized by core symptoms such as tremor, muscle stiffness, slowed movements, and balance problems. Although Parkinson’s disease most commonly occurs in middle-aged and older adults, it can develop at any age. The disease progresses slowly, and its early symptoms may be mild at first but become more noticeable over time, eventually affecting a person’s daily life.

One of the most important characteristics of Parkinson’s disease is the gradual loss of brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter required for proper coordination and transmission of movement signals. As dopamine levels decrease, controlling body movements becomes more difficult and Parkinson’s symptoms become more apparent. Although the exact cause of the disease is still unknown, it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

If Parkinson’s disease is left untreated, it can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. However, today various treatment options—including medications, physical therapy, and advanced surgical techniques—can slow the progression of the disease and help control symptoms. Especially in surgical management, Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, known for his experience in this field, emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment planning and has contributed significantly to the management of Parkinson’s disease for many years.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive brain disorder that leads to impaired movement control. It occurs when dopamine-producing cells located in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra gradually lose their function. Symptoms typically begin to appear when dopamine levels decrease by approximately 60–80%.

Although tremor, slow movement, and muscle stiffness are the most well-known symptoms, Parkinson’s disease is not limited to movement disorders alone. Over time, additional problems such as speech changes, swallowing difficulties, sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline may also occur.

Parkinson’s disease has a progressive nature. For this reason, early diagnosis and regular follow-up are extremely important. Treatments applied in the early stages can slow the progression of the disease and extend the period during which individuals can maintain an independent lifestyle.

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully known. However, research shows that the disease is likely caused by a combination of several factors rather than a single cause.

Genetic Factors

Individuals with a family history of Parkinson’s disease have a higher risk of developing the condition. Certain inherited gene mutations are known to increase susceptibility to Parkinson’s disease. However, genetic Parkinson’s accounts for only a small percentage of all cases.

Environmental Factors

Long-term exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. In addition, individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries may also have a higher likelihood of developing the disease.

Age Factor

Parkinson’s disease is most commonly seen in people over the age of 60. As people age, the brain’s ability to regenerate dopamine-producing cells decreases, which increases the risk of the disease.

Oxidative Stress and Cell Damage

Oxidative stress, which damages nerve cells in the brain, can accelerate the destruction of these cells. As a result, dopamine production decreases and Parkinson’s symptoms begin to appear.

Imbalance of Brain Chemicals

A decrease in dopamine directly affects movement control. However, Parkinson’s disease is not limited to dopamine deficiency alone. Imbalances in other neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine may also contribute to the development of the disease.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. Although symptoms vary from person to person, they are generally examined under four main categories.

Motor Symptoms (Movement-Related)

Tremor

Tremor typically appears while the body is at rest. It most commonly affects the hands, but it can also occur in the chin, legs, or head. Many patients first notice the disease through tremor symptoms.

Bradykinesia (Slowness of Movement)

This is one of the most defining characteristics of Parkinson’s disease. People may have difficulty performing daily movements. Walking may become slower, steps may become shorter, and overall movement may feel more difficult.

Muscle Rigidity

Stiffness in the muscles can limit flexibility and movement. This condition can also cause discomfort or pain.

Balance and Coordination Problems

In later stages of the disease, balance problems may occur. This increases the risk of falls. Posture problems and difficulty initiating movement are also common.

Non-Motor Symptoms

It is incorrect to think of Parkinson’s disease only as tremor and slowness. The disease can affect many systems in the body.

Sleep Disorders

Frequent awakenings during the night, REM sleep behavior disorder, nightmares, and restless legs syndrome are common.

Loss of Smell

Loss of smell is one of the earliest symptoms and may appear years before the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Depression and Anxiety

Chemical changes in the brain can affect mood. Many patients experience depressive symptoms.

Constipation

Because the digestive system slows down, constipation is common in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Speech and Swallowing Difficulties

Speech may become slower, softer, or monotone. Swallowing difficulties may appear in later stages.

Memory and Cognitive Problems

In advanced stages, problems such as forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and impaired decision-making may develop.

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

There is no specific blood test or imaging method that directly confirms Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical evaluation. Doctors assess the patient’s movements, reflexes, muscle tone, and walking pattern.

Neurological Examination

The doctor evaluates symptoms such as tremor, slowness of movement, and muscle rigidity.

Imaging Techniques

MRI or CT scans are used mainly to rule out other neurological conditions rather than directly diagnosing Parkinson’s disease.

Medication Response Test

Doctors may observe how the patient responds to dopamine-enhancing medications. Improvement with medication supports the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease.

Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease

Although there is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease, several treatment methods can significantly reduce symptoms and slow disease progression.

Medication Treatment

Medication is the primary treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

Levodopa

This is the most effective medication. It converts into dopamine in the body and helps improve movement control.

Dopamine Agonists

These drugs stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain and compensate for dopamine deficiency.

MAO-B Inhibitors

These medications prevent the breakdown of dopamine, helping increase its levels in the brain.

Anticholinergic Drugs

These medications can help control tremor.

Regular monitoring of medication therapy is important, as side effects may occur and dosage adjustments may be necessary over time.

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy plays a key role in maintaining mobility and reducing muscle stiffness. Walking exercises, balance training, posture correction programs, and speech therapy can significantly improve quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Surgical Treatment (Deep Brain Stimulation – DBS)

When medication alone is not sufficient, surgical options may be considered. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is one of the most effective surgical treatments for Parkinson’s disease.

In this procedure, electrodes are implanted in the brain’s movement control centers. These electrodes are connected to a small device similar to a pacemaker, which sends electrical signals to the brain to reduce symptoms such as tremor, muscle stiffness, and slow movement.

DBS is particularly beneficial for patients with severe tremor and motor fluctuations. This procedure has been widely performed by Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı, who has extensive experience in this field and has helped many patients achieve significant improvement.

Lifestyle Adjustments

Lifestyle modifications can also support Parkinson’s disease management:

• Regular exercise
• Balanced nutrition
• Maintaining a healthy sleep routine
• Stress management
• Simplifying daily routines

While these changes may not stop disease progression, they can significantly improve overall quality of life.

Parkinson’s disease is a complex neurological condition that affects movement control and gradually progresses over time. With early diagnosis, appropriate treatment planning, and regular follow-up, patients can maintain their independence for many years. Medication therapies, physical rehabilitation, and surgical treatments all play an important role in managing the disease. Advanced surgical techniques such as Deep Brain Stimulation can lead to significant improvement when performed by experienced specialists. In this process, being treated and monitored by a highly skilled expert such as Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı can greatly influence the success of the treatment.