Parkinson’s disease is a central nervous system disorder that can greatly affect a person’s life in numerous ways. As a common degenerative disorder, it has the potential to disrupt many bodily functions including an individual’s movement, speech, and even their thoughts. It’s also commonly mistaken for many other disorders in its initial stages because it can affect many different parts of the body. There are so far no cures for Parkinson’s disease and it affects millions of people every year. Although it’s more common in the elderly, no age group is spared. While new advancements in medical technology have allowed for a quicker diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, there are still many aspects of this disorder that are still a mystery to doctors. Knowing the following causes, symptoms, and treatment options for Parkinson’s disease are key to improving one’s lifestyle.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease
While the main cause of Parkinson’s disease has yet to be discovered, researchers know that the loss or damage of nerve cells in the brain contribute to this condition. They’ve been able to identify an area of the brain that is partially responsible for the degenerative process. This is known as the substantia nigra. A chemical that is necessary for proper movement of the body, becomes depleted in this location when nerve cells die.
Researchers are still unsure why nerve cells in this location of the brain die, but evidence to support different possible causes continues to be found everywhere. For example, over the past twenty years, more and more evidence of a genetic link has been discovered. Mutations in certain genes that are passed down from parents to children have been identified as a cause of Parkinson’s disease. Pesticides and head injuries may also play a role in the development of this disease. Age has been well-established as a risk factor as well, as it’s common for symptoms to first start in most individuals once they reach an older age.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s symptoms can start at any time, but in most people, they start very slowly and get worse as time goes on. The range of symptoms that Parkinson’s sufferers may experience varies widely. Shaking or having tremors throughout the body while resting is the most common symptom. This is particularly noticeable in the limbs. Other symptoms may include rigid or slow movement, difficulty with standing or keeping a straight posture, trouble when talking, restless sleep, fatigue, and dizziness.
In some cases, sufferers can experience dysphagia as well, which means having difficulty when swallowing food or liquids. Mental symptoms can include changes in behavior, depression, and trouble concentrating. Dementia can often occur in more severe cases, particularly in elderly individuals. While the symptoms mentioned are some of the most common, there are many other symptoms associated with Parkinson’s and many factors that can contribute to these. Age, genetics, overall health, and other factors can all affect the severity and types of symptoms seen.
Treatment and Living With Parkinson's
Living with Parkinson’s disease can be very difficult, but milder cases are often manageable. Physiotherapy and occupational therapy are two types of therapy that can be very beneficial. Physiotherapy is exercise and repeated movements that are intended to help sufferers with their overall mobility. Occupational therapy is focused on improving an individual’s ability and skill at doing specific things, such as putting on a shirt or combing one’s hair. Medication is a common option and will be chosen based on how a person is handling their disease.
When a person’s symptoms are not responding to medications, surgery is sometimes the next best option. Deep brain stimulation is the most common type of surgery in severe cases. This involves sending electrical impulses to different parts of the brain in order to stimulate the nerves in the body. The goal of this type of surgical procedure is to improve body movements which may be affected by Parkinson’s disease.
Renewed Hope for Parkinson’s Sufferers
Parkinson’s disease has earned its reputation as a major life-disrupting disorder in those who suffer from it. However, with proper management, lifestyle changes, and various treatments, many of those afflicted by it are finding ways to improve their overall quality of life. With medical breakthroughs now happening in healthcare on an almost daily basis, there’s little doubt that even more improvements in therapies lie just on the horizon.