The nervous system controls a vast range of body functions, including movement. Diseases of the nervous system can affect any of the functions it controls. Parkinson’s disease is an ailment that affects the nervous system’s ability to control movement.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
When Parkinson’s disease is present, nerve cells in the brain start to break down. Many of the symptoms of the disease are thought to be caused by a loss of the cells that produce the chemical messenger that is called dopamine. Lower levels of dopamine lead to uneven brain activity. This causes the various problems and symptoms that Parkinson’s disease produces. The disease also affects the production of another chemical messenger called norepinephrine which controls many involuntary functions such as blood pressure. These changes to the brain’s chemistry are more likely to develop with age. Various changes to the brain’s chemistry are thought to increase the risk of developing the disease and a great deal of research is ongoing to better understand the causes of Parkinson’s disease.
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While the specific causes of the disease have not yet been established, several factors appear to play a role in its onset. These include:
- Genetic Factors: The onset of the disease appears to be more common in families with a history of the ailment.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins, both environmental and ingested, is thought to increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease developing. Illegal drug use may also result in the development of the disease.
- For reasons that are not yet clear, men are more likely to develop the disease than women.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
The symptoms and their severity vary from patient to patient. In the early stages, they are usually mild and are often not noticed or passed off as a momentary muscle or nerve spasm that is of no consequence. However, the symptoms gradually increase over time in both range and severity. Because the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are similar to those of other disorders, it is vital to ensure an accurate diagnosis before starting any treatment. Although Parkinson’s disease cannot, as of now, be cured, it can be controlled and managed. Any delay in beginning treatment (due to ignoring the symptoms or because of misdiagnosis) could reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.
The symptoms of the disease often first affect one side of the body before spreading to the other side. Symptoms are also often worse on one side than on the other. The symptoms may include, but are not limited to:
- Tremors: These usually first appear in the hands and fingers, but occasionally they start in the foot or jaw. Besides the usual shaking, the thumb and forefinger may unconsciously rub against each other – this is called a pill-rolling tremor. The severity of the tremors can vary depending on what task or movement the body is doing.
- Slow Movements: The speed of movement may reduce, so even simple tasks become difficult and take longer. Standing up, getting dressed and other normal tasks become harder to do.
- Stiff Muscles: The muscles in any part of the body start to become rigid and tense, making movements short and jerky.
- Lack of Expression: The facial muscles become affected so expressions are reduced.
- Posture Changes: The body may develop a stoop.
- Loss of Balance: The tendency to fall increases.
- Loss of Automatic Movements: Movements that are done without conscious thought such as smiling, swinging arms while walking, etc. may be affected.
- Speech Changes: The voice may change and the clarity of expression will be affected.
- Handwriting Changes: The ability to write and sign one’s name will be impacted.
- Neurological Changes: Parkinson’s disease may cause depression, anxiety, insomnia and other neurological changes. Memory loss and changes to the logical thought process may also start to show.
Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis
There is no specific test available as of now to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. A neurologist will make a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease based on a review of the patient’s medical history, a study of the symptoms and various neurological and physical examinations and tests which although not specifically designed for Parkinson’s disease, can help support an accurate diagnosis. Blood tests, imaging tests, scans and ultrasound may be used to rule out other ailments and to identify any factors that may be contributing to the presence of the disease.
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Parkinson’s Disease Treatment
As already stated, there is no cure for the ailment. However, various medications can be prescribed to help manage the symptoms. If, over time, the medicines become less effective, surgery may be advised. Physical therapy with focus on balance, movement and speech can also help in the mitigation of the effects of the disease. Only a neurologist will be able to decide on which of the wide range of medications available should be used and also on when, and if, surgery is required. A common procedure is deep brain stimulation where electrodes are placed in the brain to send out electrical pulses that may reduce the range and severity of the symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease is a serious condition that can affect a person both mentally and physically and cause a major reduction in the quality of life and the ability to function independently. While there is no cure for the condition, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the patient’s life and ability to function independently. Diagnosing and managing Parkinson’s disease are very complex procedures. This should be done only at a hospital with a neurology department that has both the most modern medical and diagnostic equipment and technology and the best neurologists to interpret the diagnostic results and manage the treatment. A multispecialty hospital is the preferred option because if other medical conditions are affecting the disease, these can also be diagnosed and treated at the same location, which is better for both patients and caregivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parkinson’s disease?
It’s a neurological disorder that affects movement due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
While the exact cause is unclear, genetic factors, environmental toxins, and aging contribute to the loss of dopamine-producing cells.
What are the common symptoms?
Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, stiff muscles, reduced facial expressions, balance problems, and changes in speech and handwriting.
How is it diagnosed?
A neurologist diagnoses Parkinson’s by reviewing medical history, observing symptoms, and using tests like imaging to rule out other conditions.
How is Parkinson’s disease treated?
There’s no cure, but treatments such as medications, deep brain stimulation, and physical therapy can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.