Parkinson’s disease, also known as hypokinetic rigid syndrome, idiopathic or primary parkinsonism, or PD, is a kind of degenerative order of the central nervous system, particularly the motor system. The condition involves death of the dopamine-generating cells in the region of the brain called substantia nigra, which is responsible for movement, addiction, and reward.
Incidence
According to Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, about 60,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease per year, adding that the figure is not reflective of the multitude of cases that have not been identified. It has also been added that nearly seven to 10 million people worldwide are living with Parkinson’s Disease. The incidence of the degenerative condition escalates with age and about four percent of people with Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed with the condition before they reach 50 years of age.
Risk Factors
Age, sex, genetics, and toxin exposure stand as the risk factors for having Parkinson’s disease. According to Mayo Clinic, young adults rarely experience Parkinson’s disease, but the condition starts in the middle or latter phase of life. The risk becomes higher as a person ages and people commonly develop the condition around the age of 60 and above. Men are also more inclined to develop Parkinson’s disease than women and having a relative with the condition makes a person prone to acquiring the condition as he gets older. Moreover, the risk of having Parkinson’s disease increases when a person is exposed to herbicides and pesticides.
Warning Signs and Symptoms
While Parkinson’s disease has a gradual progress, its symptoms are mostly motor in nature. As per Web MD, the common signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include bradykenisia or slow voluntary movements, particularly initiated movements like walking or rolling over in bed; reduced facial expression and eye blinking; monotonous speech; shuffling gait with poor arm swing and stooped posture; “pill-rolling” movement of the thumb and forefinger; abnormal tone or stiffness of the trunk and extremities; difficulty in swallowing; and orthostatic hypotension or lightheadedness or fainting when standing.
Complications
Parkinson’s disease, if not managed, is accompanied for some complications, which affect a person’s activities of daily living. According to Mayo Clinic, the person may experience cognitive problems and thinking difficulties, which commonly happen in the later stages of Parkinson’s disease. It is also noted that such cognitive problems do not respond to medications. Other people with the condition may have depression and emotional changes like fear, loss of motivation, or anxiety. Since the motor movement is affected, the person may also develop trouble when swallowing. Drooling may also occur due to the accumulation of saliva in the mouth secondary to slowed swallowing. People with Parkinson’s disease may also have sleep problems, which include waking up early, waking up frequently throughout the night, and falling asleep during the day. Another complications related to muscle activity impairment include the bladder’s inability to control urine or having difficulty urinating, as well as constipation because of a slower digestive tract.
Management
Dopamine restoration is one of the treatment goals for Parkinson’s disease. According to Web MD, this is done to regain the proper balance of the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine. Medications that can be used include Levodopa (L-dopa) and COMT inhibitors like tolcapone (Tasmar) and entacapone (Comtan). Levodopa stands as the drug of choice for Parkinson’s disease, as it is metabolized by the body to produce dopamine. The direct administration of dopamine to the body is blocked the the brains natural defenses. It is used with carbidopa to suppress nausea and other side effects. Tolcapone and entacapone can also be taken with levodopa and they inhibit the action of the enzyme that breaks down levodopa to extend the symptom relief duration.
Nutrition and exercise are also essential in the management of Parkinson’s Disease. According to Mayo Clinic, a balanced diet is capable of providing nutrients to the body, especially omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for the heart, as well as fiber and fluids, which help prevent constipation. On the other hand, exercises improve one’s muscle flexibility, strength, and balance, in addition to reduction of depression and anxiety. One should not try to move too quickly and should aim for the heel to hit the floor first when walking. In addition, a person should look in front and not directly down when walking. Moreover, one should stop and check his posture if he notices himself shuffling. It is recommended to stand straight for proper posture and balance.
