Parkinson's Disease FAQ

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Parkinson's Disease is due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Parkinson's is a condition that results in motor system disorders. As the disease begins, symptoms such as tremors in the limbs and face, stiffness of limbs, slowness in movement, and impaired coordination when walking become apparent. As the disease advances, symptoms become worse. It may get to a point where walking becomes difficult, and performing simple, everyday tasks becomes frustrating to complete.

Symptoms

• A person who suffers from Parkinson's may have tell tale signs such as tremors in the beginning stages; it may take months or years before other Parkinson's symptoms begin to manifest themselves. A condition known as bradykinesia will eventually inhibit the quick walking movements to which one is accustomed. Instead, steps will become slower, or feet may have to be shuffled in order to walk. According to the Mayo Clinic, bradykinesia can also make it feel as if the feet are frozen to the ground. Other symptoms include stiff muscles( to the point of limiting range of motion), the inability to blink, altered speech and dementia.

Causes

• The exact cause of Parkinson's is still unknown; it is possible that genetic mutations within our genes or environmental toxins could contribute to the disease. Parkinson's contributes to a lack of dopamine, a chemical responsible for relaying signals to our brain. When we lose dopamine, nerve cells in our brain function erratically, making it harder to direct or control our movements.

Factors

• Factors such as heredity can play a role in Parkinson's. The Mayo Clinic states that "having one or more close relative increases your risk of developing the disease." However, even if heredity plays a role, the chances of developing Parkinson's is less than 5 percent. People over the age of 50 usually have a higher rate of developing Parkinson's, though people who are middle aged can also develop the disease; men are more likely to get the disease than women.

Treatment

• Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson's. However, there are various medications used in the treatment of Parkinson's, such as the combination of levodopa and carbidopa, which help in the production of dopamine. When symptoms do not respond to medication, surgery may be necessary. A procedure known as deep brain stimulation implants electrodes into the brain that are connected to an externally programmed device known as a pulse generator, which can be used to minimize symptoms such as tremors and slow movements.

Seeking Help

• Parkinson's is a long term disease. If you begin to experience symptoms associated with Parkinson's, seek medical advice in order to get a proper diagnosis. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the chances for not only managing symptoms but delaying the worst symptoms for many years.

Complications

• Parkinson's can contribute to other conditions. Depression is a common illness that is present before Parkinson's begins to manifest. Sleep often becomes disturbed, with frequent night awakenings, trouble falling asleep at night, or a condition known as sleep onset (where you frequently fall asleep) during the day. Chewing and swallowing will become more difficult as the disease progresses, as will urinary incontinence or the inability to urinate. Constipation and sexual dysfunction are also symptoms of the disease.