How to stall Parkinson's disease

Every person desires knowledge about common diseases so that they can find ways to prevent them. However, for Parkinson's disease, it is a different story.

Studies show that the cause of the diseases is unknown although some factors can lead to the disease.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research in “Parkinson's Disease,”  article defines Parkinson’s disease as a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement.  It usually starts with a subtle tremor,  but later it reduces mobility and also causes stiffness in the body.

 “Parkinson cannot be prevented but stalled. The best thing would be regular body checkups so that one can delay its onset.” Dr. Medad EKyarimpa of Mengo Hospital and Ntinda Medical Centre, reveals. “A person can delay serious complications by taking the drugs to replace the cells in the body.”

To prevent Parkison’s disease, people should wear protective gear like helmets on their heads in places that are needed like building sites and on motorcycles. (Photo by Maureen Nakatudde)

 One should also avoid accidents, abusing drugs and alcohol plus being exposed to chemicals like pesticides.

In addition to that, boxers and motorcyclists plus their passengers should put on helmets to prevent head injuries.

Dr. Ekyarimpa says that although one can delay the onset of Parkinson's, the impact remains the same. “Eventually the disease catches up with you and you die,” he says.

Treating Parkinson's  disease is expensive.  Besides that, Dr. Ekyarimpa says the drugs have some side effects making the situation worse. They can make one stiff, have a dry mouth, diarrhoea, vomiting and developing a skin rash

Who is likely to suffer from Parkinson

People can develop these diseases  between the age of 40 and 60 years .  However, Dr. Ekyarimpa says if you have had an accident or you are an alcoholic, this disease can come in your mid- twenties or thirties.  Those who are exposed to dangerous chemicals and for gender, men are more likely to suffer from the disease than women.

 How take care of a person with Parkinson

Peter Ddamulira a male nurse at Mengo Hospital says that depending on the age and the status they are in, if they are bed ridden, you should nurse them.

“You have to turn them every after two hours for those who are bed ridden,” says Ddamulira. “This is because when you exert too much pressure on the body, soars develop. Feeding the patients should also be done every two hours.”

Ddamulira advises the caretakers of Parkinson patients to give them a balanced diet and also not to starve them even though some cannot chew food. “If they can’t tolerate solid, give them liquid,” he says.

 Patients should also be   given medication according to schedule.