Parkinson's Movement Disorder
- Many of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease are caused by a lost or deficient chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine. This occurs when the specific brain cells that produce dopamine die or become impaired. The Mayo Clinic says some researchers suspect that genetic mutations or environmental toxins may be a factor in Parkinson's disease. The NPA reports that while Parkinson's disease generally develops after age 65, about 15 percent of those diagnosed are under age 50. A person with at least one close relative (parents, sibling, children) with PD is more apt to develop the disorder.
- There are a variety of signs and symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease, many of which may be so slight they go undetected for years. The distinctive shaking (tremors) linked to Parkinson's disease often begins in a hand. There also may be muscle stiffness in the neck and limbs. As the disease progresses, sufferers may find it increasingly difficult to begin simple voluntary movements such as walking. Sometimes a patient's feet seem to freeze to the floor making it difficult to take a step and this may result in shuffling.
- Parkinson's disease can be challenging to diagnose since there is no specific test available and because its symptoms often mimic other problems and conditions such as head injuries, stroke or fluid buildup in the brain. Your doctor will gather your complete medical history and conduct a neurological exam. During this test both your walking and coordination will be observed as well as some basic hand tasks. A diagnosis is typically based on the three central symptoms of the PD: muscle rigidity, tremors and slowing of motion.
- The most effective Parkinson's drug is levodopa. Levodopa is a natural substance that enters the brain where it is transformed into dopamine. Levodopa is mixed with carbidopa to produce a medication called Sinemet. The carbidopa prevents levodopa from converting to dopamine prematurely. Unfortunately as PD advances the therapeutic benefits from levodopa become less reliable.
Anticholinergics (trihexyphenidyl and benztropine/Cogentin) are sometimes prescribed to help control the tremors caused by Parkinson's disease.
In some case a surgical procedure known as deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It consists of implanting an electrode deep within the areas of your brain that regulate movement. - In addition to medications or surgery your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes such as exercise, a healthier diet and physical therapy. While some PD patients become severely disabled, others experience only minor motor dysfunctions. According to the NPA, a variety of new medications are being studied that may slow the progression of Parkinson's disease.
