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What is Parkinson's Disease?
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects body movement. This occurs when the body unable to produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine. The individual will overtime lose control of their muscles. One of the noticeable symptoms is a tremor, uncontrollable movement of the limbs. According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD each year and over 10 million people worldwide are living with PD. Those who are diagnosed are usually around the age of 60 in which they are at the later onset stage of PD. Currently there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but there are treatments available to relieve symptoms (Parkinson's Foundation, n.a.).
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
Severe problem with Tremors
Stiffness in the limbs and trunk
Slowness of movement
Impaired balance and coordination
*Two of the four symptoms listed above must be presented over a period of time for a neurologist to consider a PD diagnosis
*Two of the four symptoms listed above must be presented over a period of time for a neurologist to consider a PD diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment
*There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but treatment is available to help relieve or control symptoms
*There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease but treatment is available to help relieve or control symptoms
Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle Changes
Physical Exercise
Walking, running, or hiking
Dancing
Tai Chi
Yoga
Aerobics Classes
Cycling
Mental Exercises
Meditation
Pet Therapy
Healthy Eating/ Nutrition
Fiber-rich Diet
Sufficient Fluid Intake
Incorporate Omega-3 Fatty Acids
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Surgical Procedures
Surgical Procedures
Deep Brain Simulation (DBS): Electrodes are implanted to a specific area of the brain and the generator is placed on your chest. The electrical impulses will help reduce your symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. DBS is given to people with advanced Parkinson’s disease that have unstable medication responses of levodopa so it stabilizes the medication fluctuations and reduces involuntary movements.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Medications
Medications
Carbidopa-levodopa (a natural chemical that converts into dopamine and most effective)
Carbidopa-levodopa infusion (ingested version)
Dopamine agonists (mimic dopamine effects)
MAO B Inhibitors (prevent breakdown of dopamine by blocking the brain enzyme monoamine oxidase B)
Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) Inhibitors (prolongs levodopa therapy by blocking the enzyme that breaks down dopamine)
Anticholinergics (help control the tremor)
Amantadine (short-term relief of symptoms)
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
- Age: As you get older, your risk increases. People usually develop the disease around the age of 60 or older.
- Genetics: Your risk increases if a close relative or multiple relative have been diagnosed with PD.
- Toxin Exposure: recurrent exposure to certain toxins likes herbicides or pesticides can slighty increase your risk
- Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's Disease than are women.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018).
PD in 2-Minutes
PD in 2-Minutes
References
References
Mayo Clinic (2018, June 30). Parkinson's Disease. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055
Neuroscientifically Challenged. (2018, May 11). 2-Minute Neuroscience: Parkinson's Disease [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7upHDhAmkqU
Parkinson's Foundation. (2020). What is Parkinson's?. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons
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