Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. It develops gradually, often beginning with a subtle tremor in one hand. Over time, it can cause muscle stiffness, slowed movement, and a range of non-motor symptoms that impact daily functioning and quality of life.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease results from the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain responsible for producing dopamine, a chemical crucial for smooth and coordinated muscle movement. While the exact cause remains unknown, contributing factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Environmental exposures, such as toxins or pesticides
- Presence of Lewy bodies, abnormal protein clumps in brain cells
- Accumulation of alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in nerve cell damage
Common Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Symptoms vary but typically progress over time. Key signs include:
- Tremors, especially in the hands or fingers, often noticeable at rest
- Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), making simple tasks take longer
- Postural instability, causing balance and coordination issues
- Reduced automatic movements, such as blinking or arm swinging
- Speech changes, including soft, slurred, or monotone speech
- Micrographia, where handwriting becomes small and cramped
Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease
Several factors may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease:
- Age (most common after age 60)
- Family history of Parkinson’s disease
- Male gender
- Chronic exposure to environmental toxins, such as herbicides or pesticides
Complications of Parkinson’s Disease
As the disease progresses, individuals may experience a range of motor and non-motor complications, including:
- Cognitive decline or dementia
- Depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Sleep disturbances (e.g., REM sleep behavior disorder)
- Autonomic dysfunction (e.g., blood pressure fluctuations, bladder issues, constipation)
- Pain or sensory changes
- Sexual dysfunction
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is primarily diagnosed through clinical evaluation, based on medical history, neurological examination, and symptom observation. A positive response to dopaminergic medications (e.g., levodopa) often supports the diagnosis. In some cases, brain imaging such as MRI or DaTSCAN may be used to rule out other conditions or confirm findings.
BBH Functional Rehabilitation Program
Though Parkinson’s cannot be cured, symptoms can be managed with:
- Medications to boost or mimic dopamine effects
- Surgery, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) in selected cases
- Physical therapy and speech therapy
- Lifestyle adjustments, such as regular exercise and dietary changes
Program Recommendations for Parkinson’s Disease
At BBH Functional Rehabilitation Program, we offer a multidisciplinary approach tailored to the individual needs of people with Parkinson’s disease. Our recommended services include:
- Comprehensive Physical Therapy – to improve strength, mobility, and balance, while reducing the risk of falls.
- Occupational Therapy – to support independence in daily living activities and recommend adaptive tools.
- Speech and Language Therapy – to address speech clarity, voice projection, and swallowing difficulties.
- Exercise-Based Programs – including Parkinson-specific exercises, gait training, and balance-focused routines.
- Nutritional Counseling – to optimize dietary habits that support medication effectiveness and overall health.
- Neurology Consultation – for medication adjustment and individualized treatment planning.
- Caregiver Education and Support – to help families understand the condition and manage care effectively.
Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for patients and empower them to stay active and independent for as long as possible.
Contact Us
For more information or to book an online consultation, please contact :
Email: info@bbhhospital.com
Customer Service: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Operating Hours
Open daily, Monday to Sunday — 24 hours
Contact Us
Call Center: +66 (0)8-7494-1889
Phone: +66 (0)2 000-9755
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12 September 2025
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