The More You Know: Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease affects most of the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Sometimes, it is genetic, but most cases do not seem to run in families. There have been cases where exposures to certain types of chemicals in the environment have played a role.
In the US, nearly one million people are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. This is expected to rise 2030 by 1.2 million. Parkinson’s disease is rated second as the most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
-Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
-Muscle stiffness.
-Slowness of movement
-Balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls.
Other symptoms of PD may include difficulty with swallowing, chewing, or even speaking. Urinary problems and constipation, depression, and skin problems. Symptoms and progression rates differ among individuals. Some people’s symptoms begin on one side of their body, or even on one limb on one side of the body. However, as the disease progresses, it will eventually affect both sides.
Sources
(n.d.). Parkinson's Disease Risk Factors and Causes. John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-risk-factors-and-causes#:~:text=The%20biggest%20risk%20factor%20for,develop%20Parkinson's%20disease%20than%20women.
(n.d.). Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a type of brain disorder that causes uncontrollable, unintentional movements. Movements such as shaking, stiffness, as well as difficulty with balance and coordination.Parkinson’s Disease affects most of the dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. Sometimes, it is genetic, but most cases do not seem to run in families. There have been cases where exposures to certain types of chemicals in the environment have played a role.
In the US, nearly one million people are currently living with Parkinson’s disease. This is expected to rise 2030 by 1.2 million. Parkinson’s disease is rated second as the most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s disease.
Risk Factors
Currently, there are no known causes of Parkinson’s disease. Research suggests that Parkinson’s is caused by a blend of genetics, environmental exposure, and other unknown factors. Only about 10 to 20 percent of cases are linked to a genetic cause says Ted Dawson, MD, Ph.D. who is the director of the Institute for Cell Engineering at Johns Hopkins. Right now, the biggest risk for developing Parkinson’s is advancing age, the average onset age is 60 years old. Genetics can also play a role, individuals with a parent or sibling who has been affected have approximately two times the chance of developing Parkinson’s disease as well. Exposures to farming chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides have also been linked to some cases.Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease has four main symptoms that doctors will look for before diagnosing someone with PD.-Tremors in the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
-Muscle stiffness.
-Slowness of movement
-Balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls.
Other symptoms of PD may include difficulty with swallowing, chewing, or even speaking. Urinary problems and constipation, depression, and skin problems. Symptoms and progression rates differ among individuals. Some people’s symptoms begin on one side of their body, or even on one limb on one side of the body. However, as the disease progresses, it will eventually affect both sides.
Treatments
There is no current cure for Parkinson’s disease. There are medicines, surgical treatments, and other therapies that can help relieve some of the symptoms that a person may be experiencing. Some medicines can help alleviate the symptoms by increasing the level of dopamine in the brain. Some medicines on the market will help control non-movement symptoms. There are other options for people with PD who do not respond well to medications, some doctors may suggest deep brain stimulation. Deep brain stimulation is performed during surgery where a doctor implants electrodes into each part of the brain and connects them to a small electrical device implanted in the chest. This procedure can sometimes help stop many of the movement-related symptoms of PD.Support
Progression with Parkinson’s is usually slow, though, eventually a person’s daily routine may be affected. Working, caring for a home, or participating in social activities may eventually become challenging for someone with PD. Going through these changes can be difficult, but support groups can often help people cope. Support groups can help provide information, advice, and connections to resources for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and their caregivers too.Sources
(n.d.). Parkinson's Disease Risk Factors and Causes. John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-disease-risk-factors-and-causes#:~:text=The%20biggest%20risk%20factor%20for,develop%20Parkinson's%20disease%20than%20women.
(n.d.). Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. National Institute on Aging. Retrieved March 28, 2023, from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease