Parkinson’s Disease is a debilitating illness. It attacks the brain and affects a person’s neurological abilities – making it difficult to do everyday activities like walking, writing and even talking.
Parkinson’s Disease is caused by the death of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The cells normally produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the brain to help the body’s muscles move in an efficient and coordinated way.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s start to appear when about 80 per cent of the dopamine-producing cells have been damaged and the brain is unable to function properly. Levels of dopamine will continue to fall.
Exactly why the nerve cells die is not known, but it’s probably caused by a combination of environmental (cell death caused by toxins like pesticides) and genetic factors. Scientists have discovered nine genes so far that are linked to Parkinson’s, especially the parkin gene which is also linked to the rare instances when Parkinson’s runs in the family and when it affects the young.
Symptoms
A lack of dopamine in the brain causes these key signs of Parkinson’s Disease. Since the symptoms develop slowly, it can take months or years before the sufferer consults a doctor.
•Shaky hands, usually first in just one hand. Tremours are usually the first symptom
•Stiff muscles and facial expressions
•Moving slowly. Parkinson’s affects your ability to make quick and decisive movements, and often makes it difficult to begin an action
•Difficulty balancing
•Tiny, spidery handwriting
•Slurred or muffled talking
•Shuffling walk
•Depression, difficulty sleeping
•Constipation and sudden need to urinate frequently
It’s necessary for an expert to take care of the diagnosis, as there is no simple clear-cut test to pinpoint the condition, and some of the symptoms can have other causes.
For more on who is at risk and what the treatment options are, Click Here.
