Common Diseases: Parkinson's Disease (PD)
🧠 Parkinson's Disease Guide (Hong Kong Edition)
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects motor function, but as the disease progresses, patients may also experience non-motor symptoms. According to the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and various international medical journals, the prevalence of Parkinson's disease in Hong Kong adults aged 65 and above is approximately 4-5 per 1,000 people , and is increasing annually with the aging population.
I've interviewed several Parkinson's patients, and they all shared a common theme: initially, they experienced only hand tremors or slowed movements, but years later, their walking, speaking, and even swallowing became affected. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
1️⃣ Causes and pathological mechanisms
Medical research shows that Parkinson's disease is mainly caused by the gradual degeneration of dopamine-secreting nerve cells in the substantia nigra (Substantia Nigra) of the brain , which leads to a decrease in dopamine levels and disrupts the balance of movement regulation in the brain.
While the exact cause is unknown, common risk factors include:
- Age (mostly over 60 years old)
- Genetic factors (rare familial cases)
- Long-term exposure to pesticides or heavy metals
- History of head trauma
2️⃣ Main symptoms
Typical motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (4 core):
-
Resting Tremor
- Often starts with one hand, similar to the "pill-rolling action"
-
Bradykinesia
- Slow initiation of movements, slow reactions, and reduced facial expressions
-
Rigidity
- Stiffness in the limbs or neck, and decreased range of motion
-
Postural Instability
- Prone to falling, slow walking
Common non-motor symptoms:
- Sleep disorders
- Depression and anxiety
- Loss of smell
- constipate
- Thinning of the voice (microphonia)
3️⃣ Common treatment methods in Hong Kong
There is currently no cure for Parkinson's disease, but medication, surgery, and rehabilitation therapy can effectively control symptoms and slow functional deterioration.
💊 Medication
-
Levodopa + dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (Carbidopa/Benserazide)
- The most effective drug for improving motor symptoms
- Long-term use may cause "wearing-off phenomenon" or dyskinesia
-
Dopamine Agonists
- For example, Pramipexole, Ropinirole
- Delayed use of levodopa
-
Monoamine oxidase B inhibitors (MAO-B inhibitors)
- Such as Selegiline and Rasagiline, which slow down the breakdown of dopamine
-
Catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (COMT inhibitors)
- Used in combination with levodopa to prolong the effect
-
Anticholinergics
- Helps relieve tremors, but the elderly should use it with caution to avoid affecting memory
🔬 Surgical treatment
-
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Implanting electrodes in specific areas of the brain to improve symptoms through pulse stimulation
- Suitable for patients with poor drug control or severe side effects
- Some large hospitals in Hong Kong (such as Queen Mary Hospital) provide
🏃♂️ Rehabilitation
- Physical therapy : Improve balance, gait, and muscle flexibility
- Occupational therapy : training daily living skills
- Speech therapy : Improve voice and swallowing function
- Counseling : Coping with emotional problems
4️⃣ Hong Kong medical resources and support
- Hospital Authority Neurology Specialist Clinic (requires referral from family doctor or accident and emergency department)
- Community Rehabilitation Centre (providing physical, occupational and speech therapy)
- Hong Kong Parkinson's Disease Association (patient support groups, educational activities)
- Private healthcare (more flexible, but more expensive)
5️⃣ Daily Management and Editor's Tips
- Take medication regularly : Take medication on time as directed by your doctor and avoid stopping the medication on your own
- Balanced diet : high-fiber diet to reduce constipation, protein distribution to avoid affecting the efficacy of the drug
- Safe home : remove debris, anti-slip mats, anti-fall design
- Moderate exercise : Tai Chi, walking training, and stretching exercises can maintain mobility
- Social interaction : Maintaining communication with friends and family can reduce the risk of depression
- Sleep hygiene : Maintain a regular sleep schedule to reduce nighttime disturbances
6️⃣ Common myths among Hong Kong patients
-
"Does hand tremors necessarily indicate Parkinson's disease?" ❌
Hand tremors may also be caused by essential tremor, thyroid problems, or side effects of medication. -
"Will taking medicine make your symptoms worse?" ❌
The weakening of drug efficacy is mostly due to the natural progression of the disease rather than drug "addiction". -
"You don't need to take any medicine during surgery?" ❌
DBS can reduce the dosage of medication, but most patients still need to take medication.
7️⃣ Editor’s Summary
Parkinson's disease is a long-term journey, requiring ongoing collaboration between patients, their families, and their healthcare teams. Current treatment options in Hong Kong include advanced medications, DBS surgery, and a wide range of rehabilitation services. Early diagnosis, proactive treatment, and ongoing rehabilitation are key. We recommend that if you suspect you have symptoms like hand tremors or slowed movements, seek medical attention immediately to avoid missing the best opportunity for control.
Disclaimer : This article is for reference only and does not constitute any medical advice. The source is referenced from major medical articles.
