Parkinsons Disease - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Parkinson's disease is a disorder that affects nerve cells in the part of the brain controlling muscle In Parkinson's, neurons that make a chemical called dopamine die or do not work properly. It is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement ( bradykinesia ) and, in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement ( akinesia ). Parkinson's results from the degeneration of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain, specifically in the substantia nigra and the locus coeruleus. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that stimulates motor neurons, those nerve cells that control the muscles. When dopamine production is depleted, the motor system nerves are unable to control movement and coordination. Parkinson disease affects movement (motor symptoms). Typical other symptoms include disorders of mood, behavior, thinking, and sensation (non-motor symptoms). Individual patients' symptoms may be quite dissimilar and progression of the disease is also distinctly individual. Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually.  In some people the disease progresses more quickly than in others.  As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of PD patients may begin to interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms may include depression and other emotional changes; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions.  Parkinson's usually begins around age 60. It is more common in men than in women. Exposure to an environmental toxin , such as a pesticide, that inhibits dopamine production and produces free radicals and oxidation damage may be involved.

Parkinson's is found all over the world. Exact global figures are not always available, though it is estimated that four million people worldwide have the condition. Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. Parkinson's disease afflicts 1 to 1 1/2 million people in the United States. The disorder occurs in all races but is somewhat more prevalent among Caucasians. People with the disease may have trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks. Dysfunctional antioxidative mechanisms are associated with older age as well, suggesting that the acceleration of age-related changes in dopamine production may be a factor. Parkinson's disease patients have at least one relative with parkinsonian symptoms, suggesting that a genetic factor may be involved. There is no cure for Parkinson's at present, drugs are used to try to control symptoms of Parkinson's. The most widely used form of treatment is L-dopa in various forms. L-dopa is transformed into dopamine in the dopaminergic neurons by L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (often known by its former name dopa-decarboxylase). The most widely practiced treatment for the speech disorders associated with Parkinson's disease is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). LSVT focuses on increasing vocal loudness. Regular physical exercise and/or therapy can be beneficial to the patient for maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance and a range of motion. Nutrients have been used in clinical studies and are widely used by people with Parkinson's disease in order to partially treat PD or slow down its deterioration.

Causes of Parkinsons Disease

Common Causes and Risk factors of Parkinsons Disease

• Free radicals.
• Accelerated aging.
• Environmental toxins.
• Genetic factors.
• Trauma.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Hydrocephalus.

Signs and Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease

Common Sign and Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease

• Depression and other emotional changes.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Chewing, and speaking.
• Urinary problems.
• Constipation.
• Skin problems.
• Sleep disruptions. 
• Trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw and face.

Treatment of Parkinsons Disease

Common Treatment of Parkinsons Disease

• Successful treatment of Parkinson's disease involves much more than just the use of drugs. Levodopa and carbidopa combined (Sinemet) is the mainstay of Parkinson's therapy.
• Tolcapone inhibits the COMT enzyme, thereby prolonging the effects of L-dopa, and so has been used to complement L-dopa.
• The most widely practiced treatment for the speech disorders associated with Parkinson's disease is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).
• Nutrients have been used in clinical studies and are widely used by people with Parkinson's disease in order to partially treat PD or slow down its deterioration.
• Catechol O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors act by inhibiting catabolism of dopamine, thereby extending L-dopa's peripheral half-life.
• Surgical treatment for PD is generally considered for patients who respond to medications.
• Azilect was approved for use as an initial single drug therapy in early Parkinson's disease. Azilect (rasagiline), a new molecular entity, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
• Physical therapy can help strengthen and tone underused muscles, and give rigid muscles a better range of motion.