When we see symptoms of shaking in the hands or feet, we often hear the term “bird’s nest tremor.” But did you know that the symptom called bird’s nest tremor is actually “Parkinson’s disease” itself? According to statistics, it is found that 425 people per 100,000 population in Thailand suffer from Parkinson’s disease, which can be found in both men and women, with most patients being aged 50 and above.
Although many people consider Parkinson’s disease to be a neurodegenerative disease and only see it as age-related tremors, which are not dangerous, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease also include slow movement, loss of balance, walking without swinging the arms, and even depression. In elderly patients, the main symptom is tremor. Some cases have risk factors that cause the disease, such as a history of drug use, especially methamphetamine and cocaine, because these drugs act on the brain, specifically on the neurons that use a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which affects movement control. People who use drugs during adulthood have a chance that these substances will harm the neurons, causing these neurons to die and leading to Parkinson’s symptoms as they age. Additionally, people who live with late sleeping habits or do not eat a complete diet may not see effects immediately, but these factors can have long-term impacts. Neurons do not repair sufficiently and are at risk of dying, resulting in movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
One controllable factor is living a proper lifestyle, such as getting enough rest. Sleep should be at night because during nighttime rest, the body releases many substances that help repair various parts of the body and the nervous system. Regarding diet, it is important to eat all five food groups because brain cells use vitamins and minerals from our diet to function, including protein, fat, and carbohydrates, which are basic components of brain cells. Importantly, exercise is crucial because movement sends signals to the brain that trigger the release of chemicals that help brain cells function well and live longer. Another important aspect is exercising the brain by frequently thinking, practicing mental exercises, and at the same time getting enough rest.
If there is any doubt that a family member has symptoms of this disease, it is advisable to consult a doctor promptly because these diseases require thorough investigation to find the cause for proper treatment. Currently, brain scans such as CT, MRI, and PET Scan, especially F–DOPA PET, are used to diagnose Parkinson’s disease more precisely.
