[KoK! Health] Scary Incurable Disease Parkinson's? "Manageable with Proper Care"

[Asia Economy Reporter Myunghwan Lee] The medical community has issued a diagnosis that Parkinson's disease, a degenerative brain disorder, should be viewed not as an incurable disease but as a manageable condition.

Professor Taebeom Ahn of the Department of Neurology at Kyung Hee University Hospital explained, "People tend to think of Parkinson's disease as a frightening illness, but it is better understood as a 'manageable disease.' Many patients live well managing Parkinson's for 10, 20 years or more through exercise and medication."

According to Professor Ahn, treating Parkinson's disease essentially means managing it well. Appropriate medication is administered in stages, and symptoms can be alleviated through methods such as deep brain stimulation when necessary. Early detection and proper management of Parkinson's can allow patients to enjoy a stable life.

Professor Ahn said, "In the past, diagnosing Parkinson's focused on motor symptoms like tremors or slowness. Recently, non-motor symptoms such as dementia, depression, olfactory dysfunction, and sleep disorders have become significantly important, which is the biggest change." He added, "Another recent trend is the discovery of many Parkinson's-related genes, deepening our understanding of the disease."

Two types of symptoms that may suggest Parkinson's disease were presented: 'hyperactivity' and 'hypoactivity.' A representative symptom of hyperactivity is tremors occurring while at rest, and hypoactivity includes symptoms such as slowness or stiffness. This also includes smaller handwriting or softer voice, impaired sense of smell, and drooling.

In elderly individuals, these symptoms are often mistaken as natural effects of aging, leading to delayed diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Sleep disorders such as falling out of bed during sleep and difficulty with bowel movements can also be early symptoms of Parkinson's. Sometimes, when pain occurs in the lower back, shoulders, or knees without a clear surgical diagnosis, Parkinson's disease may be suspected.

Professor Ahn stated, "Although we know the entire progression of the disease, patients tend to focus only on their current symptoms and treatment. I aim to create a comprehensive treatment plan with a broader perspective and to persuade and assist patients in understanding it."

Finally, Professor Ahn emphasized, "It is important to understand that even issues not medically defined can affect symptoms, and efforts to approach the disease in a multidimensional and comprehensive manner are crucial. It is important to treat patients sincerely and approach them with genuine care."