Introduction
Parkinson’s disease is grouped under movement disorders. This group comprises of disorders that relate to various unusual body movements. In addition, these odd movements are linked to the neurological system. For example, conditions such as ataxia, cerebral palsy and Tourette syndrome fall under this category.
Parkinson’s disease refers to a progressive disorder of the nervous system which influences an individual’s movement, writing and speech (Simuni, 2009). This infection is characterized by symptoms that develop in a gradual manner, and may start as a slight tremor of the hand. The disease is also associated with stiffness of muscles which limits rapid movement, a condition described as bradykinesia. The disease weakens the muscles of individuals which makes them assume an odd posture. This disease is evident in individuals as after attaining the age of fifty years and above. Parkinson’s disease is sporadic in nature to a large extent. Thus, it entails permanent and spontaneous alterations in the sequence of a nucleotide. In addition, the sporadic changes are associated with unknown phenotypic factors that work in combination with the defects present in genes. Notably; about 500,000 persons in America suffer from the Parkinson’s disease (Simuni, 2009).
Causes of the disease
The disease occurs when the brain cells degenerate in the substantia nigra, a movement regulatory center of the brain. Destruction of cells in this region of the brain causes a symptoms cluster referred to as “Parkinsonism.” The appearance of Lewy bodies in the degenerating cells of the brain helps to detect and recognize the disease (Friedman, 2008). With no negral cell destruction, the disorder is named as Parkinson’s disease or idiopathic Parkinsonism. The disease develops when dopamine secretion is not sufficient to enhance stimulations in corpus strata. Consequently, there is malfunctioning of the strata. The walking movement patterns, writing and reaching objects including other basic operations get impaired. Researchers propose that initial exposure to an unknown virus or toxin in the environment stimulates cell death in the negral region (Friedman, 2008). The cell degeneration worsens as an individual grows. This explains the late occurrence of the disease in an individual at a point believed to have fewer cells that do not meet the movement threshold. Further, genetically; some individuals are born having smaller numbers of negral cells than others. Ultimately, such persons may develop Parkinson’s disease as a result of normal decline.
Affected population
The rate of occurrence of the disease is higher among the Asians, as opposed to that of whites. The rate remains constant regardless of whether the whites are of Hispanic or non-Hispanic origin (Friedman, 2008). Also, the incidence of the disease among blacks is anticipated to be lower than among the population of non-Hispanic Whites. The differences in incidence rates are attributed to variations in exposures and characteristics of the populations. The disease occurs at age of 50years and above.
Symptoms
The Parkinson’s disease has many symptoms. Firstly, the disease is associated with tremors. The tremors are observed initially in the hands, usually developing progressively from one side towards the other (Friedman, 2008). Secondly, slow movements follow (bradykinesia). In addition, during movements, freezing terminates progressive walking (akinesia). Thirdly, muscles develop stiffness and rigidity that replaces normal motion with jerky movements. Consequently, body balance and posture become unstable. Individuals are forced to assume shuffling gaits in order to avoid falling. Often, the people affected portray a masked face, reduced eye –blinks and hardly any facial expression. Similarly, speech changes, constipation, handwriting changes, restlessness, depression, emotional changes, incontinence and dementia result (Simuni, 2009).
Treatment options
Parkinson’s disease lacks a known effective cure. However, the available drugs have been tested and found ineffective. The drugs only treat the disease’s symptoms. For example, selegiline decreases cellular degeneration in the substantia nigra (Friedman, 2008).
Additionally, there are several preventive measures that can be adopted to reduce chances of suffering from the disease. Exercises promote motor function and reduce the need for drugs and treatment for an individual with the disease. Exercising is necessary in enhancing motion, reducing stiffness, stimulating appetite and increasing circulation.
Similarly, good nutrition is necessary in maintaining the health status of an individual. Persons with PD have a lower appetite, mainly due to depression. The individuals with the disease need to reduce the quantity of proteins that they consume. Decreasing protein intake enhances uptake of L-dopa, a major drug employed in the treatment of the disease (Simuni, 2009).
Pharmacologically, Parkinson’s treatment is complex. There is a range of clinical drugs that are effective in the treatment of the disease (Simuni, 2009). The effectiveness of drugs administered in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease varies with disease progression, length of drug use and patient. There are notable effects that are closely linked to the dosage levels, and they may necessitate the introduction of counteractive drugs to contain the patient’s condition. For example, L-dopa has symptoms that include vomiting, nausea, reduced blood pressure and dizziness. Also, surgery is used administering treatment for the Parkinson’s disease. The globus pallidus is electrically stimulated in one of the surgical procedures. The surgical operations improve symptoms associated with the motor.
Prognosis
The disease has a unique prognosis. There is a progressive worsening of symptoms that are associated with the disease. At chronic stages; drug therapy becomes less effective in treating the symptoms. The disease predisposes individuals to physical impairments and premature death especially at the age of forty-four years. However, the disease is never fatal.
Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease is never fatal. The individuals suffering from the disease can live a comfortable life for many years. In addition, the preventive and available treatment options if well adhered to can increase the life span of the affected persons. Therefore, it is important to give the people suffering from the disease moral support in order to enjoy their lives.
References
Friedman, J. H. (2008). Making the connection between brain and behavior: Coping with Parkinson's disease. New York, NY: Demos Health.
Parkinson's disease: Diagnosis and clinical management. (2008). New York: Demos.
Simuni, T., & Pahwa, R. (2009). Parkinson's disease. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Solvay Pharmaceuticals Conference on Parkinson's Disease, R., & Scharrenburg, G. J. (2002).Parkinson's disease. Amsterdam: IOS Press.
