Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's Disease is a chronic disorder that affects muscle control and body movements. It is a progressive disease, which means that symptoms become worse over time. Symptoms do not follow a natural pattern, and the disease affects people differently - some have almost no symptoms, while others have many symptoms. When they first appear, symptoms may be slight or even unnoticeable. Over time, they become more pronounced.
The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease relate to movement and include:
- slow body movements and shuffling of the feet when walking;
- tremors or shaking, usually in the hands or arms, although they can also occur in the legs, feet or jaw;
- muscle stiffness in the neck, shoulders or arms that makes it hard to bend and may in time result in stooped posture; and
- difficulty with balance, which may affect the way a person walks and contribute to falling.
How common is it?
Over one million people in the United States have Parkinson's disease. Most people who are diagnosed are over age 50-60, but about ten percent of those diagnosed each year are age 40 or younger. Both men and women get Parkinson's disease, but it is slightly more common in men.
In addition to those who are diagnosed, it is possible that many others have the disease but have not yet sought medical help for it. Sometimes, people who have symptoms of Parkinson's wait a long time to seek help due to fear, embarrassment or hope that it will get better on its own, which unfortunately only worsens the disease. Generally, the earlier the diagnosis, the more effective treatment can be.
What makes it happen?
No one knows what causes Parkinson's disease. We know that it affects cells called neurons that are located in a small area at the base of the brain called the substantia nigra. These neurons normally make a chemical called dopamine.
The brain is the control center for the body. The brain controls movements, sensations, feelings and personality. Dopamine is one of the chemicals needed to help the brain function smoothly and control movement of the body. Dopamine helps nerve impulses to transmit messages to muscles, resulting in what we know as normal body movement.
Parkinson's disease results when neurons die and less dopamine is made. When the supply of dopamine is decreased by approximately 50% - 60%, symptoms of Parkinson's begin to start. Over time, as more neurons are lost and the supply of dopamine is lower and lower, symptoms become more severe.
Although research is still being done in this area, the cause of the cell death that leads to Parkinson's disease is unknown. Scientists are debating whether the nerve cell loss is something that has a genetic link, or whether it happens slowly after being exposed to a toxic substance. It may be a combination of these two things.
How do we know for sure?
An accurate diagnosis of Parkinson's disease can be difficult to make. As of yet, there is no specific diagnostic test that can be used to confirm the disease. However, an MRI scan or blood tests can be used to rule out other disorders that have some symptoms similar to Parkinson's. Diagnosis is made by a physician based on a physical examination of the patient, focused on the body movement symptoms that are associated with Parkinson's, along with the patient's medical history.
To learn more about Parkinson's Disease, read:
Parkinson's Disease - An Overview
Information about Parkinson's Disease including diagnosis, management and treatment.
Parkinson's Disease
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