Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease causes certain brain cells to die. These brain cells control muscle movement and coordination using the brain chemical dopamine. Without dopamine, the cells that control movement cannot send messages to the muscles. The disease leads to shaking and trouble with walking and moving.
Symptoms
Symptoms may be mild at first
- problems with balance
- stiff, achy muscles
- stooped posture
- difficulty swallowing
- slow blinking
- slowed, quiter speech
- slowed movements
- limited facial expression
- difficulty moving limbs
- shaking (tremors)
- loss of fine motor skills
Other symptoms may include:
- anxiety and stress
- confusion
- depression
- fainting
- memory loss
- dementia
Genetic Cause
Studies have found that a certain mutation in ones genetic make-up seems to be a leading cause in Parkinson's Disease, with that mutation being passed onto future generations. The specific cause for Parkinson's disease is currently not yet proven to be one specific gene. However, the factors involved in this disease are ones genetic make-up and the environment of the individual. This also determines the severity of the disease.
Parkinson's most often develops after the age of 50. It is one of the more common nervous system problems in older adults. Men have a higher risk than women and the disease can be found in any ethnic or racial group.
Treatments
Medicines
The medicines prescribed to you by your doctor will help control the shaking and movement symptoms.
These drugs work by increasing dopamine in your brain which is what Parkinson's destroys.
If your medicine wears off, your doctor may need to change the:
- type of medicine
- dose
- amount of time between doses
Surgery
Surgery may also help ease symptoms of this disease.
Types include:
- Deep brain stimulation to encourage the areas that control movement
- Surgery to destroy brain tissue that causes symptoms
- Stem cell treatment is currently being studied
Lifestyle
Lifestyle changes may make it easier to cope with Parkinson's Disease.
- Eating a healthy diet and not smoking
- Speech therapy
- Stay active when you feel well enough
- Rest as needed
- Physical therapy
- Using assistive devices to make movement easier
Prognosis
There is no current cure for Parkinson's Disease. The medicines prescribed by your doctor will drastically reduce symptoms and problems caused by this disease, according to your individual needs.
If untreated, the disorder gets worse until the individual is totally disabled. Parkinson's may lead to deterioration of all brain cells and an early death.