What is atypical parkinsonism and how is it treated?

November 10, 1404
#respond"> No views

What is the inner child after? The hidden but living part of ournext existence

Atypical Parkinsonism refers to a group of neurological disorders that have symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, but differ from it in terms of cause, progression, and response to treatment. These disorders commonly include progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), cortical basal degeneration (CBD), and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). In atypical parkinsonism, the nerve damage is more extensive than in classic parkinsonism, and the patient's response to dopamine drugs is usually weaker. Accurate knowledge of these diseases is very important for differential diagnosis and choosing the right treatment.

What is atypical parkinsonism?

Atypical parkinsonism is a type of neurological disorder that has symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, but its cause and progression are different. In fact, when doctors say that someone has atypical parkinsonism, it means that they have symptoms such as slowness of movement, muscle stiffness, and tremors, but their body's response to common Parkinson's drugs (like levodopa) is low or ineffective. This type of parkinsonism is less known but important, because its treatment and prognosis are different from classical parkinsonism.

In atypical parkinsonism, parts of the brain that are responsible for controlling movements are damaged for various reasons, such as the accumulation of abnormal proteins or the loss of nerve cells. Unlike normal Parkinson's, which is mostly caused by a decrease in dopamine in the brain, here the damage is more extensive and complex.

Atypical parkinsonism itself has several different types; Including:

Multiple system atrophy (MSA)
Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)
Cortical basal degeneration (CBD)
Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB)

Each of these types has its own characteristics and symptoms. For example, a person with PSP may have difficulty looking down, while MSA may have low blood pressure and bladder problems.

Importantly, atypical parkinsonism usually progresses more quickly than typical parkinsonism and causes more disability in the early years. For this reason, its early diagnosis is very important so that support and rehabilitation treatments can be started sooner.

Learn more:

What is the cause of atypical parkinsonism?

Scientists do not yet know the exact cause of atypical Parkinsonism, but a combination of genetic and environmental factors seem to be involved. In the brain of patients, abnormal accumulation of proteins such as Tau or alpha-synuclein is usually observed, which causes the death of nerve cells.

Some possible reasons include:

Genetics: In some families, this disorder is more likely to occur.
Environmental toxins: Prolonged exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, or industrial solvents may increase the risk.
Chronic brain inflammation: Long-term inflammation may contribute to nerve damage.
Aging: With age, the probability of occurrence of atypical parkinsonism increases.

Unlike classic Parkinson's, which is mostly related to dopamine depletion, in atypical Parkinsonism, the damage is more extensive and several parts of the brain are involved.

Methods for diagnosing atypical parkinsonism

Diagnosing Atypical Parkinsonism is usually difficult because it looks like normal Parkinson's in the early stages. The doctor uses a combination of methods for accurate diagnosis:

Detailed clinical examination: Examining how to walk, eye movements, speech and balance.
Drug test: Sometimes the doctor prescribes levodopa to see how well the patient responds. If the answer is low, the possibility of atypical parkinsonism increases.
Brain imaging (MRI): To see the damaged areas of the brain. In some cases, certain patterns of brain destruction can be seen.
Dopamine scan (DaTscan): Examining the activity level of dopamine receptors in the brain.
Cognitive and memory tests: to evaluate mental problems and cognitive decline.

Early diagnosis is very important, because it helps to start supportive treatments, physiotherapy and speech therapy earlier in order to maintain the patient's quality of life.

Best Speech therapy in Karaj

Treatment of atypical parkinsonism

Currently, there is no definitive treatment for atypical parkinsonism, but symptoms can be controlled and the disease process can be slowed. Treatment is usually multimodal and includes the following:

Drug therapy: Sometimes Parkinson's drugs such as levodopa are prescribed, but their effect is limited. Other medications to control muscle stiffness, depression, or blood pressure may also be used.
Rehabilitation: Helps to improve balance, muscle strength and reduce the risk of falling.
Speech therapy: It is effective for improving pronunciation and swallowing.
Occupational therapy: helping to do daily tasks and maintaining the patient's independence.
Psychological and social support: Patients and families need counseling and support groups to cope with emotional changes.

