Have you ever seen an elderly person around you who walks strangely or has trembling hands?

You might think it's just due to aging, but these symptoms could be signals of a frightening neurodegenerative disease called 'Parkinson's disease'.

Parkinson's disease shows various abnormal symptoms related to movement. Typical symptoms include slow movements (bradykinesia), tremors in the hands and feet (especially worsening at rest), muscle stiffness (rigidity), and walking with small steps while dragging. In severe cases, the body may lean forward while walking, and balance can be difficult to maintain.

The name of this disease was first reported by British doctor James Parkinson in the late 19th century. However, it did not receive much attention at that time. About 50 years later, the famous French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot brought this disease back into the spotlight, and the name 'Parkinson's disease' became widely known.

Parkinson's disease occurs in about 1 in 1000 people, and the probability increases significantly with age. It is classified as a common disease among seniors over 60. Unfortunately, Koreans are known to have a higher genetic predisposition to this disease, making them more at risk than other ethnicities.

One thing to clarify is that the terms 'Parkinson's disease' and 'Parkinson's syndrome' are often used interchangeably, but they are slightly different.

• Parkinson's syndrome is a term that encompasses symptoms such as slow movement, tremors, rigidity, and balance disorders seen in Parkinson's disease.

• Parkinson's disease refers to a specific condition caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine among these symptoms.

In other words, Parkinson's syndrome is a category of symptoms, while Parkinson's disease is one specific illness within that category. Therefore, doctors need to identify the exact cause to determine the proper treatment direction.

There is currently no guaranteed way to completely prevent Parkinson's disease, but there are lifestyle habits and management methods that can help reduce the risk of developing it.

1. Regular exercise:
   Regular aerobic and strength training exercises can help maintain brain health and lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

2. Healthy diet:
   A diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats (like olive oil and nuts), similar to the Mediterranean diet, can be beneficial for nerve protection.

3. Caffeine and green tea:
   Some studies suggest that moderate caffeine intake (from coffee, etc.) or antioxidants found in green tea may help lower the risk of Parkinson's disease.

4. Brain-stimulating activities:
   Mental stimulation activities such as puzzles, reading, and learning new skills can help keep the brain healthy.

5. Avoiding toxic substances:
   Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides or heavy metals can also help in the prevention of Parkinson's disease.

Ultimately, while it is not possible to completely prevent the onset of Parkinson's disease, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and consistent management can help reduce the risk.

If you know any elderly individuals or acquaintances showing similar symptoms, do not dismiss it as just aging; consider suggesting a professional examination. Early detection is crucial.