WORLD PARKINSON'S DAY 2022

Context

On April 11th, World Parkinson's Day is commemorated to increase awareness of Parkinson's disease, a degenerative nervous system ailment.

Key Points

• The theme for this year is integrated healthcare. 
• The birthday of Dr. James Parkinson of London, who was the first to methodically characterise the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in six people. 
• In addition, April is designated as Parkinson's Awareness Month.

Some of the problems that Parkinson's patients confront are as follows:

1. Cognitive issues include difficulties with thinking, memory, judgement, and problem-solving. Typically, patients become forgetful and have difficulty finding words, making judgments, have brain fog, and are unable to focus.
2. Swallowing issues: Parkinson's disease is a muscle movement illness that affects the swallowing muscles. If the symptoms are neglected, a condition known as dysphagia may develop (inability to swallow food). This may be followed by changes in voice, coughing, and even choking.
3. Sleep issues: This disease can cause a slew of sleep issues. Sleep apnea, daytime tiredness, nightmares, difficulty falling or staying asleep, and inability to get a good night's sleep after waking up are all possible symptoms.
4. Psychological issues: People who have Parkinson's disease for a long time frequently demonstrate severe changes in behaviour, such as being depressed, nervous, stressed, angry, frustrated, agitated, violent, restless, impatient, and having low self-esteem. As a result, counselling and timely treatment are essential, according to Dr. Pai.
5. Sexual dysfunction: A decrease in sexual interest and physical functionality will develop when dopamine levels diminish. One will have low sex drive and will be unable to have an orgasm or an erection. Vaginal dryness may occur in women.
6. Sensory issues: Parkinson's disease patients frequently experience loss of smell, eyesight changes, aches and pains, and balance issues. Neglecting the illness may cause disruptions in daily living activities.
7. Bladder issues: The condition damages the muscles in the digestive tract, slowing digestion and causing constipation. People will be unable to pass urine as well.
8. Dementia: Most Parkinson's disease patients will develop dementia in their later years. They will also experience speech difficulties, hallucinations, and delusions.