Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. While tremors are the most well-known sign of Parkinson’s disease, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of movement.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person, but they may include:
- Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often the hand or fingers.
- Bradykinesia (slowed movement): Over time, Parkinson’s disease may slow movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming.
- Muscle stiffness: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of the body. The stiff muscles can be painful and limit the range of motion.
- Impaired posture and balance: Posture may become stooped, or there may be balance problems as a result of Parkinson’s disease.
- Loss of automatic movements: You may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling, or swinging your arms when you walk.
- Speech changes: You may speak softly, quickly, slur, or hesitate before talking.
- Writing changes: It may become hard to write, and your writing may appear small.
Causes
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role, including:
- Genetics Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson’s disease. However, these are uncommon except in rare cases with many family members affected by Parkinson’s disease.
- Environmental triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of later Parkinson’s disease, but the risk is relatively small.
- Lewy bodies: Clumps of specific substances within brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson’s disease. These are called Lewy bodies, and researchers believe they hold an important clue to the cause of Parkinson’s disease.
- Alpha-synuclein found within Lewy bodies: Although many substances are found within Lewy bodies, scientists believe an important one is the natural and widespread protein called alpha-synuclein (a-synuclein). It is found in all Lewy bodies in a clumped form that cells can’t break down.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for Parkinson’s disease include:
- Age: Young adults rarely experience Parkinson’s disease. It ordinarily begins in middle or late life, and the risk increases with age.
- Heredity: – Having a close relative with Parkinson’s disease increases the chances that you’ll develop the disease.
- Sex: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.
- Exposure to toxins: Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides may put you at a slightly increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Complications
Parkinson’s disease is often accompanied by these additional problems, which may be treatable:
- Thinking difficulties: Cognitive problems (dementia) and thinking difficulties usually occur in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease.
- Depression and emotional changes: You may experience depression, sometimes in the very early stages.
- Swallowing problems: As your condition progresses, you may develop difficulties with swallowing.
- Chewing and eating problems: Advanced Parkinson’s disease affects the muscles in your mouth, making chewing difficult.
- Sleep problems and sleep disorders: People with Parkinson’s disease often have sleep problems, including waking up frequently throughout the night, waking up early, or falling asleep during the day.
- Bladder problems: Parkinson’s disease may cause bladder problems, including being unable to control urine or having difficulty urinating.
- Constipation: Many people with Parkinson’s disease develop constipation due to a slower digestive tract.
Treatment
While Parkinson’s disease can’t be cured, medications can help control symptoms, often dramatically. In some cases, surgery may be advised. Treatments include:
Medicines
- Surgical treatment: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure used to treat several disabling neurological symptoms.
- Lifestyle changes: Regular aerobic exercise can help. Also, a balanced diet is crucial for general well-being.
- Supportive therapies: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can help manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it is important to consult a healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
