Soap opera writer Manoel Carlos is in poor health due to Parkinson’s disease

The famous author of plots such as “Por Amor”, “Laços de Família” and “Mulheres Apaixonadas” is fully supported by his family and a medical team

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around four million people suffer from it worldwide Parkinson’s diseaserepresenting 1% of the world’s population aged 65 and over. In Brazil it is estimated that 200 thousand people are affected by the problem. The disease was diagnosed in 2018 by the author of the soap opera Manuel Carlos91 years old, in recent months he has had to face complications in motor and cognitive development due to the disease, according to information published on Instagram by Julia Almeida, the playwright’s daughter. Neurosurgeon Jamil Farhat Neto (CRM-SP 141.252 and RQE 74.302) explains that Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects movement and motor control due to the death of brain cells responsible for the production of dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter. The doctor says there is no cure yet, but there are effective treatments to relieve symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life.

According to the specialist, the disease usually appears after the age of 60, although it can occur even earlier, in cases known as early Parkinson’s. Genetic and environmental factors can influence the age of onset, such as exposure to pesticides, head trauma and hereditary predisposition.

The main symptoms include tremors at rest, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement and postural instability. Other non-motor symptoms, such as sleep changes, constipation, and depression, are also common. “The diagnosis is clinical, made by a specialist, based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination, as there is no definitive laboratory test”, he underlines.

According to the doctor, the treatment combines drugs, such as Levodopa, which replaces dopamine, and other drugs that help motor control. Physical therapy, exercise, and, in some cases, deep brain stimulation surgery may also be indicated to improve symptoms.

Levodopa test

The specialist emphasizes that the test examines the degree of stiffness, tremor and how the patient walks. However, Jamil reminds us that a neurological examination is carried out first, without the use of Levodopa: the person arrives at the clinic without taking any medication.

The doctor says that the individual is given a Levodopa tablet. Wait a few minutes for it to take effect. The patient is re-examined, reviewing how much stiffness and tremor he has and how he walks. “If the patient takes the medicine and improves, it means that there has been a response to levodopa. It is a positive sign that he has Parkinson’s. If you give him the medicine and it remains the same, nothing has changed, it is a negative factor” against the disease” , he underlines.

Tremors and cognitive loss

The neurosurgeon clarifies that Parkinson’s tremors occur at rest and have a slow and regular rhythm, while normal (or physiological) tremors occur during action or in anxious situations.

Jamil points out that, in more advanced stages, Parkinson’s can cause cognitive changes, such as difficulties with memory, reasoning and concentration, due to the disease’s progression in brain areas, as well as motor control. “When these changes are severe, they can progress to dementia. Neurological monitoring and cognitive therapies are essential to offer support to the patient and family,” he concludes.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.