What Is Parkinson’s Disease

 

WHAT IS PARKINSON’S DISEASE

 

 

Parkinson’s disease is a severe chronic and progressive neurological illness that causes problems with movement control. It is named after Dr. James Parkinson, who reported the illness for the first time in 1817. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration and malfunctioning of specific nerve cells in the brain, particularly those that make dopamine, a chemical messenger that transmits impulses that coordinate movement.

Parkinson’s disease impacts each person differently, and the severity of the symptoms varies. Individuals with Parkinson’s disease may exhibit non-motor symptoms such as cognitive abnormalities, emotional disorders, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction in addition to movement-related symptoms.

 

PARKINSON’S DISEASE CAUSES:

The underlying disease can influence the causes of Parkinsonism. Parkinson’s disease is the most prevalent cause, which is caused by a loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. Other factors include:

Medications: 

Certain medicines used to treat psychiatric illnesses (antipsychotics) or nausea (metoclopramide) might cause Parkinsonian symptoms.

Toxins: 

Certain toxins, such as heavy metals (such as lead or manganese) or carbon monoxide, can cause Parkinsonism.

Vascular parkinsonism: 

This type of parkinsonism is brought on by a reduction in blood supply to the brain.

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP): 

PSP is a rare neurodegenerative illness in which aberrant proteins accumulate in the brain, resulting in Parkinsonian symptoms.

Lewy body dementia (LBD): 

LBD is a degenerative form of dementia characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain known as Lewy bodies.

 

PARKINSON’S DISEASE SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

The following are the signs and symptoms of Parkinsonism:

1. Bradykinesia:  Slow movement and difficulty starting movements.

2. Rigidity: Limb and muscle stiffness and resistance to movement.

3. Tremors: Involuntary shaking or trembling that usually begins in the hands.

4. Postural instability: Impaired balance and coordination.

5. Walking gait abnormalities: shuffling, short steps, and decreased arm swinging.

6. Mask-like facial expressions: Fewer facial expressions and no spontaneous blinking.

7. Speech and swallowing problems: Soft or slurred speech and swallowing problems.

8. Cognitive changes: including difficulty with memory, attention, and executive functioning in some circumstances.

 

 

 

PARKINSON’S DISEASE DIAGNOSIS:

A full evaluation by a medical specialist, the following steps may be taken during the process:

1. Medical history: 

The doctor will enquire about the patient’s symptoms, and how they have progressed over time.

2. Physical examination: 

The doctor will do a comprehensive neurological examination to evaluate the muscle tone, motor reflexes, balance, and coordination

3. Imaging tests:

MRI or CT scans may be used to rule out other possible causes of Parkinsonism and to look for structural issues in the brain.

4. Dopamine transporter imaging:

Dopamine transporter (DAT) imaging, is a specialized imaging technique that can be used to examine dopamine function in the brain and help identify Parkinson’s disease from alternative causes of Parkinsonism.

 5. Blood tests:

Blood tests can be performed to look for specific genetic markers or to rule out other illnesses.

6. Medication response:

In some situations, the doctor may recommend a trial of dopaminergic medication (levodopa) to see if the patient’s symptoms improve.

 

PARKINSON’S DISEASE TREATMENT:

The treatment’s key goals are to control symptoms, improve quality of life, and reduce functional restrictions. Among the therapy options are:

 

 

 

1. Drugs: Dopaminergic drugs like levodopa can assist in replacing dopamine levels in the brain and relieve motor symptoms. Other drugs, such as tremors, rigidity, and gait issues.

2. Physical therapy and exercise programs: Physiotherapy and exercise can aid in the improvement of muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and overall mobility.

3. Occupational therapy: To improve activities by treating fine motor skills, coordination, and self-care chores challenges.

4. Speech therapy: Speech and feeding exercises can assist in managing speech and swallowing issues.

5. Deep brain stimulation (DBS): It requires inserting electrodes into certain parts of the brain to transmit electrical impulses that help relieve motor complaints.

 

PARKINSON’S DISEASE PREVENTION:

Parkinsonism prevention is heavily influenced by the underlying causes. There are, however, certain general lifestyle changes that may help minimize the likelihood of developing parkinsonism or postpone its progression:

1. Exercise regularly

2. Eat a well-balanced diet

3. Avoid or reduce toxin exposure

4. Follow medication guidelines

It is critical to seek the advice of a healthcare professional for a personalized evaluation, treatment plan, and prevention techniques based on specific circumstances.

 

CONCLUSION:

The goal of Parkinsonism treatment is to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medication, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and, in certain situations, deep-brain stimulation surgery may be included.

While it may not be able to prevent all causes of parkinsonism, living a healthy lifestyle, getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, avoiding pollutants, and according to medication restrictions may help lower the risk or postpone the advancement of Parkinsonism.