It is best to think of the Parkinson’s Plus syndromes as the sisters of Parkinson’s disease.
Although many diseases are similar to Parkinson’s disease, the changes they produce and their symptoms are slightly different. It’s why we think of these diseases as the sisters of Parkinson’s disease.
Another name for them is the “Parkinson’s Plus” syndromes.
PSP, MSA, CBD, and other “Parkinson’s Plus” diseases are like the sisters of Parkinson’s disease.
There are three common Parkinson’s Plus syndromes.
Because it is sometimes impossible to tell PSP, MSA, and CBD apart, doctors sometimes diagnose the patient as having a “Parkinson’s Plus” syndrome without noting the specific disease.
As the years go by, the appearance of characteristic features (such as eye movement problems in PSP) may enable your doctor to make a more precise diagnosis.
Which Symptoms May Indicate a Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome?
If you have any of the following features, you may have a Parkinson’s Plus syndrome. These features are called “red flags”. This means that if you have one of these symptoms, your doctor is supposed to pause and think.
Red flag. Your doctor will be extra careful if you have any of the following symptoms.
'Red Flags' suggesting that you may have a Parkinson's Plus Syndrome
1. Lack of response to Levodopa. 2. Frequently falling down, especially backwards. 3. Severe talking or swallowing problems. 4. Problems with eye movement. 5. Impotence. 6. Blurring of vision. 7. Blacking out when rising from a seated position. 8. Problems with thinking or memory loss. 9. Personality changes. 10. Symptoms only in the legs while the arms and hands are completely normal. 11. Rapid progression of the disease
What is the Treatment for a Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome?
The treatment for a Parkinson’s Plus syndrome is the same as the treatment for Parkinson’s disease itself.
Many patients respond to Levodopa. However, what’s challenging is that sometimes Levodopa does not have a dramatic effect. It may also happen that this effect may not last for many years. Therefore, the response to levodopa is somewhat unpredictable.
Once it enters the brain, Levdoopa is converted into Dopamine.
That being said, a significant proportion of patients with Parkinson’s Plus syndromes respond positively to a comprehensive treatment effort. This effort should include the treatment of special problems associated with each syndrome. Therefore, it is crucial to figure out which kind of Parkinson’s Plus syndrome early you have so that these specific problems can be treated.
For example:
In PSP, the patient frequently falls backwards because the areas of the brain responsible for balance are not functioning well. In this case, balance training can help.
In MSA, the patient can fall because of a drop in blood pressure when they get up. In this case, they should drink enough water and try to get up slowly to prevent falls. Some medications can also prevent falls.
What is Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)?
PSP is the most common of the “Parkinson’s Plus” syndromes. Patients with PSP frequently fall backwards.
MSA is the second most common of the “Parkinson’s Plus” syndromes. Patients with MSA have trouble with a part of their nervous system that controls blood pressure, heart rate, sweating and sexual function.
What are Other Types of Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes?
There are many other Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes. Since it’s not possible to describe each of these in detail here, I will mention their names and certain key characteristics.
Corticobasal Degeneration: Characterized by difficulty using automatic movements of an arm or hand.
Dementia with Lewy Bodies: Characterized by hallucinations & disorganized behaviour.
Frontotemporal dementia (“Pick’s disease”): Characterized by personality changes, including impulsivity and dis-inhibition.
Caution: This information is not a substitute for professional care. Do not change your medications/treatment without your doctor's permission.
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