Parkinson's Disease
The second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease affects people of all ages — including young adults, still in full professional and family life. To better understand it is to better support it.
272,500
Patients in France
or 0.4% of the population
27,000
New cases
diagnosed each year
> 10%
Are under 50
early-onset forms
2nd
Neurodegenerative disease
most common in France
What is Parkinson's disease?
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition characterized by the destruction of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, a small structure in the brain located in a region involved in the proper execution of movements.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter essential for coordinating movements. Its depletion leads to characteristic motor symptoms, but also a wide variety of non-motor symptoms that often precede diagnosis by several years.
The disease progresses in stages and varies greatly from person to person. While it is not yet curable, medical and non-medical treatments can preserve quality of life and autonomy in the long term.
Parkinson's disease also affects younger people
About 10 to 17% of cases are early-onset forms (< 50 years old), affecting people still in full professional activity. These patients have specific needs, often poorly covered by traditional tools.
Signs and symptoms of the disease
Parkinson's disease is a systemic pathology whose manifestations go far beyond the motor sphere. Here is an exhaustive overview, organized by major families.
Resting tremors
Involuntary rhythmic movement (4-6 Hz), usually in the hand. Characteristically present at rest and diminishing during intentional movement. Often a revealing sign, but absent in 20 to 30% of patients.
Muscle rigidity
Resistance to passive mobilization of limbs, called 'lead pipe' giving way with a 'cogwheel' phenomenon. Can lead to pain, cramps, and functional discomfort. Always asymmetrical at the start of the disease.
Akinesia / Bradykinesia
Slowness (bradykinesia) and reduction in range of motion, or even their absence (akinesia). Principal factor of functional handicap in daily life — daily gestures, writing, walking, speech.
Other motor symptoms
Postural instability
Impairment of postural reflexes leading to balance disorders, increased risk of falls...
Freezing of gait
Episodes of sudden foot blockage, particularly in narrow passages or at the start.
Festination
Involuntary acceleration of step with reduction in stride — risk of falling forward.
Micrographia
Writing becomes smaller and shaky, especially at the end of a sentence.
Hypophonia & dysarthrie
Weak, monotonous, or rushed voice.
Swallowing disorders
Difficulty swallowing, sometimes associated with speech disorders.
Non-motor symptoms
Depression & anxiety
Affect 40 to 50% of patients. Depression can precede motor signs by several years.
Sleep disorders
Insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), excessive daytime sleepiness.
Cognitive disorders
Slowing of thought, difficulty concentrating, executive function disorders.
Chronic pain
Often undervalued, linked to many factors.
Digestive disorders
Constipation, gastroparesis, nausea linked to dopaminergic treatments.
multidisciplinary care
Due to the diversity of its manifestations, Parkinson's disease requires the coordination of many healthcare professionals. This multidisciplinary approach is now recognized as the reference by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) and European recommendations.
Coordination between these different actors is often the principal challenge of the care pathway. Information fragments, clinical signals are lost between two consultations spaced several months apart.
This is precisely why DiamPark 360 was designed: to create a digital thread between all care actors.
Multidisciplinary team
Neurologist
Diagnosis, prescription of therapeutics, monitoring of progress.
General Practitioner
Coordination of care, renewal of prescriptions, management of comorbidities.
Physiotherapist
Motor rehabilitation, postural balance, fall prevention, mobility maintenance.
Speech Therapist
Management of speech, voice, and swallowing disorders.
Psychologist
Emotional support, cognitive therapy, support for the patient and caregiver.
Nurse
Therapeutic education, treatment management, link between patient and team.
Occupational Therapist
Adaptation of home and daily activities to maintain autonomy.
Social Worker
Access to aids, orientation towards support structures.
Dietitian
Prevention of malnutrition, management of food-drug interactions.
Why monitoring is essential
Parkinson's disease is characterized by significant fluctuations during the day — the famous 'on/off' periods — and between consultations. Medical appointments, spaced a few months apart, do not always allow for capturing the complexity of these daily variations.
Therapeutic optimization
Continuous monitoring allows for adjusting medication doses and schedules according to real patient fluctuations.
More informed clinical decisions
The doctor arrives at the consultation with a complete and objective history — and not a partial memory reconstruction.
Time saving in consultation
Less time spent reconstructing history, more time for medical decisions and the patient-provider relationship.
Motiv'Park : playing to learn
Motiv'Park is DiamPark's serious game dedicated to therapeutic education in Parkinson's disease. Designed for patients, caregivers, and providers, it transforms learning into an engaging and accessible experience.
Understand one's disease
Interactive modules on pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatments.
Adopt the right behaviors
Situational exercises to integrate therapeutic reflexes into daily life.
Strengthen compliance
Gamification increases adherence to treatments and rehabilitation programs.
Motiv'Park
The serious game for Parkinson's therapeutic education
Patients · Caregivers · ProvidersDiamPark supports every step of the Parkinson's journey
Discover how our digital solution integrates into multidisciplinary care to improve patients' daily lives.
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