Parkinson's disease is a neurodegenerative condition which means that brain is deteriorating. This is taking place in the basal ganglia the motor control center. The cells become damaged and this continues to degrade the brain which is incurable. This produces lower levels of dopamine. Five to ten percent of the time this happens due to genetics the other ninety to ninety-five percent of the time the reason is idiopathic or unknown cause of the disease.(Mayo Clinic, 2013) The risk of getting Parkinson's disease increases if you have a family member with Parkinson’s disease.
The symptoms for Parkinson’s disease start with shaky hands, increase in anxiety and depression. Changes in sleep are also known to occur. As well as acting our your dreams like yelling and punching during sleep. People with PD or Parkinson's disease may experience Shaky hands or tremor at rest is best described as pill rolling tremor. (What is Parkinson's, 2024) Other types of tremor are known to occur. Slowness and paucity of movement called bradykinesia and hypokinesia are known to occur. Limb stiffness and rigidity, gait, and balance problems or postural instability are another series of symptoms. The non motor symptoms include depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipations, orthostatic hypotension, sleep disorders, loss of sense of smell, and a variety of cognitive impairments.
Medication and other therapies like an electric type of stimulation. Dopaminergic medications like Levodopa/carbidopa increase the amount of dopamine in the brain. Anticholinergics to reduce involuntary muscle movement. Diet and exercise are extremely important to maintaining mobility and well being. Other treatments include deep brain stimulation Rehabilitation like physiotherapy can offer relief and help with strength training, gait and balance training, and hydrotherapy.(Parkinson disease, 2023) These treatments are intended to help reduce strain on carers and help improve functioning and quality of life. Research has lead to identifying biomarkers for more tailored and personalized treatment plans. Currently there is no cure to the progression of the disease.
Citation:
[Mayo Clinic]. (2013, September 10). Parkinson's Disease Overview [Video]. Youtube.com. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rPkoFWuoWs
World Health Organization. (2023, August 9). Parkinson disease. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/parkinson-disease parkinson.org. (n.d.). What is parkinson’s? Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons