PARKINSON'S DISEASE (PD)

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE ?

• Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily  affects movement , mental health , sleep ,pain and other health issues.
• It occurs when nerve cells (neurons) in a part of the brain called the substantia  nigra are gradually lost. This neurons produce dopamine , a chemical messenger that helps regulate movement.
• The loss of dopamine leads to symptoms such as tremors , stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination.

• Idiopathic parkinson's disease : This type is most common and most common symptoms include tremor , rigidity and slow movement.
• Drug-induced parkinsonism: Some medications , particularly antipsychotic drugs which block the action of the chemical dopamine in the brain.
• Vascular parkinsonism : This type is caused by damage to the brain 's blood vessels , often resulting from a stroke or other vascular conditions.
• Common symptoms include problems with memory , sleep , mood and movement.

CAUSES OF PARKINSON'S

• Psrkinson's disease is characterized by the loss of dopamine- producing neurons in the brain. The exact cause of this cell loss is not known. Other factors include:
• Genetics : certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing the condition. Mutations in genes such as SNCA , LRRK2 and GBA are associated with an increased risk of parkinson's.
• Age : most commonly develops in people over the age of 60 .

• Environmental factors : exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors increase the risk of parkinson's  such as exposure  to pesticides , herbicides and other chemicals .

         Primary symptoms  include :

1. Tremors
2. Slow movement
3. Muscle stiffness (rigidity)
4. Slurred speech
5. imbalance

As Parkinson's disease progresses additional symptoms    may develop including :

• Cognitive impairment
• Dementia
• Depression and anxiety
• Sleep behavior disorder
• Olfactory dysfunction

ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN PARKINSON'S DISEASE

In Ayurveda Parkinson's is known as "Kampavata ". As a disorder of vata dosha , which governs movement and nervous system function in the body.

The treatment approach in Ayurveda aims to balance vata dosha  and strengthen the nervous system.

Panchakarma : This is a detoxification therapy that aims to remove  toxins (ama) from the body and balance the Doshas.

Therapies include :

• Basti (enema)
• Abhyanga (oil massage)
• Swedana (sweating therapy)

• Shirodhara

Herbal Remedies

• Ashwagandha
• Brahmi
• Guggulu
• Kapikacchu (Mucuna pruriens)
• Shankhpushpi

Dietary changes

• Stay hydrated , drink plenty of water.
• Eat fresh vegetables ( beans , spinach , fenugreek ,) beetroot , carrot , fruits
• Avoid potato , sweet potato etc.
• Avoid spicy , oily , packed food
• Drink juice ( apple , pineapple , pomegranate , kiwi )

YOGA

• Tadasana
• Supta baddha konasana
• Urdava halasana