CONDITIONS

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a kind of movement disorder. It affects the nervous system and causes problems with muscle movement. It is a chronic and progressive disease. This means that it doesn’t go away, and the symptoms get worse over time.

Some nerve cells in the brain make a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to help coordinate movement and coordination. In people who have Parkinson’s disease, these cells die or do not work properly. The level of dopamine produced decreases. This affects the person’s ability to control their movement normally.

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but treatment can help relieve the symptoms.

Causes

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes Parkinson’s disease. In a small number of people, genetics seem to play a role. These people could have inherited the genes for Parkinson’s disease from a family member. Or they could have a gene mutation. Environmental factors may also play a role. For example, long-term exposure to certain toxins, such as pesticides, may increase the risk of Parkinson’s disease. You have a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s if you are over age 60. Men get it more often than women.

Symptoms

The 4 primary motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:

• Tremor (shaking or trembling) of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, or face. Tremors caused by Parkinson’s may be barely noticeable at first. They get worse over time. Tremors tend to get worse when the person is at rest and better when the person moves. The tremor may affect one side of the body more than the other.
• Slowed movements (bradykinesia).Over time, a person who has Parkinson’s may begin to move slowly and take a long time to perform simple tasks. This includes getting out of a chair, buttoning a shirt, or cutting food.
• Stiff muscles (also called rigidity).Over time, muscles in the body may contract and become stiff, which makes it hard to move them. This can make it difficult for a person to do simple tasks, including feeding themselves, standing up, or walking.
• Posture and balance problems. Parkinson’s disease can make it hard for a person to stand up or sit up straight. It can also cause balance problems when sitting, standing, or walking. This can lead to falls.

Other motor symptoms include:

• Feet feel like they are glued to the floor, and that it is impossible to step forward.
• Handwriting shrinkage.The slowed movements cause problems with repetitive actions. This can make handwriting get smaller over time.
• Mask-like expression.A person’s face may look less expressive than normal.
• Quick movements.Some people with Parkinson’s experience movements that are too quick instead of too slow.

There are also a number of non-motor symptoms that patients with Parkinson’s experience. These include:

• loss of smell
• constipation
• mood disorders
• sleep disturbances
• excessive saliva
• weight loss or gain
• vision or dental problems
• fatigue or loss of energy

Some people with Parkinson’s develop cognitive issues. This includes problems with memory, confusion, and slowed thinking. In some cases, they develop Parkinson’s-related dementia. This is a separate form of dementia that is unique to Parkinson’s patients.

Diagnosis

There is not a test that can confirm you have Parkinson’s. You must experience at least 2 of the 4 main motor symptoms before your doctor will consider it. He or she will ask about your medical history and do a physical exam. If your doctor thinks you have Parkinson’s disease, he or she may refer you to a neurologist. The neurologist will have you complete tasks that use your nervous system. These are intended to test your balance, muscles, gait, and agility. He or she may also do imaging tests, such as a CT scan, to rule out other conditions.

Can Parkinson’s disease be prevented or avoided?

There is no known way to prevent or avoid getting Parkinson’s disease.