New Indpress

Bangalore, Oct 11: Parkinson’s Disease (PD), a brain disorder, was believed to affect only those above the age of 60 years. But, now, the scenario is different. Doctors say even those who are under-40, show symptoms of the disease.

Although the condition is clinically the same, treatment options differ, say neurologists.

It is not possible to predict who will be affected by Parkinson’s. In general, both men and women are prone to the disease. However, there is no way the disease can be prevented, say doctors.

Dr Murali Srinivas, Neurologist, Manipal Speciality Hospital, said that studies and research have shown that the young who develop PD could have a genetic leakage. “Though PD is still known as a disorder of the elderly, it is becoming common among those under 40 years,” he added.

This is due to better recognition and diagnosis of PD as well as advanced study, said Dr Murali.

Parkinson’s is an idiopathic, chronic, progressive, degenerative disorder of basal ganglia or nigrostriatal pathway in the brain. The disease occurs when certain nerve cells in a part of the brain are damaged. These cells produce a vital chemical known as dopamine, which enables smooth, coordinated function of the muscles.

When 80 per cent of these nerve cells (dopamine producing cells) are damaged, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.

Director of Parijma Centre for Neurology, Dr Suresh Rao Aroor, said that the early onset of Parkinson’s has also been detected in juvenile patients. This has genetic involvement, can be due to illnesses like encephalitis (brain fever), meningitis, drug intoxication and head injuries, he added.

“In such cases patients develop lesions in the brain that lead to symptoms that are similar to PD. The treatment varies depending on the type of PD,” said Dr Aroor.

Doctors say that management of PD is easy during the first five years after onset and treatment is a standard protocol. Since it is a progressive disease, it worsens with time.

The age of onset of PD and the time of diagnosis is important in determining the kind of treatment, as well as the management technique.

Physiotherapist Dr Kiran said that surgery is usually not advised. “It is predominantly in unilateral cases that surgery is conducted,” he added.