Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder which afflicts approximately four to six million people all over the world and the14th leading cause of death in the United States, with 50,000 to 60,000 cases being diagnosed each year. Furthermore, it is estimated that there are around one million individuals with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a brain and motor system disorder which is the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
The four main motor symptoms of Parkinson’s are “shaking or tremor at rest, slowness of movement called bradykinesia, stiffness or rigidity of the arms, legs or trunk, trouble with balance and falls, also called postural instability”. Aside from these four main symptoms, a person with the disease may also exhibit other symptoms such as micrographia, which is small, cramped handwriting; arm swing reduction and slight foot drag on the affected side; being “stuck in place” when attempting to walk which is also known as freezing; hypomimia, which is a loss of facial expression because of the rigidness of the muscles in the face; hypophonia, which is low volume of voice or muffled speech; retropulsion, which is the tendency to fall backwards; and decrease in the capability to execute automatic reflexes such as blinking and swallowing. Persons with Parkinson’s may also experience depression, anxiety, hallucinations, sleep disturbance, constipation and pain.
The lack of dopamine in patients with Parkinson’s causes the symptoms which are movement-related. Although the other causes of Parkinson’s are not yet known, some researchers have pointed to genetic mutations as one of the factors which may cause the disease. There are however rare cases where several members of the family are afflicted with the disorder. Another possible cause of Parkinson is environmental triggers such as exposure to some toxins found in herbicides and pesticides. The risk factors for Parkinson’s disease are age, heredity, sex and exposure to toxins. Usually the disease occurs in males who are in the middle or late life and who may have many relatives with Parkinson’s.
There are several complications of Parkinson’s which may occur in patients with the disorder. Among these complications are thinking difficulties, depression and emotional changes, sleep problems and disorders, bladder problems, constipation and sexual dysfunction.
Parkinson’s disease has not cure. What can be done only is to control the symptoms through medication. Medications which may be prescribed by the doctors are Carbidopa-levodopa (Parcopa). Levodopa, is a natural chemical drug which passes into the brain and is converted to dopamine. The patient may however experience some side effects like nausea, a drop in blood pressure and involuntary movements called dyskinesia. Another drug is the dopamine agonists which do not change into dopamine but its effects last longer. Other medications are MAO B inhibitors, Catechol O- methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, anticholinergics, and amantadine.
Aside from medications, doctors suggest that persons with Parkinson’s should take on some lifestyle changes such as engaging in aerobics exercises, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Some surgical procedures have been given to persons with Parkinson’s like the deep brain simulation but this procedure is risky because of the possibility of infection, stroke or hemorrhage.
Being a chronic and progressive disease, Parkinson’s is a complicated disorder. Its causes, prevention and cure are still a big question for medical practitioners. But with the current treatment available and the support of family and friends, the disease may be easier to confront.
Works Cited
Mayo Clinic. "Parkinson's disease." 11 May 2012. mayoclinic.com. Web. 13 December 2012
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "What is Parkinson's disease?" 11 December 2012. ninds.nih.gov. Web. 13 December 2012
National Parkinson Foundation. "How is PD treated?" 2012. parkinson.org. Web.13 December 2012
—. "Parkinson's disease overview." 2012. parkinson.org. Web. 13 December 2012
—. "What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?" 2012. parkinson.org. Web.13 December 2012
