Overview of Parkinson's Syndrome

Parkinson's syndrome is characterized by resting tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability, with Parkinson's disease being the primary cause. Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders in adults and is a leading cause of neurological morbidity and mortality worldwide.

In most cases, the cause or triggers of neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease remain unclear, but dopamine depletion and loss of other neurotransmitters are responsible for the typical motor phenotype, as well as the various non-motor and neuropsychiatric manifestations affecting function and quality of life.

Parkinson's syndrome includes not only primary Parkinson's disease but also secondary forms caused by drugs, toxins, or brain injury. It predominantly affects middle-aged and elderly individuals, with symptoms gradually worsening. Severe cases may result in loss of independent living ability. In recent years, with medical advances, new methods such as stem cell therapy have gained increasing attention, offering new hope for improving the condition.

Global Prevalence

In highly aged societies such as Europe, the United States, and Japan, the number of patients with Parkinson's syndrome is rising year by year. In China, incidence is also increasing, particularly in urban areas, making it one of the most important chronic neurological diseases.

Main Harms

1. Motor function deterioration

The most typical harm of Parkinson's disease is motor dysfunction. It initially manifests as unilateral tremor or slowed movement, gradually affecting walking, writing, dressing, and other basic activities, and in severe cases, results in loss of mobility.

2. Emotional and cognitive disturbances

Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and even hallucinations and delusions. Some mid- to late-stage patients may also develop cognitive decline, leading to Parkinson’s dementia, affecting language and judgment.

3. Autonomic nervous system dysfunction

Constipation, urinary urgency and frequency, hypotension, and drooling are common problems that severely interfere with daily life. These non-motor symptoms often appear earlier but are easily overlooked.

4. Restricted social and daily life

The long-term disease state reduces social circles, increases dependency, and imposes heavier burdens on families and caregivers, significantly lowering quality of life.

Emerging Treatments

Stem cell therapy

Stem cell therapy provides a potential new option for Parkinson's disease. By implanting specific types of stem cells, it may reconstruct or replace damaged neural structures and restore dopamine transmission. Clinical cases have shown improvements in motor function and self-care ability in some patients. In the future, it may become an important therapeutic model. United Life International Medical Center has launched individualized stem cell treatment programs focusing on precise neural repair and regulation.

Conventional Treatments

1. Medication

Medication remains the mainstay of symptom control. Levodopa is the most commonly used drug, effectively supplementing dopamine levels. Dopamine receptor agonists and enzyme inhibitors are also used to delay fluctuations in drug effects and reduce side effects.

2. Surgical treatment

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an option for patients who are unresponsive to medication or experience severe fluctuations. Electrodes are implanted in specific brain regions to improve tremor and bradykinesia, enhancing limb coordination and reaction speed.

3. Rehabilitation and supportive therapy

Physical exercise, speech therapy, and psychological counseling are important adjunctive measures. These can help patients maintain joint flexibility, improve swallowing and expression abilities, and effectively cope with emotional disturbances.

Conclusion

Parkinson's syndrome has widespread impacts, involving motor, cognitive, psychological, and autonomic systems. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that combining multiple interventions, including stem cell therapy, can help improve quality of life. Early evaluation and systematic treatment are recommended.