Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Real-Life Journey Through Symptoms, Causes, and Hope

Why This Disease Touches Us All

Friend, today I am sitting with you for a chat over a cup of tea—not as a doctor, not even as some expert—but as a human being, who has seen the effects of this disease before my eyes. Maybe you are here because someone close to you has Parkinson's. Or maybe you yourself are scared to hear the name of this disease. This fear is very natural. Because Parkinson's disease shakes not only the body, but also the mind.

It is a disease that gradually takes control of the body. First the hands shake, then the speech becomes slurred, and walking becomes difficult. But its story is not just about suffering—it is about struggle, hope, and people starting life anew.

My neighbor's uncle was a cheerful man. One day, I suddenly noticed that he couldn't smell his favorite food. We thought he might have caught a cold. But later it turned out that this was the initial symptom of Parkinson's. That's when I realized that this disease starts very quietly—but the impact is huge.

In this article, we will learn in very simple language—

• What is Parkinson's?
• How its symptoms begin
• What causes this disease?
• What is the treatment method?
• And most importantly—how to stay mentally strong despite this disease

Come on, today we learn to fight Parkinson's with knowledge, not fear.

Early Symptoms: Sneaky Signs You Might Miss

The quieter the onset of Parkinson's, the deeper the impact

One of the most distressing aspects of Parkinson's disease is that its early symptoms are so silent, so common, that we don't realize what's coming. Sometimes patients themselves think, "Hey, maybe I'm just a little tired. Maybe my body isn't responding a little because of my age." But the reality is a little different.

Let's see what these 'silent signals' might be.

🟡 1. Tremor in Hands or Fingers

At first, you may notice a very slight tremor—especially when you are at rest. For example, you may feel a slight tremor when sitting down and holding a pen.

🟡 2. Slower Movements

Suddenly, your walking speed slows down, and it may feel like your legs are not moving properly. It takes longer to get dressed or tie your shoes. You may think, “I’m just getting older…”—but this could be a sign of Parkinson’s.

🟡 3. Acting Out Dreams While Sleeping

If you find yourself fidgeting, jumping on the bed, or even hitting people next to you while sleeping at night, these behaviors could be REM Sleep Disorder, which is an early sign of Parkinson's.

🟡 4. Loss of Sense of Smell

Can't smell your favorite food anymore? Many people say, "It feels like my nose is blocked!" But this could be the first sign of a decrease in dopamine in the brain.

🟡 5. Small Handwriting

Where you used to write clearly, now suddenly the font has become small and looks messy—this is also an important signal.

🟡 6. Softer Voice

Is your voice not as strong as it used to be? When you speak, people repeatedly ask, "Speak louder?"—this could also be an early sign of Parkinson's.

🟡 7. Change in walking posture (Stiff or Dragging Walk)

Suddenly, one leg falls behind while walking, and walking feels difficult - this is also a noticeable symptom.

🟡 8. Reduced Facial Expressions

A kind of monotonous expression on the face, as if someone is angry or worried, is always present. This 'Parkinson's mask' is often noticed by others first.

🟡 Real example:

An acquaintance of mine was a school teacher. His handwriting was extraordinary. One day he noticed that his hands were shaking while writing, and the letters were getting smaller. Then, it gradually became difficult for him to walk. Later, it was learned that he had Parkinson's.

These symptoms seem so common that we often forget about them. But if you notice any of these symptoms repeatedly—in yourself or someone in your family—it's best to talk to a neurologist without delay.

✅ Causes of Parkinson’s Disease: What’s Really Behind It?

Why does this disease occur? The answer is as personal as it is scientific

There are some diseases in this world whose presence raises the question—“Why me?” Parkinson’s is one such disease. It cannot be confined to the pages of a medical book. This disease comes silently, but leaves many questions, many thoughts.

🔸 Lost tone of brain cells

There's a special place in your brain—a bit complicated by its name: the substantia nigra . It's where a chemical called dopamine is produced. This dopamine tells our bodies how to move—walk, sit, raise our arms, even smile.

When these cells die, a jumbled message comes out—hands shake, legs stiffen, and the smile fades.

But the question remains - why do these cells die?

🔸 Genes? Environment? Or a game of fate?

Many say it's genetic—that is, hereditary. If someone's parents or relatives have Parkinson's, then their chances are slightly higher. However, not everyone is affected.

Others, while working in agricultural fields or factories, are exposed to chemicals that slowly kill brain cells like poison.

An acquaintance of mine was involved in farming. He was exposed to pesticides all day. One day, suddenly his hands started shaking. Gradually, his facial expression became less expressive. Later, it was found out that it was Parkinson's.

🔸 Link with age

As we age, the life of our cells becomes more threatened. Most people are affected by this disease after the age of 60. But sadly, many younger people are now being affected by this disease.

🔸 Protein destruction in the brain

Scientists say that some abnormal proteins—such as “Lewy bodies”—can build up in the brain and shut down nerves. It’s like a clog in a house’s water supply—at some point, everything stops working.

🔸 It is not a single disease

Parkinson's is different for everyone. For some it's genetic, for some it's environmental, and for some it's just bad luck.

👉 So when someone asks, “What causes Parkinson’s?”
I say: “Sometimes it’s a silent war inside the brain, sometimes it’s a shock of toxicity from outside—and sometimes it’s just a twist of fate.”

🎯 Final words

We still don't fully understand the root cause of this disease. But what we do know is enough to prepare for the battle. Being alert, being aware, and having science on our side—these are our tools.

✅ Treatment Options: Fighting Back Against Parkinson’s

Treatment, exercise, and courage—these three things build a wall of resistance

Parkinson's is a disease that gradually takes control of the body. But the good news is that today we are not completely helpless. With treatment, therapy, lifestyle changes, and psychological support, we can slow the progression of this disease and move forward with life more beautifully.

