In Italy, there are about 300,000 people with Parkinson’s, the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Worldwide, there are over 10 million. A number destined to increase significantly: according to the latest estimates, by 2050 global cases will grow by 112%, reaching about 25.2 million, mainly due to the aging population.
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The interview with the PD senator, Enrico Franceschini, in which he talks about the disease that affected him and the diagnosis he received in 2020, reignites attention on Parkinson’s.
Parkinson’s, a disease that varies from patient to patient
“It is a heterogeneous disease, which can present with different clinical pictures and evolutionary trajectories. This variability translates into different care needs from patient to patient and makes the management of the disease in clinical practice more complex,” recalls the Italian Society of Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Limpe-Dismov.
Factors such as age of onset, gender, and different life stages contribute to defining different needs, requiring an increasingly personalized approach to care.
Juvenile Parkinson’s, what to know
Although Parkinson’s remains predominantly linked to old age, about 10% of patients receive the diagnosis before the age of 50, and a smaller share, around 4-5%, develops the disease at an even earlier age.
Globally, it is estimated that nearly half a million people live with a form of juvenile-onset Parkinson’s, with numbers increasing in recent decades, according to experts.
Early signs of Parkinson’s not to be underestimated
Among the possible warning signs indicated by experts are sleep disturbances with very vivid and active dreams, loss of smell, persistent constipation, tremor or rigidity, changes in handwriting, which can become smaller, or a reduction in voice volume.
The Italian Society of Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Limpe-Dismov has collected some guidelines in a decalogue divided into two parts.
The 5 early signs of Parkinson’s
1. Sleep disturbances. Very vivid, restless, or “active” dreams can represent a possible early indicator.
2. Loss of smell. A significant reduction in the ability to perceive odors can appear in the early stages of the disease.
3. Persistent constipation. Some gastrointestinal alterations can precede the appearance of motor symptoms by many years.
4. Tremor, rigidity, or slower movements. Even seemingly small changes in daily movements may deserve attention.
5. Smaller handwriting or weaker voice. Micrographia and decreased voice volume can be among the possible initial signs.
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The presence of one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean having Parkinson’s. In case of persistent disturbances, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.
How to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s
Experts also indicate some behaviors that can help maintain good brain health and, more generally, reduce risk factors.
1. Engage in regular physical activity. Movement helps protect brain health.
2. Follow a balanced diet. Fruits, vegetables, and the Mediterranean diet can support the well-being of the body and nervous system.
3. Limit exposure to environmental toxic substances. Reducing contact with pesticides, solvents, and other pollutants can help protect the nervous system.
4. Sleep well and maintain regular rhythms. Sleep plays an important role in recovery processes and maintaining brain health.
5. Do not ignore the signals and talk to your doctor. A timely diagnostic process can allow earlier identification of the disease and the setting of a personalized treatment.
Stem cells and Parkinson’s, what research says
On the therapy front, especially on social networks and the web, offers related to alleged “innovative therapies” for Parkinson’s based on the use of stem cells proliferate.
The Italian Society of Parkinson’s and Movement Disorders Limpe-Dismov warns that “no stem cell therapy has been approved by the main regulatory authorities – EMA (European Medicines Agency), FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA), AIFA (Italian Medicines Agency) – for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.”
Stem cell therapies, experts’ warning
According to the scientific society, many of the currently advertised proposals lack solid scientific bases and are not supported by controlled clinical studies. They can also pose a risk to patients’ health and involve very high costs.
Research on the possible use of stem cells in Parkinson’s is ongoing and has shown promising signals in some preliminary studies. “There are currently no validated clinical applications or available in medical practice,” concludes the scientific society.
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