Parkinson: sintomas, causas e tratamento em Lisboa

PARKINSON'S DISEASE - Treatment in Lisbon

Specialised assessment, treatment and multidisciplinary follow-up for Parkinson's Disease in Lisbon

WHAT IS PARKINSON'S DISEASE?

Avaliação neurológica da Doença de Parkinson — NeuroPsyque Lisboa

A neurodegenerative disease that affects movement control

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disorder associated mainly with the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in specific areas of the brain. This impairs movement regulation, but can also affect sleep, mood, cognition and various autonomic (involuntary) functions. The impact varies from case to case, making rigorous clinical assessment and close monitoring essential.

Most common manifestations

Resting tremor
Involuntary tremor, often starting in one hand, more evident at rest, and which can subside during action.
Motor slowness
Slower movements, difficulty initiating actions and a progressive reduction in motor spontaneity.
Stiffness and gait changes
A feeling of muscle stiffness, decreased arm swing, short steps and postural instability.
Non-motor symptoms
As the disease progresses, sleep disturbances, constipation, a reduced sense of smell, anxiety, depression and cognitive changes can occur.

MAIN FORMS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF PARKINSONISM

Tremor predominance

In some patients, tremor is the most obvious symptom in the early stages, with slower progression in certain cases.

Tremor

Predominance of rigidity and slowness

In other cases, the disease manifests itself mainly through bradykinesia (slowness), rigidity, and progressive changes in posture and gait.

Engine

Relevant non-motor symptoms

Parkinson's is not limited to movement: sleep, mood, pain, constipation, fatigue and cognitive changes can have a major impact on clinical and general well-being.

No engine

Multifactorial origin

Parkinson's disease results from the interaction between ageing, neurodegenerative mechanisms, individual susceptibility and, in some cases, genetic factors.

Etiology

Sistema nervoso central e Doença de Parkinson

The clinical presentation of Parkinson's varies greatly, so the diagnosis and therapeutic plan must always be individualised.

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TREATMENT EFFECTIVENESS AT PARKINSON

Parkinson's Disease has therapeutic options that, when properly applied, provide significant and sustained functional improvement

~40%

of average improvement in motor symptoms with optimised dopaminergic therapy (levodopa), in a meta-analysis of 2208 patients

75%

of patients with advanced Parkinson's treated with DBS (deep brain stimulation) respond with significant motor improvement

360°

integrated approach: movement, sleep, mood, cognition and overall quality of life - all domains treated

clinical objective: to maintain maximum functional autonomy for as long as possible, with continuous therapeutic adjustment

* The evolution of Parkinson's varies. Specialised monitoring and regular therapeutic adjustments are essential to optimise clinical and functional results over time.

Sources: clinical data, NIH/PubMed - meta-analysis of levodopa treatment (mean improvement of 40.3% ± 15.2% in motor symptoms; 18 clinical trials, 2208 patients); NIH/PubMed - meta-analysis of DBS in advanced Parkinson's (UPDRS motor improvement, 35 studies included); Cochrane Library - continuous dopaminergic therapy and reduction of OFF time in Parkinson's.

TECHNOLOGY AND THE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

Tecnologia clínica e acompanhamento especializado

Reabilitação e acompanhamento multidisciplinar

Tratamentos complementares em neurologia

Mapeamento cerebral e avaliação complementar

IMPORTANCE OF SPECIALISED CONSULTATION

Parkinson's disease requires a differential neurological assessment in order to confirm the diagnosis by distinguishing other causes of tremor or parkinsonism. Consultation is essential to identify the clinical pattern, assess motor and non-motor symptoms and define a therapeutic strategy tailored to the stage of the disease and the specific needs of each person.

💡 Early and regular follow-up is essential to optimise medication and preserve functionality and autonomy.

At NeuroPsyque, follow-up is based on a multidisciplinary approach, integrating rigorous neurological assessment, monitoring of therapeutic response, symptomatic control and articulation with strategies for rehabilitation, sleep, cognition and emotional well-being. The aim is to provide a close and deeply humanised follow-up throughout the course of the illness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's about Parkinson's Disease

What should I expect at the first assessment appointment?

The first consultation includes a detailed analysis of the symptoms, their evolution and the impact on daily life, as well as a targeted neurological examination. The aim is to confirm whether the condition is compatible with Parkinson's, rule out alternative causes and define the next steps in follow-up.

Is tremor always the first symptom?

No. Although tremor is well known, many people start the disease with motor slowness, stiffness, gait changes, impaired sense of smell, sleep disturbances or other non-motor symptoms.

How is Parkinson's Disease diagnosed?

Diagnosis is mainly clinical, based on history and neurological examination. In some cases, complementary tests may be ordered to exclude other causes or support the diagnostic framework.

Can Parkinson's Disease be cured?

Parkinson's Disease is currently a chronic illness with no definitive cure. However, there are very effective treatments for controlling symptoms, improving functionality and preserving quality of life over long periods.

Are non-motor symptoms important?

Yes, and sometimes they have a huge clinical impact. Sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, In addition, constipation, pain, fatigue and cognitive changes should be assessed and treated as an integral part of the disease.

Do physiotherapy and rehabilitation make a difference?

Absolutely. Structured exercise, specialised physiotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation can help maintain autonomy, posture and communication.

When should I seek specialised help?

You should seek assessment whenever there is persistent tremor, progressive slowness, rigidity, changes in gait, falls, loss of dexterity, or simply unexplained symptoms that raise the suspicion of neurological disease.

Do I need a doctor's referral to book an appointment?

No, it's not necessary. You can book your assessment appointment directly (Neurology) at NeuroPsyque. If you have health insurance, we only recommend that you check the conditions of your policy regarding reimbursement. Contact us.