Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease in Spain

Many patients receive treatment in Spain, and Teknon medical center patients are among those with the most successful outcomes. Parkinson’s disease is a serious brain disorder. It disrupts the nervous system. It causes uncontrollable movements. People experience tremors. Muscles become rigid. Balance difficulties appear. Walking becomes difficult. Movements slow down. Speech becomes quiet or unclear. Symptoms gradually worsen.

Parkinson’s Disease Statistics

Parkinson’s disease affects millions of people. According to The Parkinson’s Foundation, over 10 million people worldwide live with this diagnosis.

The disease doesn’t discriminate by age. Most commonly, it appears after age 60. But there are younger patients too. 5-10% of people are diagnosed before age 50. 4% of patients experience their first symptoms even earlier.

Everyone has a risk of developing it.  Age isn’t the only factor. Genes play an important role. Lifestyle has an impact. Environmental factors matter.

Main Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease has several characteristic signs. They can develop gradually. Each symptom affects the patient’s daily life.

• Trembling of hands, legs, head – one of the first noticeable symptoms
• Muscle rigidity – complicates movement and causes pain
• Slow movements – daily tasks take longer
• Balance disorders – increases risk of falls
• Coordination problems – affecs movement precision

Symptoms manifest differently in each patient. When symptoms appear, medical attention is necessary. Additional disease manifestations can develop. Patients often experience sleep disturbances, problems with smell, and digestive issues, along with constant fatigue and mood changes that can lead to depression. Over time, speech, swallowing, and memory deteriorate. A characteristic feature of the disease is that symptoms first appear on one side of the body before spreading to the other, with the initially affected side remaining more problematic.

Diagnosis in Spain

The country has an advanced medical system. Patients have access to qualified neurologists. Spanish clinics use modern methods. For example, functional MRI, movement analysis, and medication response tests.

Currently, there is no specific blood test. Doctors make diagnoses after examination. They check reflexes. They analyze symptoms. If Parkinson’s is suspected, medication is prescribed. If the patient improves – the diagnosis is confirmed.

At clinics, genetic tests are also used. This is important for early forms of the disease.

Some diseases can have similar symptoms. For example, multiple system atrophy or Lewy body dementia. Therefore, accurate diagnosis is very important.

Who Does Parkinson’s Affect?

Parkinson’s most often appears in older people. However, the disease can develop at a young age. Statistics show an interesting trend. Men suffer from the disease more often than women. The difference is approximately 1.5 times. Scientists still cannot explain this pattern. Research actively continues.

Age remains the main risk factor. Genetics also plays an important role. Some forms of the disease are inherited. But such cases are a minority. Scientists have identified additional risk factors. These include exposure to toxic substances. Contact with pesticides. Constant exposure to polluted environments. Smoking has a negative impact. Low physical activity matters. An unhealthy diet plays an important role.

What Happens in the Brain?

The disease affects neurons in the basal ganglia, which control movement. These neurons stop producing dopamine, a key movement-regulating neurotransmitter. When dopamine levels drop, patients experience tremors, rigidity, and difficulty walking.

The loss of noradrenaline-producing cells affects the cardiovascular system. This leads to low blood pressure, weakness, and balance problems.

In the brain, proteins called Lewy bodies accumulate. These collections of alpha-synuclein protein are still being studied by scientists, but they appear to cause complications including dementia.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation is a surgical treatment method used for severe forms when medications become ineffective. During the procedure, electrodes are implanted in the brain and connected to a chest device to reduce symptoms. This stimulation helps patients regain their ability to move, walk, and speak clearly. The experienced neurosurgeons at Teknon clinic regularly perform these specialized operations.

Living with the Disease

Early detection of the disease is very important. This helps better control symptoms. Quick medical consultation increases chances for successful treatment. Don’t wait for conditions to worsen. Delaying doctor visits can complicate treatment.

Modern medical centers operate in Spain. They specialize in treating Parkinson’s. Advanced diagnosis here. Doctors have extensive experience. Patients receive a full spectrum of necessary care.

Care includes:

• Neurologist consultations – regular check-ups and treatment adjustments
• Psychological support – help in managing stress and anxiety
• Physiotherapy – special exercises to maintain mobility
• Rehabilitation – restoration of lost functions
• Dietary recommendations – proper nutrition improves well-being

Some patients need constant care. The Spanish healthcare system takes this into account. Professional caregivers work here. They help with daily living. Patients receive all necessary support. No one is left alone with the disease.