Every April 11th marks World Parkinson's Day, a chronic neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 10 million people worldwide.
Although often associated only with tremors and older adults, Parkinson's is much more complex and has a profound impact on the lives of those who suffer from it and those around them.
What is Parkinson's and how does it affect people?
Parkinson's is a progressive disease of the nervous system that occurs when certain neurons in a region of the brain called the substantia nigra begin to deteriorate. These neurons are responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical essential for controlling movement.
When dopamine levels drop, symptoms begin to appear:
- Resting tremors
- Muscle stiffness
- Slowness of movement (bradykinesia)
- Changes in posture and balance
However, Parkinson's is not limited to these visible signs.
Early Symptoms That Are Often Overlooked
One of the biggest challenges in addressing Parkinson's is early diagnosis. Motor symptoms can take 5 to 10 years to appear, but there are early signs that are often unrecognized as part of the condition:
- Loss of smell (anosmia): This can occur years before motor symptoms.
- REM sleep disturbances: Moving or talking in your sleep can be an early neurological sign.
- Mood changes: Unexplained depression and anxiety may be linked.
- Smaller handwriting (micrographia): A subtle but common change in the early stages.
- Persistent fatigue: Unexplained tiredness that does not improve with rest.
- Change in voice or facial expression: A lowered voice or an expressionless face.
Being alert to these signs and seeking medical advice if you have any questions can make a big difference in treatment and quality of life.
Facts you may not have known about Parkinson's
- It is more common in men than in women.
- Between 5% and 10% of cases are detected before the age of 50.
- Some research links it to exposure to pesticides and heavy metals.
- REM sleep disorders increase the risk of developing Parkinson's up to 80 times, according to The Lancet Neurology.
- By 2050, it is estimated that more than 25 million people will be living with this disease.
Recent Advances: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
One of the most promising developments in the treatment of Parkinson's is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).
This noninvasive method allows specific areas of the brain to be treated without surgery, thanks to an MRI-guided technique. The procedure generates heat with ultrasound on a precise point in the brain to reduce tremors.
What are its advantages?
- It requires no incisions or implants.
- It has a lower risk of infection or side effects.
- The effect can be immediate and long-lasting.
- It is performed in a single outpatient session with brief observation.
This treatment has already been approved in Europe and the United States for selected patients, and opens a new stage in the search for safer and more effective alternatives.
Comprehensive approach: beyond medical treatment
Parkinson's disease not only affects the body; it also has emotional, social, and family consequences. Therefore, organizations such as the WHO promote a biopsychosocial approach, which includes emotional support, therapeutic support, environmental adaptation, and collaborative work with the family.
People diagnosed at an early age face additional challenges, as they are often of active working age and have family responsibilities, making comprehensive support even more necessary.
On this World Parkinson's Day: Inform, support, and advance
Talking about Parkinson's also means talking about scientific advances, early detection, and a collective commitment to improving the quality of life of millions of people.
Recognizing the symptoms, debunking myths, and continuing to disseminate reliable information is part of the path toward a future with better diagnoses, more treatments, and greater awareness.
