Parkinson’s disease is an illness that affects the part of your brain that controls your body movement. It can come on so slowly that might even not notice it initially. But over time what starts as a little shakiness in your hand can have an impact on how you walk, talk, sleep, and think.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder. The first signs are problems with movement. Parkinson’s disease is an age related degenerative brain condition meaning it causes parts of your brain to deteriorate.
Its best known for causing slowed movements, tremors, balance problems and more. Most cases are recorded for unknown reasons but some are inherited.
Stage of Parkinson’s Disease
Stage 1: Symptoms are seen on one side of the body only.
Stage 2: Symptoms are seen on both sides of the body. There is no impairment of balance.
Stage 3: Balance impairment has begun. In this mild to moderate stage of the disease the person is still physically independent.
Stage 4: This stage is marked by severe disability but the person is still able to walk or stand unassisted.
Stage 5: The person requires a wheelchair or bedridden unless assisted.
Causes
• Head trauma
• Age: The condition often appears from the ages of 60 years.
• Sex: PD affects more men than women
• Genetics
• Working with heavy metals
• Alcohol and caffeine consumption
• Environmental factors
• Smoking
• Lifestyle factors
• Toxin exposure
Risk factors
• Head injuries
• Genetics
• Age: After 60 year
• Gender
• Pesticide exposure
• Coffee and smoking
• Fungicide and Herbicide exposure
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Some of the early symptoms of Parkinson’s can begin several years before motor problems develop. These earliest signs include:
• Constipation
• Anosmia ( decreased ability to smell)
• Voice changes
• stooped posture
Secondary symptoms include:
• Low volume speech
• Decreased blinking
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Blank facial expression
• Parkinson’s gait
• Reduce arm swinging when walking
The four major motor problems seen are:
• Stiffness of arms, leg and trunk
• Tremor
• Slow movements
• Problems with balance and tendency to fall
Other symptoms
• Anxiety
• Hallucination
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Problems with attention
• Sleep disturbance
• Seborrhea dermatitis
• Increased risk of melanoma
• Difficulty with visual- spatial relationships
Diagnosis
• Physical exam
• Medical history
• Blood and lab tests
• MRI
• CT Scan
• Dopamine transporter(DAT)
• Neurological exam
• Emission computed tomography (SPECT)
Treatment
Treatment for Parkinson’s relies on a combination of:
• Lifestyle changes
• Therapies
• Medications
• Adequate rest
• Healthy diet
• Speech and Physical therapy
• Exercise
Drugs and medications
Dopamine agonists: Dopamine agonists can imitate the action of dopamine in the brain.
Levodopa: Levodopa is the most common treatment for Parkinson’s. It help to replenish dopamine.
Amantadine: Amantadine (Symmetrel) can be used along with carbidopa levodopa.
Anticholinergics: Anticholinergic are used to block parasympathetic nervous system. They can help with rigidity.
MAO-B inhibitors
• Some narcotics
• Ciprofloxacin
• Antidepressants
COMTS inhibitors: Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors.
Parkinson’s surgery
Surgical intervention are reserved for people who do not respond to medication, lifestyle changes and therapy.
Two primary types of surgery are used to treat Parkinson’s:
• Pump delivered therapy
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Complications
• Pneumonia
• Anxiety
• Psychosis
• Depression
• Cardiac dysautonomia
• Heart failure, arterial hypertension
• Gastrointestinal malfunction
• Sexual dysfunction
• Tear abnormalities
• Thermoregulatory aberrance
• Urinary abnormalities
• Impulse control disorders
Preventions
• Regular exercise
• Healthy diet
• Avoid smoke and alcohol
• Avoid head trauma
• Avoiding toxin
• Managing stress
• Getting enough sleep
