Parkinson's Disease Can Also Occur in People in Their 20s

Neurology specialist Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı emphasizes that Parkinson's disease can appear in individuals aged 25-40 if present in their genetics, noting that genetically inherited Parkinson's disease manifests at an earlier stage. Neurology specialist at Üsküdar University NPİSTANBUL Hospital Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı provided information about Parkinson's disease and explained how patients should be nourished.

The disease, which begins unilaterally, typically progresses to the opposite side approximately one and a half years later

Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı, describing Parkinson's disease as a neurological condition characterized by slowness in movement, stated: "Symptoms can be observed as slowness in blinking, decreased swallowing frequency, slowness in bowel movements, and delayed thought processes. Parkinson's disease most commonly begins with tremor in one hand. The arm swing while walking stops on the affected side. Forward stooping is observed during walking. Parkinson's disease is age-related and symptoms typically appear after age 60. The disease, which begins unilaterally, typically progresses to the opposite side approximately one and a half years later. After a sample is taken from the salivary gland, diagnosis can be established with 70 percent accuracy. Parkinson's is a disease that affects the body's systems."

Does Parkinson's disease occur in young people?

Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı emphasized that if Parkinson's disease is present in a person's genetics, it can appear between ages 25-40, explaining that 2-3 new genes for Parkinson's disease are discovered annually, and there are currently 27 parkin genes identified. Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı stated: "If these genes are present in a person, they can be genetically inherited. The genetic transmission rate ranges between 10 and 15 percent. Parkinson's disease transmitted genetically manifests at an earlier stage."

Stem cell therapy in Parkinson's disease

Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı noted that stem cell therapy has been tested in Parkinson's patients since the 1960s, stating: "Stem cell has been observed to have a temporary effect. From a current perspective, there is no approved stem cell therapy at present." [caption id="attachment_158424" align="aligncenter"] Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı[/caption]

The relationship between dopamine and Parkinson's disease

Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı explained that the brain has 3 dopamine-related centers and that dopamine levels are high between ages 15-30, stating: "Dopamine is the gold standard medication for Parkinson's and similar diseases. However, externally administered dopamine does not pass directly to the brain. Dopamine has effects that reduce movement restriction in Parkinson's patients. It needs to be adjusted according to the patient's response to treatment and sensitivity to side effects."

Fibrous foods, yogurt and fresh beans should be consumed

Although Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı noted that Parkinson's is a disease that slows movements, it is also a systemic disease, stating: "Parkinson's patients must pay special attention to their nutrition. Constipation is frequently seen in Parkinson's patients because it slows the bowels, so fibrous foods should be consumed, and yogurt should be eaten to keep bones strong. Eating beans twice a week has a positive effect but does not replace medication. At the same time, cycling plays an important role in Parkinson's disease." he said.

More common in men

Prof. Dr. Sultan Tarlacı, stating that Parkinson's disease is encountered more frequently in men than women, continued as follows: "It begins initially with tremor in one hand. We call this medically tremor. This tremor is externally visible and observable, and one or two years after tremor begins in the hand, the patient experiences slowness in movements, slowness in sitting and standing, lack of arm swinging, and in more advanced stages, daily activities can become dependent on external assistance. It is a disease related to aging. A premature aging in the movement system of the brain that occurs for certain reasons in some people. There are certain factors that cause Parkinson's disease; among these, male gender, well water, smoking, and excessive exposure to agricultural chemicals can trigger the disease. Coffee consumption reduces Parkinson's risk. Falls occurring in elderly individuals are signs of Parkinson's; they experience balance problems."

Brain pacemakers can produce effective results

Tarlacı, explaining the importance of early diagnosis in Parkinson's disease in terms of improving quality of life, stated: "Unfortunately, there is currently no solution to slow the progression of the disease. However, Parkinson's disease is a treatable condition. Parkinson's disease, which had no treatment in the 1960s, can be treated with medication today. We have different treatment methods, and physicians determine the treatment approach based on the patient's clinical presentation. Implanting a pacemaker in the brains of some patients produces a positive therapeutic effect." he concluded.