Parkinson's disease (PD) is actually a progressive neurological disorder and closely related to the problems with movement. In our body, easy and coordinated movement of our hands and other parts of the body can be enabled by a substance called dopamine which is made in the brain. Dopamine is produced in a part of the brain called the "substantia nigra." In case of PD, the cells of the substantia nigra start to die. This further leads to reduced dopamine levels. When they have dropped 60 to 80 percent, symptoms of PD start to appear.
You would be surprised to know that there is no cure for PD. This disorder is chronic and worsens over time. In addition, the frightening fact is that more than 50,000 new cases are reported in the U.S each year. The Center of Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics reports that PD complications are the 14th major cause of death in the United States.
Causes
Till now there are no exact causes of Parkinson's disease known. It may have both genetic and environmental factors. Some experts believe that viruses can trigger PD as well. It is believed that low level of dopamine and norepinephrine, a substance that regulates dopamine has been associated with PD.
Risk Factors
Certain groups of people have an increased risk of PD. Men are one and a half times more likely to get PD than women. Whites are more likely to get PD than African-Americans or Asians.
Symptoms
Some of the early symptoms of PD are reduced ability to smell and constipation. The four major PD symptoms are:
- Tremor - shaking that occurs first
- Slow movements
- Stiffness or arms, legs, and trunk
- Problems with balance and tendency to fall
- blank facial expression
- a tendency to get stuck when walking
- small, cramped handwriting
- muffled, low-volume speech
- decreased blinking and swallowing
- tendency to fall backwards
- reduced arm swinging when walking
As there is no specific test for PD, diagnosis is done basis one's healthy history and a physical and neurological exam.
Treatment
The most important things to do are proper rest, exercise, and a balanced diet. Speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy can also help to improve communication and self-care. Surgical options are open for people who don't respond to medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. So are procedures such as deep brain stimulation (DBS). Before you go out and choose an option, it is advised to consult an expert.