Parkinson’s disease affects movement. The symptoms start slowly and may at first be barely noticeable. As the disease worsens, you may notice tremors in your hand, slurred speech, stiffness of your limbs, and facial expression becomes lesser.
Let’s learn more about Parkinson’s disease.
Table of Contents
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Well, it is a neurological disorder, but what exactly causes it is unknown. Doctors believe genetics and environment can both play a role in its development.
Some health professionals believe that certain viruses can trigger Parkinson’s disease.
While the cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, specific groups of people may be at more risk of developing the disease:
• Men are more likely to get it than women.
• There’s a higher prevalence of the condition in Caucasian people compared to other races.
• The age group of 50 to 60 years old are more at risk.
• If you have a family member who has Parkinson’s disease, you may be more likely to develop it yourself.
• Certain toxins can trigger it.
• If you have experienced a previous head injury, you’re at risk of getting this disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Although early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can go unnoticed, your body may display some initial warning signs several years before movement problems develop.
Some of the symptoms you can look out for include:
• Anosmia (loss or reduced ability to smell)
• Changes in handwriting
• Changes in voice
• Constipation
• Arched posture
As the disease progresses, the four major motor problems to watch for are:
• Tremors
• Slow movement
• Stiffness of limbs
• Loss of balance
Other Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:
• Muffled speech
• Blank facial expression
• Decreased swallowing and blinking
• Trouble sleeping
• Depression
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis
• Memory problems
• Visual-spatial problems.
What Is the Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease?
• Blood clots
• Lung infections and other lung issues
• Dangerous falls
• Depression
• Blood pressure changes
• Regular pain issues
So, to improve your risks and lifestyle, getting the correct medical diagnosis and subsequent treatment is important. Although there is no specific one test for Parkinson’s disease, your doctors will conduct a physical and neurological exam, consider your family history, and review any symptoms. They will likely send you for a CT scan or MRI of the brain to rule out other neurological diseases.
Once diagnosed, your doctor may recommend treatment that includes not only medication and therapy but also a change in lifestyle.
It’s important to know that the effectiveness of the medication may decrease over time to such a degree that the side effects will outweigh any benefits.
You do have the option of surgery if you do not respond to medication, therapy, or recommended lifestyle changes.
These surgeries include:
Deep brain stimulator placement:
Electrodes are implanted in the brain, which send out electrical pulses that reduce the symptoms.
Medication delivered by pump device:
Medication for Parkinson’s Disease can be delivered directly into the intestine by a pump device.
Final Thoughts
The fact that it’s difficult to understand the exact causes of Parkinson’s complicates the attempt to manage the disease. Research, however, suggests that healthy lifestyle choices play a vital role in decreasing your risk of getting Parkinson’s. Exercise and a wholesome diet rich in antioxidants not only lower your risk but also help manage the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease if you’ve already been diagnosed.
The bottom line is that the right treatment—medical and lifestyle—significantly increases your quality of life.
FAQ
I’ve heard a lot of stuff about Parkinson’s, but this article really helped me understand it completely. Very informative.
It’s fascinating to read about different things, especially when they have to do with health. Because 9 times out of 10 we don’t know much about a disease until someone we live is effected or even ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing this!
That’s interesting that previous head injuries can be a prelude to it. This post is informative. I am glad to know the symptoms.
It’s a scary disease. My friend’s father had it and her mother is currently suffering from it. She has an awful time with them. While their minds are still there, they simply can’t do what they used to and you can see that it frustrates them.
I have never actually understood Parkinson’s disease until now. Wow. It’s common here in Scotland too.
I had heard about Parkinson’s disease but I had never really understood it. Your very well-written post was very helpful for me to understand the various aspects of it.
A very useful and helpful post to understand about this disease.
I have limited knowledge about Parkinson’s disease and this is good to know. It’s sad that the cause is still unknown but at least it can be aided with proper treatment.
I’ve seen totally healthy people slowly develop Parkinson’s disease over time. It’s such a mystery illness and sad to see. I will share this with those I know and love so they can learn more.
Aaaahhhhhh….Parkinsons’ Disease is a scary disease, to be honest. We all need to understand it more so that we can help out whoever we can, in the best way possible.
This is very interesting and never knew about it until now. It does not seem a good one to have. I will keep these information in mind.