Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre

April 11 is when the Brunei Neuroscience, Stroke and Rehabilitation Centre (BNSRC) and the world commemorate World Parkinson’s Day. It is dedicated to advocating for people with Parkinson’s disease, to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on individuals, care givers and communities.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive degenerative condition of the brain resulting in abnormalities in movement. There is a gradual loss of function of the nerve cells of the part of the brain called the substantia nigra to produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps control movement.

This leads to common problems seen in Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, slowing of movements (bradykinesia), and muscle rigidity which would frequently cause gait imbalance and falls.

The symptoms would typically begin on one side and would progress over time to involve the rest of the body. Parkinson’s disease usually affects individuals who are over 50 years old but can also occur in younger individuals as well. The first symptom may be a slight tremor in one hand.

At later stages, the ability to show facial expressions, swallow and autonomic nerve function that controls bowel, bladder and blood pressure become affected. Emotions and ability to think can also be affected and some individuals develop mood and sleep disorders and even hallucinations.

The exact causes of Parkinson’s disease are not known. However, studies have shown that it is probably due to a combination of environmental factors such as exposure to toxins, oxidative stress and genetic factors that accelerate degeneration of nerve cells. About 15 per cent of people with Parkinson’s disease have a family history but most cases occur spontaneously.

BNSRC receives patients with Parkinson’s disease and provides proper management of the disease for patients’ quality of life.

Treatments for Parkinson’s disease includes medication, physical therapy, speech therapy and surgery in some cases. Medications like levodopa and dopamine agonists can help increase the dopamine level in the brain and improve motor function. Physical and speech therapy can help with movement, balance and communication skills. Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation, can also be an option for some patients.

Individuals with possible signs or symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are advised to attend the nearest health centre or private clinic for a review and clinical examination. A referral will then be made to a specialist.

For patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, BNSRC encourages them to take their medications as prescribed and keep up with doctor’s appointments, lead a healthy and active lifestyle in a safe environment with supervision from family, manage emotions well by opening up and talking with family members and communicate with healthcare professionals for any concerns.

As for caregivers of patients with Parkinson’s disease, do ask and learn more about the disease through healthcare professionals at BNSRC and be observant of patients’ well-being and update the doctors during their appointments. Be supportive in attending doctor’s appointments with the patient and make sure medications are taken diligently by the patients. While doing so, do not forget about your own health and mental health when caring for a patient with Parkinson’s disease, speak up to other caregivers and share your perspectives with each other, and even consider respite or taking time off as a caregiver to avoid burn out.

In Southeast Asia, there is a need to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease as the population ages. By increasing awareness, we can reduce the stigma associated with Parkinson’s disease, we should support those who are affected by it and encourage the public for early detection by recognising sympoms and getting the disease managed.

BNSRC will always be providing the best assistance to patients in this journey to manage Parkinson’s disease. While there is no cure now, there is hope for a better future quality of life through care.

Source: Borneo Bulletin