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The prognosis for Parkinson's disease significantly improved with the introduction of Levodopa in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Prior to this breakthrough, the average lifespan for individuals with Parkinson's was approximately 7-10 years. With Levodopa, however, patients were often expected to have a normal lifespan, as the medication markedly improved their quality of life.
The first stage is the diagnostic phase, which begins with the initial diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. This phase can take several years as symptoms become more apparent and diagnostic criteria are met.
The maintenance phase follows diagnosis, during which patients are typically prescribed medication and manage their symptoms with relatively low doses. This stage focuses on maintaining quality of life.
In the complex phase, patients may require a combination of medications and start to experience side effects, such as Dyskinesia, particularly with long-term Levodopa use. The medication's effectiveness can fluctuate, leading to 'on-off' periods where symptoms can vary throughout the day. Managing these side effects while balancing medication benefits becomes crucial.
In the palliative stage, it is important to note that individuals do not typically die directly from Parkinson's disease. Instead, complications arising from the disease can lead to other health issues. This makes the management of Parkinson's disease complex and highly individualised.
The variability of Parkinson's disease means that no two patients experience the condition in the same way. This lack of standardisation can be frustrating for both patients and caregivers, as treatment and symptom management must be tailored to each individual's unique experience.
