Parkinson’s – Symptoms, Causes, and Management

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system and other parts of the body controlled by nerves. The symptoms develop over a period of time and gradually grow in severity. Tremors are one of the most common symptoms of the condition, and one can also experience stiffness and slowing of movement. While the condition does not of a permanent cure, symptoms of Parkinson’s can be managed through treatment and remedies.
Symptoms
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease, i.e., its symptoms develop gradually over time. It often starts with a slight tremor in one hand. Some may also notice early signs such as stiffness in the body. Over time these symptoms can get increasingly severe, affecting one’s day-to-day activities. Some of the other symptoms of this condition are:
- Changes in movement
- Tremors
- Issues with coordination and maintaining balance, leading to one frequently falling over or dropping things
- Loss of sense of smell
- Changes in facial expressions brought on by changes in nerves responsible for facial muscles
- Change in gait, making one lean slightly forward while walking
- Changes in voice, like a softer voice or voice tremor
- Difficulty in writing leading to cramped or smaller handwriting
- Issues with sleep due to restless leg syndrome and other sleep disorders
- Rapid eye movement sleep disorder
While the condition affects people in different ways, there are a few common symptoms reported by many patients. These include:
- Changes in mood due to mood disorders and depression
- Difficulty in chewing and swallowing foods
- Excessive tiredness and fatigue
- Constipation
- Skin conditions
- Dementia, hallucinations, and delusions can develop in the advanced stages of the disease
Parkinson’s may not be diagnosed or detected in the early stages. This is because the early signs of the disease are similar to the early stages of other conditions like head trauma, encephalitis, stroke, multiple system atrophy, and progressive supranuclear palsy. Further, there is no test that helps accurately detect the disease in the early stages.
Causes and risk factors
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition brought on by changes developing in one’s brain. The reason for these changes and the explanation of how they result in the development of this neurological disease is yet to be determined. But, experts have been able to figure out certain factors that could increase the risk of this disorder. Here are some of them:
Low levels of dopamine: The symptoms have been linked to low levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine, triggered by the death of cells that produce this brain chemical. Low levels of dopamine can also make it hard for one to control their movements.
Low levels of norepinephrine: Parkinson’s disease could damage nerve endings, affecting the production of another important neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. This chemical plays an important role in blood circulation and other functions, and low levels of norepinephrine may result in both motor and non-motor symptoms.
Genetic factors: Studies have found that several genes and mutations in genes are linked with the disease. More studies are needed to understand if this disease is hereditary in nature. Among individuals with early-onset Parkinson’s, genetic factors appear to be the cause behind a rather small number of cases.
Autoimmune conditions: Studies have found a link between Parkinson’s disease and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Other risk factors for the condition are toxic chemical exposure, gender, age, certain treatments, and even traumatic brain injury.
Treatment options
While there is no permanent cure for the disease, the treatment options focus on helping people live with the symptoms and control them. The treatment also focuses on improving the day-to-day life of the patient and helping them perform everyday tasks. For advanced cases, doctors may suggest surgery to relieve certain symptoms. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, physical therapy, speech therapy, and other management options to control symptoms like stiffness and changes in movement. Here are some of the common treatment options for Parkinson’s:
Prescription options: One of the most common ways to treat this neurological condition is prescription treatments. The options help manage symptoms like issues with movement and walking and can help reduce tremors. Most of these options can substitute dopamine in the brain or help in increasing the production of this brain chemical. Dopamine cannot be administered directly as it can not enter the brain. While these treatments show massive improvement in the beginning, the effects can diminish over time as the condition progresses.
Surgery: Many surgical procedures can help in the management of Parkinson’s disease systems. One of these procedures is deep brain stimulation, in which the surgeon implants electrodes in the brain. The electrodes are connected to a generator implanted in the chest. This electrode sends electrical pulses to the brain, which can help reduce the symptoms. When conducting deep brain stimulation, the healthcare professional will adjust the settings based on what is required to treat the condition. This treatment can help stabilize the treatment, reduce involuntary movements, improve tremors, reduce rigidity in the body, and improve overall movement.
Other treatments: Many advanced and experimental treatments are recommended for people with the disease. These treatments are not widely available or intended for all patients but can help improve the symptoms in some patients. Some of these experimental treatments are stem cell transplants, neuron-repair treatments, and gene therapies or gene-targeted treatments.
In addition to treatment, patients may also try natural remedies like exercising, introducing changes in meals, and practicing techniques to improve balance. One may also try yoga to improve flexibility and movement. Certain studies have shown that those who practice yoga may have increased mobility, balance, strength, and flexibility. Additionally, massage therapy is a great choice for people affected by Parkinson’s disease, as yoga can help reduce common symptoms like muscle rigidity and tremors.