What You Need to Know about Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a common neurological illness caused by the degeneration or breaking down of cells in the nervous system. It is estimated that it affects 1 percent of the population over age 60, with a small percentage of people (around 4 percent), diagnosed by age 50. Overall, as many as 1 million Americans are living with Parkinson’s, and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year. It is more common in men. (1) (2)

History of Parkinson’s Disease

As far back as 1817, Dr. James Parkinson published – “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy” describing both the non-motor and motor symptoms of the illness that bears his name which established Parkinson’s as a recognized medial condition. (3) (4)

Parkinson’s essay revealed that is not just a movement disorder but that early symptoms also include constipation, impaired sense of smell, and even a REM sleep behavior disorder can occur years before motor symptoms begin. Let’s have a closer look. (5)

The exact cause of PD is unknown, although some cases do appear to be hereditary and can be traced back to specific genetic mutations. But research shows most cases of the disease do not typically run in families and that it is likely PD may be due to a combination of genetics and exposure to one or more unknown environmental factors trigger the disease.

Symptoms

There are four main symptoms of PD:

Tremor (shaking) – often begins in a hand, although sometimes a foot or the jaw is affected first and appears as a rhythmic back-and-forth motion most obvious when the hand, etc. is at rest or when a person is under stress.

Rigidity (muscle stiffness) – when muscles remain constantly jerky, tense and contracted so that the person aches or feels stiff.

Bradykinesia – which is the slowing down of spontaneous and automatic movement making routine, simple tasks like washing or dressing difficult. There is also often a decrease in facial expressions.

Impaired balance and changes in posture can increase the risk of falls.

Other symptoms may include:

Drooling
Constipation
Low blood pressure
Voice problems
Depression
Anxiety
Sleep problems
Hallucinations
Dementia

Stages

Parkinson’s is progressive and usually reveals itself in five stages:

(6)

Stage One

Mild symptoms that usually do not interfere with daily activities. Tremor and other movement symptoms occur on one side of the body only and there are possibly some changes in posture, walking and facial expressions.

Stage Two

Symptoms worsen, including tremor, rigidity, and other movement symptoms on both sides of the body and day-to day tasks are more difficult.

Stage Three

There is loss of balance and slowness of movements with significantly impaired activities such as dressing and eating. Falls are also more common by stage three.

Stage Four

Symptoms are severe and limiting with movement likely requiring and help with daily activity. At this point, living alone is usually impossible.

Stage Five

Stiffness in the legs may make it impossible to stand or walk so a wheelchair is required or person may be bedridden and in need of round-the-clock care for all activities. The person may experience hallucinations and delusions are often seen in this stage as well.

Treating Parkinson’s Disease

While there is no cure, medications and/or surgery can help improve the motor symptoms. Also – physical and speech therapy, maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help improve quality of life.

Medications include:

Those that increase or mimic the level of dopamine in the brain.

Those that affect other neurotransmitters in the body in order to ease some of the symptoms of the disease like tremors.

Those that help control the non-motor symptoms of the disease like antidepressants for depression.

Coping with Parkinson’s Disease

If you’re struggling with Parkinson’s disease or know someone who is, it’s really important to reach out for support. There are many organizations that can help with coping through the stages and general support for both those with PD as well as family and friends. (7)

References