The World Parkinson’s Disease Day is a global healthcare event celebrated on the 11th of April every year, intending on the recognition of economic, social and cultural impact brought by Parkinson’s disease and subsequently work on the acceptance, support and the inclusion of the patients suffering from the ailment.
Parkinson’s disease is an advancing condition that results from the degeneration of nerve cells in a specific region of the brain known as the substantia nigra, which governs movement.
Over time, these nerve cells gradually deteriorate or become impaired, leading to a loss in their capacity to produce dopamine, a crucial chemical. Research has demonstrated that Parkinson’s symptoms tend to manifest in individuals who have experienced a significant reduction of 80 percent or more in dopamine-producing cells within the substantia nigra.
Dopamine normally plays a crucial role in maintaining a delicate balance with other neurotransmitters to coordinate the intricate network of nerve and muscle cells involved in movement. When there is an insufficient amount of dopamine, this balance is disrupted, leading to hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as tremors (trembling in the hands, arms, legs, and jaw), rigidity (stiffness of the limbs), slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s remains elusive, although several theories have been proposed, including oxidative damage, exposure to environmental toxins, genetic factors, and accelerated aging. In 2005, researchers identified a single mutation in a Parkinson’s disease gene (initially discovered in 1997), which is believed to be responsible for about five percent of inherited cases. However, the precise cause of the majority of Parkinson’s cases is still unknown.
Prevalence and Incidence
Approximately 60,000 new cases of Parkinson’s disease are diagnosed each year, contributing to the estimated total of one to 1.5 million Americans currently living with the condition. In 2003, nearly 18,000 deaths in the United States were attributed to Parkinson’s disease. Although Parkinson’s typically manifests after the age of 55, it can affect individuals in their 30s and 40s as well. A prominent example is actor Michael J. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 30.
Common Symptoms
- Tremors, characterized by involuntary and rhythmic movements in the hands, arms, legs, and jaw, are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease.
- Muscle rigidity, often experienced in the arms, shoulders, or neck, results in stiffness and limited movement.
- Gradual loss of spontaneous movement may lead to decreased mental agility, slower reaction times, changes in voice tone, and reduced facial expressiveness.
- Parkinson’s disease can also cause a gradual loss of automatic movements, resulting in decreased blinking, swallowing difficulties, and drooling.
- A stooped and flexed posture with bending at the elbows, knees, and hips may become evident.
- Unsteady gait and balance issues can also occur, increasing the risk of falls.
- Additionally, Parkinson’s may be accompanied by mood changes, such as depression, and cognitive decline, including dementia in some cases.
Diagnosis
Currently, the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease relies primarily on the characteristic symptoms described earlier, as there are no X-ray or blood tests that can definitively confirm the condition. However, noninvasive diagnostic imaging techniques like positron emission tomography (PET) can provide additional support for a physician’s diagnosis. Conventional methods used for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease include:
- Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease typically involves the presence of at least two of the three primary symptoms (tremors, muscle rigidity, and bradykinesia – gradual loss of spontaneous movement), along with the absence of other neurological signs upon examination.
- A thorough medical history is taken to rule out other possible causes of parkinsonism, such as the use of tranquilizer medications, history of head trauma or stroke.
- Additionally, responsiveness to Parkinson’s medications, such as levodopa, can also be considered as part of the diagnostic process.
- However, it’s important to note that diagnosing Parkinson’s disease can be complex, and a definitive diagnosis may require further evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.
Medical Treatment
Most individuals with Parkinson’s disease receive treatment through medications aimed at alleviating the symptoms of the condition. These medications function by stimulating the remaining cells in the substantia nigra to produce more dopamine (in the case of levodopa medications) or by inhibiting some of the acetylcholine that is produced (in the case of anticholinergic medications), which helps restore the chemical balance in the brain. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare professional to develop a personalized treatment plan that takes into account the specific needs and responses of each patient.
Side effects of Parkinson’s medications
Side effects of Parkinson’s medications can vary greatly depending on the class of medication and the individual patient, and should be closely monitored and managed in collaboration with a healthcare provider.