Bradykinesia

Bradykinesia is a medical term that means 'slowness of movement'. It is one of the main features of Parkinson's disease. People with bradykinesia notice that their movements become slower and less fluent, making daily activities more difficult.

Causes of bradykinesia

Bradykinesia is mainly caused by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter essential for coordinating movements. In Parkinson's disease, the dopamine-producing cells in the brain gradually die, leading to symptoms such as bradykinesia, but also akinesia and hypokinesia.

Consequences of bradykinesia

Bradykinesia manifests in different ways, including:

• Reduced automatic movements: such as blinking less often or a reduced arm swing while walking.
• Difficulty initiating movements: for example, difficulty getting up from a chair.
• General slowness in physical actions: as a result, daily tasks take more time and effort.
• Decrease in facial expressions: which can lead to a less expressive face.
• Speech and swallowing problems: talking and eating become more difficult, and the risk of choking increases.

Treatment of bradykinesia

Treatment of bradykinesia focuses on increasing dopamine levels in the brain and improving motor functions. Medication plays a central role here, with levodopa being the most commonly prescribed treatment.

In addition to medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy can help improve mobility and facilitate daily activities, with or without the use of aids. A speech therapist treats any speech and swallowing problems.

In some cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) is considered. This is a surgical procedure in which electrodes are placed in specific brain areas to reduce symptoms.

Tips for coping with bradykinesia

In addition to medical treatments, the following strategies can help:

• Structure and planning: Schedule sufficient time for activities to avoid haste and stress.
• Regular physical activity: Activities such as walking, swimming, boxing, or tai chi can promote freedom of movement.
• Use of aids: Adjustments in the home and the use of special assistive devices can make daily tasks easier.
• Seek support: Participating in support groups or engaging professional help can provide emotional and practical support.