The doctor may also prescribe certain medications to control the body's autonomic symptoms (such as low blood pressure or bladder problems). It is important that treatment is completely individualized, as each type of atypical parkinsonism has different symptoms and needs.

Pharmaceutical treatment

Dopamine drugs: such as levodopa or carbidopa may be effective in a limited way.
Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs: to improve mood and reduce anxiety.
Blood pressure regulating drugs: in cases of orthostatic hypotension.
Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants: To reduce muscle stiffness.

The doctor adjusts the medications individually according to the type of atypical parkinsonism.

New assistive technologies

In recent years, the use of intelligent aids such as sensor-equipped walkers, mental exercise applications and digital speech therapy tools in the management of patients with atypical parkinsonism is increasing. These technologies help the patient's independence and reduce the family's stress.

Living with atypical parkinsonism (tips and care)

Living with atypical parkinsonism can be challenging, but with the right care, quality of life can be largely maintained. Tips that help patients and families:

Proper nutrition: Consuming soft foods to prevent suffocation and getting enough fluids.
Regular movement: Stretching and gentle walking with the opinion of the physiotherapist.
Safe environment: Removing slippery carpets and installing grab bars in the bathroom to prevent falls.
Regular sleep schedule: Help to reduce fatigue and regulate mood.
Emotional support: Talking to a counselor or participating in support groups can reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation.
Using assistive devices: such as a walker or wheelchair if needed.

Although there is no definitive treatment, but with the cooperation of the treatment team, the patient can live an active life for a long time.

The best rehabilitation in Karaj

Nutrition and lifestyle in patients with atypical parkinsonism

Healthy nutrition can have a positive effect on controlling symptoms and neurological function. The key nutritional points are:

Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables due to having antioxidants to reduce neuroinflammation.
Enough protein (white meat, eggs, low-fat dairy products) to regenerate body cells.
High fiber and enough water to prevent common constipation in patients.
Limit processed foods and high sugar to reduce fatigue.
Consumption of small and light meals, especially in advanced stages when swallowing becomes difficult.

Also, light sports such as yoga, pilates and tai chi help maintain balance and improve body flexibility. Adhering to sufficient sleep and avoiding chronic stress is also an important part of a healthy lifestyle in patients with atypical parkinsonism.

The role of family and caregivers in the management of atypical parkinsonism

The role of the family in this disease is very key. The patient needs continuous physical and mental support. Tips for caregivers:

Creating a safe environment at home: removing obstacles, using adequate lighting and auxiliary fences.
Encouraging the patient to perform gentle physical movements to maintain mobility.
Monitoring medications and physiotherapy program.
Providing a calm environment and emotional support to prevent depression.
Knowing the warning signs (swallowing disorder, frequent falls, mood changes).

Psychological support of the family and continuous communication with the treatment team increases hope, reduces anxiety and improves the overall performance of the patient.

Learn more: What should we do with a stubborn child?

New research on atypical parkinsonism

New researches in the field of atypical parkinsonism have created new hopes for future treatments. The most important research areas are:

Protein targeted therapies: inhibition of tau and alpha-synuclein protein accumulation using recombinant drugs or specific antibodies.
Gene therapy: Using viral vectors to correct damaged genes in nerve cells.
Stem cells: Trying to replace damaged neurons and rebuild the motor circuits of the brain.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS): Although not as effective in atypical parkinsonism as Parkinsonism, it has helped reduce stiffness and improve movement in some patients.

In the future, the combination of drug and genetic methods can provide new hope for more effective treatment of atypical parkinsonism.