💊 1. Medications

Dopamine cannot be given directly into the body because it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, the following drugs are used to increase the effects of dopamine in the brain:

🔹 Levodopa (L-DOPA)

It is the most powerful weapon in the treatment of Parkinson's. It is converted into dopamine when it enters the body. For most patients, it works great initially.

🔹 Dopamine Agonists

These drugs, although not directly dopamine, act like dopamine in the brain. They are used if levodopa cannot be tolerated.

🔹 MAO-B Inhibitors

Blocks the enzyme that helps break down dopamine in the brain, so that dopamine remains active for longer.

🔹 COMT Inhibitors

Helps make Levodopa work longer.

📌 After starting the medication, its effectiveness may gradually decrease, and side effects may occur (such as restlessness, sleep problems, behavioral changes). Therefore, it is very important to adjust the dosage under the supervision of a doctor.

🏃‍♂️ 2. Exercise & Therapy

Doctors say, "Exercise is as important as medicine . "

🧘‍♀️ Exercise type:

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Yoga and stretching
• Special training classes called “Boxing for Parkinson's” are now taking place around the world!

🧠 Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy):

Helps keep muscles flexible, facilitate movement, and maintain balance.

🗣️ Speech Therapy:

It is effective in maintaining proper speech and strengthening the voice.

🧠 3. Mental Health Support

Parkinson's affects not only the body, but also the mind. Depression, anxiety, loss of confidence—these are all very common. So:

• Counseling
• Joining a support group
• Talking openly with friends and family
• Prayer or meditation

These can have a surprisingly positive impact on your mental health.

🛠️ 4. Lifestyle changes and use of technology

• Healthy food: Eat more vitamin D, omega-3, vegetables and fruits
• Get enough sleep
• Sticking to a routine
• Using mobile apps and smart devices to help with Parkinson's

🧪 5. Surgery (Advanced Stage Surgery - DBS)

There is a special treatment method for patients who no longer respond to medication:

🔧 Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

It involves implanting a type of electrode into the brain that sends electrical signals to control movement and tremors. It's very modern, but it's not for everyone.

🎯 True story:

I knew a woman—her name was Salma Apa. Her hands trembled so much that she would fall down whenever she went to have tea. Later, she started Levodopa, got into the habit of walking, and every morning, she would smile at herself in the mirror and say, “I will fight today too.” She still works in the garden regularly. Parkinson’s did not take her life, but rather changed it.

🔚 Last words

Parkinson's is life-changing, but it doesn't stop.
With treatment, awareness, and mental strength, it is possible to live with the disease.

You have the weapons—knowledge, medicine, and courage. Now you decide—how you will fight.

✅ Living with Parkinson’s: Finding a New Normal

Let’s be real—Parkinson’s changes everything. But it doesn’t mean life stops. Far from it. You just start living life a little differently. And that’s okay.

🧭 Accepting the Diagnosis:

Hearing “You have Parkinson’s” can feel like the ground’s been pulled from under your feet. Shock, denial, even anger—it’s all part of the ride. But once the dust settles, something powerful happens: you begin to adapt. You learn. You fight.

👣 Building a Routine That Works:

Parkinson’s loves chaos, so give it structure. A daily routine—eating well, taking meds on time, exercising, sleeping right—can make all the difference. Think of it as your defense system.

• Morning stretches to loosen up stiff muscles
• Medication set at exact times
• Walks or dancing to keep movement alive
• Going to bed at the same hour each night

Tiny habits, big wins.

💪 Movement Is Medicine:

It’s not just a saying—regular physical activity actually helps slow the symptoms. Even gentle things like:

• Tai chi
• Swimming
• Yoga
• Chair exercises

These don’t just strengthen muscles—they boost your mood, too.

🧠 Emotional Health: You Matter Too

Parkinson’s doesn’t just hit the body. It messes with the mind. Depression, anxiety, frustration—they creep in. That’s why talking helps.

• See a therapist.
• Join a support group (in person or online).
• Open up to your family.

You’re not weak for needing help. You’re human.

🛠️ Tools That Make Life Easier

There are gadgets, apps, and tricks that can help you stay independent:

• Spoons and forks with stabilizers for hand tremors
• Voice-to-text tools for writing when hands feel stiff
• Smartphone pill reminders
• Grab bars in the shower for extra safety

These things aren’t “crutches”—they’re tools for strength.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 You Are Not Alone

Parkinson’s may feel isolating, but there are millions walking this road with you. Organizations like:

• Parkinson’s Foundation
• Michael J. Fox Foundation
• Local clinics and community centers

…all have people who get it. And they’ve got your back.

🌅 A New Kind of Life

You might not move the same way you once did. You might speak more slowly. But that doesn’t make your life any less meaningful. In fact, many people say Parkinson’s taught them to slow down, cherish moments, and love deeper.

So no—Parkinson’s doesn’t define you.

Your courage does.
Your spirit does.
Your way of moving forward—that’s your legacy.

🟩 Conclusion: You’re Not Alone on This Road

Let’s face it — Parkinson’s is tough. It shakes up your world, not just your body. But here’s the thing: you're not going through this alone.

Maybe it’s you who just got diagnosed. Or maybe it's someone you love. Either way, this journey? It’s confusing, scary, and often frustrating. And yet, people just like you are out there — learning to deal, finding ways to smile, and showing up day after day.

There’s no magic cure (yet), but there is support. There are doctors, there are groups, there’s knowledge. And there’s strength in simply saying, “I’m still here.”

You don’t need to be a superhero. Just keep showing up. That’s more than enough.