Tremor occurs in 70% of patients, This means that there are 30% of patients with the disease who do not have tremor and rarely will.
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These non-motor symptoms can affect the patient’s quality of life in the long term, taking into account that their emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, personal development and physical well-being are compromised, affecting their relationship with the environment and with their family.
In Colombia there are different medication alternatives for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, which are included in the Health Benefits Plan (PBS).
In Colombia there are different medication alternatives for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, which are included in the Health Benefits Plan (PBS). However, not all medications control non-motor symptoms, in fact their main objective is to control motor symptoms.
“There are compounds such as Safinamide that help the patient have a better quality of life, because its double mechanism of action has a positive impact on both motor and non-motor symptoms. Likewise, it makes it possible to lengthen the dopaminergic effect of levodopa, optimizing its response and achieving adequate control for more hours a day due to its inhibitory effect on the enzyme Monoamine oxidase (MAOI) and its anti-NMDA effect, the receptor for the main excitatory neurotransmitter. of the human brain. It also allows better control of dyskinesias. It is important to clarify that the approved indication for safinamide is for the management of motor fluctuations in the middle and advanced stages of the disease,” explains Claudia Moreno, neurologist, specialist in Parkinson’s disease and abnormal movements at Fundación Cardio Infantil.
Understanding that Parkinson’s disease is a disease that goes beyond tremor and motor symptoms and is also evident in non-motor symptoms, Moreno, shares some additional recommendations that contribute to the general well-being of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
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1) Carry out music therapy activities: According to a study carried out by Natalia García Casares, a neurologist and professor at the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Malaga, music therapy activates the motor cortex and improves movement due to the brain connections that exist between the auditory system and the motor system. .
In fact, it was possible to observe how, in an involuntary way, the body of the people sought to synchronize with the rhythm of the music, making the movements of the people much more fluid. The studies of the Argentine groups of the effects of Tango in patients with Parkinson’s disease by the same mechanism are also very well known.
Other benefits of music therapy, at a non-motor level, is the improvement of the patient’s mood.
Other benefits of music therapy, at a non-motor level, is the improvement of the patient’s mood.
Additionally, exercising provides the opportunity to create social interactions and avoid isolation. It also helps control stress, depression and improve sleep quality.
Dancing, boxing, tai-chi, yoga, and Pilates are some of the most common workouts for patients with Parkinson’s disease, as they combine aerobic exercise, strength, flexibility, and memory work.
On the other hand, many studies support the fact that exercise somehow delays the progression of Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a neuroprotective effect.
3) Conscious eating: Eating right means eating regularly and consuming a wide variety of foods from all the food groups (grains, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, meats, and beans).
To control constipation, a frequent symptom in patients with Parkinson’s disease, it is important to consume adequate foods rich in fiber. Also eating vegetables and fruits helps with hydration and regulates digestion.
The Mediterranean diet has also shown a neuroprotective effect due to its antioxidant effects on neurons, delaying the progression of the disease and improving the response to different treatments.
4) Pharmacological treatment: As mentioned above, there are a wide variety of treatments that help control the motor symptoms of the disease.
The Mediterranean diet has also shown a neuroprotective effect due to its antioxidant effects on neurons.
5) Lean on patient support programs: these programs provide a wide variety of tools to people with the disease. Its purpose is to provide them with complete information about the disease and accompany them in managing it, including the importance of proper use of medications, and healthy lifestyles, so that patients can continue with their daily lives and have a good quality of life. life.
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In Colombia, more than 100,000 people suffer from Parkinson’s disease and more than half a million are affected as family or caregivers.
For this reason it is important to learn to manage the disease with treatments and activities that help the patient have a better quality of life, where all aspects of the disease are managed and motor and non-motor symptoms are controlled, which have a direct impact on the emotional health of the people who suffer from it.
**With agency information
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D, Vanessa Ortiz
