Atypical Parkinson’s & Other Conditions

Empowering individuals living with Atypical Parkinson's involves a multifaceted approach that includes education, lifestyle adjustments, and building a strong support system. By combining these elements, individuals can enhance their quality of life and face the challenges associated with Atypical Parkinson's with resilience and optimism.

Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder causing movement difficulties like rigidity, bradykinesia, and apraxia, alongside cognitive decline. Diagnosis is challenging, and it progresses faster than Parkinson's. While no cure exists, treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care to improve quality of life.

Lewy Body dementia (LBD) is a progressive neurological disorder that shares characteristics with both Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It is the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer's disease. LBD is characterised by the presence of abnormal protein deposits in the brain called Lewy bodies, which are also found in Parkinson's.

Dystonia is a neurological condition causing involuntary muscle contractions, twisting movements, and abnormal postures. It may affect one body part (e.g., neck, hand) or multiple areas. Dystonia can interfere with daily activities and be classified as focal, segmental, or generalised, and as primary or secondary.

Essential tremor (ET) is a common neurological disorder causing involuntary shaking, typically in the hands, arms, head, or voice, especially during movement. It can worsen with stress or fatigue and often runs in families. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, or surgery to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) is a broad term covering both Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD). DLB features fluctuating cognitive impairments, visual hallucinations, and motor symptoms, caused by abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in the brain. PDD develops in individuals with Parkinson’s, with dementia emerging over time. LBD encompasses both conditions, depending on which symptoms appear first.

Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) is a progressive disorder affecting the nervous system and autonomic functions. It causes parkinsonian symptoms like tremor and rigidity, along with autonomic dysfunction and coordination issues. Diagnosis is challenging, and treatment focuses on managing symptoms with medications, physical therapy, and supportive care to improve quality of life.

Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD) is a type of dementia that occurs in individuals who have been living with Parkinson’s for some time. It is estimated that around 50-80% of people with Parkinson’s disease will eventually develop dementia. PDD is characterised by a cognitive decline that goes beyond the mild cognitive impairment often seen in early Parkinson’s.

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder causing balance issues, difficulty walking, and eye movement problems. It may also lead to cognitive decline and speech difficulties. PSP resembles Parkinson’s but with distinct features. Treatment focuses on symptom relief, physical therapy, and supportive care to improve mobility and quality of life.

REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterised by the acting out of vivid, often unpleasant dreams with vocal sounds and/or complex motor behaviours during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. Normally during REM sleep, your body's muscles are relaxed and inactive (atonia), but in RBD, this atonia is incomplete or absent, allowing you to physically act out your dreams.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder causing an urge to move the legs, especially at rest, often disrupting sleep. Symptoms include crawling or throbbing sensations, relieved temporarily by movement. Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications, and addressing underlying conditions like iron deficiency or Parkinson’s.