Parkinson's Disease:
Parkinson's
disease is a long-term degenerative disorder, which leads to progressive
deterioration of motor function due to loss of dopamine producing
brain cells. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but researchers
speculate that both genetic and environmental factors are involved. Some genes
have been linked to the disease. There is also an
increased risk in people exposed to certain pesticides and among
those who have had prior head injuries, while there is a
reduced risk in tobacco smokers and those who
drink coffee or tea.
Several staging systems for
Parkinson’s disease exist depending upon the organization that treats and
researches the disease. The Parkinson’s Foundations supports five stages.
Stage 1: Symptoms are mild and do not interfere with the person’s
quality of life.
Stage 2: Symptoms worsen and daily activities
become more difficult for the individual and take more time to complete.
Stage 3: This stage is considered as mid-stage Parkinson’s disease.
The individual loses balance, moves more slowly, and falls are common. Symptoms
deteriorate daily activities, for example, dressing, eating, and brushing teeth.
Stage 4: Symptoms become severe in this stage and the individual
needs an external help for performing daily chores.
Stage 5: This is the most advanced stage of
Parkinson’s disease. The individual is unable to stand or walk and will need
full time assistance with living.
Causes:
In
most individuals, Parkinson's disease arises suddenly with no
known cause. Studies show that caused by
both genetic and environmental factors. By studying families with
hereditary Parkinson's disease, scientists have identified several genes that are
associated with the disorder. Studying these genes helps understand the cause
of Parkinson's disease and may lead to new therapies. So far, five genes have
been identified that are definitively associated with Parkinson's disease.
They
are:
1. SNCA (synuclein, alpha non A4
component of amyloid precursor):
SNCA makes the protein alpha-synuclein. In brain cells of individuals with
Parkinson's disease, this protein aggregates in clumps called Lewy bodies.
Mutations in the SNCA gene are found in early-onset Parkinson's disease.
- PARK2 (Parkinson's
disease autosomal recessive, juvenile 2): The PARK2 gene makes the protein parkin. Mutations of
the PARK2 gene are mostly found in individuals with juvenile Parkinson's
disease. Parkin normally helps cells break down and recycle proteins.
- PARK7 (Parkinson's
disease autosomal recessive, early onset 7): PARK7 mutations are found in early-onset Parkinson's
disease. The PARK7 gene makes the DJ-1 protein, which may protect cells
from oxidative stress.
- PINK1 (PTEN-induced
putative kinase 1):
Mutations of this gene are found in early-onset Parkinson's disease. The
exact function of the protein made by PINK1 is not known, but it may
protect structures within the cell called mitochondria from stress.
- LRRK2 (leucine-rich
repeat kinase 2): LRRK2
makes the protein dardarin. Mutations in the LRRK2 gene have been linked
to late-onset Parkinson's disease.
Several other chromosome regions and
the genes GBA (glucosidase beta acid), SNCAIP (synuclein alpha
interacting protein), and UCHL1 (ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal esterase L1) may also be linked
to Parkinson's disease.
Symptoms:
The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
include
1.
Tremors: Trembling in fingers, hands,
arms, feet, legs, jaw, or head. Tremors most often
occur while the individual is resting, but not while involved in a task. Tremors may worsen
when an individual is excited, tired, or stressed.
- Rigidity: Stiffness of the limbs
and trunk, which may increase during movement. Rigidity may produce muscle
aches and pain.
Loss of fine hand movements can lead to cramped handwriting (micrographia)
and individual may face difficulty in eating.
- Bradykinesia: Voluntary
movement tends to slow down. Over time, it may become difficult to
initiate movement and to complete movement. Bradykinesia together with
stiffness can also affect the facial muscles and result in an
expressionless, "mask-like" appearance.
- Postural instability: Weakened
or lost reflexes can make it difficult to adjust posture to maintain
balance. Postural instability may lead to falls.
- Parkinsonian gait: Individuals
with more progressive Parkinson's disease develop a distinctive shuffling
walk with a stooped position and a diminished or absent arm swing. It may
become difficult to stand or walk and to make turns. Individuals may
freeze in mid-stride and appear to fall forward while walking.
While the main symptoms of
Parkinson's disease are movement-related, progressive loss of muscle control
and continued damage to the brain can lead to secondary symptoms. These vary in
severity, and not every individual will experience all of them. Some of the
secondary symptoms include:
1.
Anxiety,
insecurity, and stress
2. Confusion, memory loss,
and dementia (more common
in elderly individuals)
3.
Constipation
4.
Depression
5.
Difficulty
swallowing and excessive salivation
6.
Diminished sense of smell
7.
Increased sweating
8.
Male erectile
dysfunction
9.
Skin problems
10. Slowed, quieter speech, and monotone
voice
11.
Frequent urination
Healthy Brain vs Parkinson's Disease Brain
Cure:
There
is no cure known for Parkinson’s disease. It can only controlled. Treatment
helps in increasing the dopamine level.
1. Medications:
a. Dopamine promoter: Stimulates dopamine receptors in the brain.
b. Antidepressant: Prevents or relieves depression and elevates mood.
c. Cognition-enhancing medication: Improves mental function, lowers blood pressure and may
balance mood.
d. Anti-Tremor: Helps control tremor, shaking and unsteadiness.
2.
Self-care:
a. Physical exercise: Aerobic activity for 20–30 minutes
5 days a week improves cardiovascular health. If injured, pursuing an activity
that avoids the injured muscle group or joint can help maintain physical
function while recovering.
3.
Specialists:
a. Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders.
b. Physical Medicine and
Rehabilitation:
Restores function and quality of life to those with physical disabilities.
c. Speech therapist: Specializes in voice
rehabilitation.
d. Primary
Care Provider (PCP): Prevents,
diagnoses and treats diseases.
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