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What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson’s disease develops as a result of the inability of nerves to carry signals within the brain. Normally a chemical called dopamine allows nerves in the brain that control movement to transmit signals to each other. As the cells that make dopamine die, Parkinson’s disease progresses. The cause of cell death leading to Parkinson’s disease remains a mystery although many theories have been put forward.

Symptom’s of Parkinson’s Disease

Before talking about the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it is important to understand that the disease progresses at a different rate in each person. Furthermore, most people do not experience the full range of symptoms.

The Primary Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include:

Tremor – Although a very common symptom, up to 25% of people with Parkinson’s disease experience a very slight tremor or none at all. It may be worse on one side of the body. It can effect the limbs as well the head, neck, face and jaw

Rigidity – Increased stiffness in the muscles leads to rigidity, especially during movement. A “mask-like” expression of the face is caused by rigidity in some Parkinson’s disease sufferers.

Bradykinesia – This term refers to slowness of movement. This is caused by the nerves in the brain being slow in transmitting the required instructions to the appropriate muscles. Therefore the afflicted person is slow to respond and slow to carry out tasks.

Poor Balance– Falls are often caused by a sudden change in position of the body after the muscle receives a message from the brain.

Walking Problems – People with Parkinson’s disease often use short, shuffling steps with reduced arm swings. Some may have sudden freezing spells due to a lapse in nerve transmission.

Medication

The primary problem in Parkinson’s disease is a lack of the chemical called dopamine. Therefore, most of the medications used to treat the condition are aimed at replacing this chemical.

Levodopa and Carbidopa

1. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain to replace the missing natural chemical. Carbidopa helps more levodopa get to the brain and reduces side effects.
2. These medications improve symptoms such as rigidity as well as slowness and coordination of movement. Overtime, as the disease progresses, larger doses and/or additional medications are usually necessary.
3. Side effects at the beginning of treatment may include nausea, dizziness, and loss of appetite. The doctor will usually start a dose at a low level and increase it as your body becomes accustomed to the medication.
4. Some people may develop involuntary movements called dyskinesias later in treatment. Hallucination may also occur later in Levodopa.

Parkinson’s Disease – Staying in Control

Each individual diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease is unique with respect to symptoms and progression of their condition. A person with Parkinson’s disease can optimize their treatment and quality of life by being and active participant in their care.

1. Regular Exercise according to recommendations made by a physiotherapist can keep you feeling better and help with your mobility, flexibility and balance.
2. Keeping track of medication effectiveness in terms of what worked well and what didn’t work well will help improve the design in future treatment plans. Always report unexpected side effects or ineffective treatment to you doctor so that your treatment plans may be optimized.

** Dispelling Myths About Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is not contagious and is not a normal part of aging.

Parkinson’s disease is and Alzheimer’s disease are two totally different medical conditions and having one does not put you at higher risk for the other.

Article By:- eHealthhut Webmaster
www.ehealthhut.com
2007-10-27