In recent years, the attention of many neuroscience researchers has been drawn to a better understanding and more effective treatment of atypical parkinsonism. Because this group of neurological disorders still does not have a definitive treatment and the common Parkinson's drugs have a limited effect on them, new researches are looking for ways to stop or slow down the progression of the disease. In the following, we discuss the most important research axes and new developments in this field:

🧬 Molecular and protein research

In most types of atypical parkinsonism, abnormal accumulation of proteins such as Tau and alpha-synuclein (α-synuclein) is observed in the brain. These accumulations cause the death of nerve cells and disruption of brain communication. Scientists are trying to stop the disease process by inhibiting these proteins. There are several main approaches in this field:

Anti-protein aggregation drugs: Drugs that prevent tau or synuclein molecules from sticking together to prevent the formation of toxic nodules in the brain.
Monoclonal antibodies: Research is underway that uses specific antibodies to identify and remove defective proteins. In some preliminary studies, this method has succeeded in reducing the level of harmful proteins.
Modulation of cellular pathways: Researchers are looking for drugs that activate the cellular cleaning process (autophagy) so that nerve cells can eliminate harmful proteins.

🧫 Gene therapy and cell modification

New research in the field of gene therapy seeks to correct defective genes that are involved in the occurrence of atypical parkinsonism. In this method, engineered viruses (viral vectors) are used to introduce the healthy version of the gene into nerve cells. The goals of these studies are:

Increasing the production of neuroprotective enzymes that prevent the death of dopamine cells.
Inhibition of pathogenic genes that lead to the accumulation of toxic proteins in the brain.
Improving communication between neurons by stimulating dopamine pathways.

Although these treatments are still in animal testing or early clinical trials, preliminary results look promising.

🧠 Stem cells and neural regeneration

One of the most promising areas is the use of neural stem cells to regenerate damaged cells in patients with atypical parkinsonism. In this method, stem cells are transformed in the laboratory into neurons similar to the lost brain cells and then transplanted into the patient's brain. The main goals of this research:

Replacement of lost dopamine neurons.
Restoration of damaged motor circuits.
Improving motor and cognitive function of patients.

Preliminary studies on animals have shown promising results, and in some research centers, human experiments are also being designed.

⚡ تحریک مغزی عمیق (DBS) و فناوری‌های نوین مغزی

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) method, which has been very successful in the treatment of classic Parkinson's disease, has also been investigated for atypical Parkinsonism in recent years. In this method, electrodes are implanted in specific areas of the brain to regulate the abnormal activity of neurons by sending electrical pulses. Although the response of patients with atypical parkinsonism to DBS is usually less than that of classic parkinsonism, in some cases it has helped to reduce stiffness and improve movement.

Besides that, researchers are developing non-invasive brain stimulation technologies such as tDCS and TMS, which use magnetic waves to stimulate neurons without surgery. These methods are currently in experimental phases and the initial results are promising.

The best occupational therapy in Karaj

🧩 Advanced imaging for more accurate diagnosis

One of the biggest challenges in diagnosing atypical parkinsonism is the similarity of its symptoms with normal parkinsonism. For this reason, researchers are looking for more accurate imaging methods to detect specific patterns of nerve damage in each type of disease. In this regard:

PET imaging with specific tau and synuclein tracers is being developed.
Functional MRI (fMRI) is designed to examine the activity of brain areas during movements.
3D metabolic scans can show the level of brain activity more accurately.

These technologies help in early diagnosis and determining the exact type of atypical parkinsonism and in the future they can personalize the treatment path for each patient.

🧩 Combination therapies and the future of personalized medicine

One of the new trends in research is moving towards Personalized Medicine; It means that the treatment should be adjusted based on genes, age, type of brain damage and drug response of each patient. Combining drug treatments with rehabilitation, nutrition and brain stimulation can bring the best results. Also, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze patient data, predict the course of the disease and choose the right drug is one of the most exciting scientific directions in this field.

🔬 Summary of new research

Research on atypical parkinsonism is progressing rapidly. The main focus of scientists is on identifying cellular mechanisms, genetic modification, neural regeneration and improving early detection methods. Although there is still no definitive treatment, it is hoped that in the near future, a combination of molecular and genetic therapies will be able to stop the progress of this complex disease and significantly improve the lives of patients.

Learn more:Baby Digital Learn more

The latest content