Parkinson’s Disease: A Breakdown
Written By: Iman Zaynab Bajwa
Have you ever seen someone struggle to carry out a simple task? Possibly a grandparent or an older family member? Chances are they have Parkinson’s Disease. Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. Symptoms start gradually — tremors are the most common — but the disorder also causes stiffness, slowing of movement, speech and writing changes, impaired posture and balance, and rigid muscles.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s as of now; however, the disease can be controlled via various medications and a surgical procedure called “Deep Brain Stimulation” or DBS. DBS is a neurosurgical procedure involving the placement of a medical device called a neurostimulator, which sends electrical impulses through implanted electrodes, to specific targets in the brain for the treatment of movement disorders.
The basic phenomenon behind Parkinson’s disease is the death of certain neurons that produce a chemical called “dopamine”. Dopamine is a hormonal neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain and body. A decrease in dopamine leads to abnormal brain activity, which, in turn, causes symptoms of Parkinson’s. However, we still don’t know the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease.
Some of the factors thought to play a role include:
· Genes — if you have a family history of Parkinson’s disease, you are at risk of developing this disease. Certain genetic mutations also trigger Parkinson’s in rare cases.
· Environmental Triggers — exposure to certain toxins and environmental factors increases risk of later development of Parkinson’s.
· Sex — men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
· Age — young adults rarely experience Parkinson’s; however, there are odd, rare cases of children developing the illness. Typically, Parkinson’s develops in people of age 60 or older.
The symptoms accompanied with Parkinson’s disease cause various complications for people afflicted by this ailment. People may develop dementia, depression, anxiety, and a loss of motivation. Physical complications include having an overall difficulty in carrying out day-to-day activities due to motor and cognitive deficits, like eating. Many also experience constipation and sleep disorders among other complications.
Since the exact cause is unknown to us, there is no certain method of prevention. However, research has shown regular, aerobic exercise can decrease the risk of developing Parkinson’s. If you know someone who suffers from Parkinson’s, the most important thing you can do is make sure they’re comfortable. Response to the disease varies from patient to patient. The best you can do is respect their boundaries and ensure they’re taken care of in whatever way they prefer.
Sources
Mayo Clinic. (2018, June 30). Parkinson’s disease. Retrieved July 15, 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
