Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. The first signs are problems with movement.

Smooth and coordinated muscle movements of the body are made possible by a substance in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the “substantia nigra.”

In Parkinson’s, the cells of the substantia nigra start to die. When this happens, dopamine levels are reduced. When they have dropped 60 to 80 percent, symptoms of Parkinson’s start to appear.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

Some of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s can come before motor problems by several years. These earliest signs include:

• decreased ability to smell (anosmia)
• constipation
• small, cramped handwriting
• voice changes
• stooped posture

The four major motor problems seen are:

1. tremor (shaking that occurs at rest)
2. slow movements
3. stiffness of arms, legs, and trunk
4. problems with balance and tendency to fall

Secondary symptoms include:

• blank facial expression
• a tendency to get stuck when walking
• muffled, low-volume speech
• decreased blinking and swallowing
• tendency to fall backward
• reduced arm swinging when walking

Other, more severe, symptoms may include:

• flaky white or yellow scales on oily parts of the skin, known as seborrheic dermatitis
• increased risk of melanoma, a serious type of skin cancer
• sleep disturbances including vivid dreams, talking, and movement during sleep
• depression
• anxiety
• hallucinations
• psychosis
• problems with attention and memory
• difficulty with visual-spatial relationships

Causes of Parkinson’s disease

• The exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown. It may have both genetic and environmental components. Some scientists think that viruses can trigger Parkinson’s as well.
• Low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, a substance that regulates dopamine, have been linked with Parkinson’s.
• Abnormal proteins called Lewy bodies have also been found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s. Scientists don’t know what role, if any, Lewy bodies play in the development of Parkinson’s.
• While there’s no known cause, research has identified groups of people who are more likely to develop the condition. These include:
• Sex: Men are one and a half times more likely to get Parkinson’s than women.
• Race: Whites are more likely to get Parkinson’s than African Americans or Asians.
• Age: Parkinson’s usually appears between the ages of 50 and 60. It only occurs before the age of 40 in 5-10 percent of cases.
• Family history: People who have close family members with Parkinson’s disease are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, too.
• Toxins: Exposure to certain toxins may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease.
• Head injury: People who experience head injuries may be more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.

Diagnosing Parkinson’s disease

• There’s no specific test for diagnosing Parkinson’s. Diagnosis is made based on health history, a physical and neurological exam, as well as a review of signs and symptoms.
• Imaging tests, such as a CAT scan or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions. A dopamine transporter (DAT) scan may also be used. While these tests don’t confirm Parkinson’s, they can help rule out other conditions and support the doctor’s diagnosis.

Treatments for Parkinson’s disease

• Treatment for Parkinson’s relies on a combination of lifestyle changes, medications, and therapies.
• Adequate rest, exercise, and a balanced diet are important. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can also help to improve communication and self-care.
• In almost all cases, medication will be required to help control the various physical and mental health symptoms associated with the disease.

Parkinson’s prevention:

• Doctors and researchers don’t understand what causes Parkinson’s. They’re also not sure why it progresses differently in each person. That’s why it’s unclear how you can prevent the disease.
• If you have a family history of Parkinson’s, you may consider genetic testing. Certain genes have been connected to Parkinson’s. But it’s important to know that having these gene mutations does not mean you’ll definitely develop the disease.

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of genetic testing.

#parkinsonsdisease #parkinsonsawareness #health #patienteducation #diseases