Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects the dopamine producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra.

The incidence of PD increase with age is higher among males.

Parkinson's disease symptoms often appear gradually over years.

The progression of the disease is a bit different from one person to another due to the diversity of the disease.

It has both motor and non motor symptoms. During the initial stage of Parkinson’s disease, patients present with symptoms like :

*Constipation

*Reduced smell perception

*Articular pain

*Severe fatigue

*Orthostatic hypotension

Later, during the motor phase of the disease, ; patient presents with the classical symptoms of parkinson’s disease as follows:

*Bradykinesia

*Rigidity

*Tremor

During the stage of complications; patient moves to symptoms like:

*Memory loss

*Sleep disorders

*Nocturia

*Delirium

*Dysphagia

*Pneumonia

Often pneumonia is the cause of death in PD patients.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Ayurvedic treatments in this case are to be planned by a practitioner considering the avastha of the disease. It varies depending on the predominance of dosas.

Sthambha pradhana cases are managed with modalities like; Pradhamanam, udwartanam, dhanyamla dhara, churna pinda swedam and certain internal medicines.

Kampa pradhaana cases have predominance of vata and are managed by treatments like;  Nasya, abyangam, patrapotalasweda,thaila dhaara, snehapana, virechana, anuvasana and other internal medicines.

Herbal medicines are prescribed to improve the cognitive functions, reduce the symptoms and prevent further degeneration.

It significantly raises the patient's quality of life.

In cases of toxin induced (vishaja) Parkinson's disease; vishahara chikitsa is to be considered. It is usually young age onset disease presented after chronic use of psychiatric drugs or from metal toxicity.

YOGA

Parkinson’s disease being a neurodegenerative disease affecting the higher mental functions and motor functions, yoga, meditation and counseling has a great role in its treatment.

In yoga, both pranayama(breathing excercises)  and asanas(yoga postures) are suggested.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy is also found to be highly effective in the management of symptoms. It controls the rigidity and helps to maintain flexibility and mobility of the  joints.

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE

Make sure to follow a healthy lifestyle as advised by ayurveda. Recent researches have found that the gut is the origin of parkinson’s disease and constipation is one of the earliest signs. Always eat a nutritious food and lead a healthy lifestyle to preserve gut health.