Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves (Mayo Clinic).
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent the disease as the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown.
However, it is important to understand the complexity of the disease, recognize its symptoms and to raise awareness of this life-changing disease.
Causes
The cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, but researchers believe the combination of some environmental and genetic factors may contribute.
- Genes. There are some gene mutations that have been linked to an increasing risk of Parkinson’s, however most cases are not directly related to a single genetic mutation.
- Environmental Triggers. Certain exposure to toxins or environmental factors, such as pesticides and head injuries can increase the risk.
Risk Factors
- Age. Parkinson’s typically develops in people 60 and older. Signs usually appear in middle to late life and the risk continues to increase with age. Rarely do we see young adults with Parkinson’s.
- Heredity. Individuals who have close relatives with Parkinson’s disease have an increased chance of developing the disease.
- Sex. Men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s over women.
- Exposure to toxins. Continued exposure to herbicides and pesticides can add a slight increase to the risk.
Symptoms
Symptoms develop differently for everyone. Some may have:
- Tremors. A rhythmic shaking that begins in the hand or fingers.
- Slowed movement, known as bradykinesia. An individual’s movements may slow making completing simple tasks time consuming and difficult.
- Rigid muscles. In any part of the body muscle stiffness can occur, limiting the range of motion and increasing pain.
- Impaired posture and balance. The individual’s posture may become bent causing them to fall or have balance problems.
- Loss of automatic movements. Unconscious movements like blinking or smiling may become more difficult.
- Speech changes. Talking may be soft or quick, slurred, and there may be hesitation before speaking.
- Writing changes. Writing may become small or hard to do in general.
Treatments
- Medications. There are medications available that can lessen motor and non-motor symptoms experienced from Parkinson’s, allowing individuals to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
- Surgical interventions. Deep brain stimulation and focused ultrasounds can be options to help with certain symptoms.
Research is constantly being done to find more options for treatment. Although there is no cure for the disease, there have been great strides made toward better therapies, improving the lives of those diagnosed.
“The latest research is the latest hope.” – Michael J. Fox.