Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that primarily affects movement. Parkinson's disease is caused by the gradual destruction or death of cranial nerve cells (neurons) in a region called the substantia nigra.

These neurons produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates movement and coordination. When dopamine levels decrease, the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop.

The main symptoms of Parkinson's disease :

• Tremor: Often the first symptom to be noticed, tremors usually start in the hands, fingers or limbs, especially when the muscles are at rest. This is known as 'resting tremor'.
• Bradykinesia (slow movement): Voluntary movement slows down in Parkinson's disease. Simple tasks may take longer or movement may be more difficult to initiate.
• Muscle stiffness: muscle stiffness can limit range of motion, cause discomfort and make it difficult to perform activities such as walking or standing up.
• Posture and balance difficulties: As the disease progresses, posture may deteriorate and balance problems may increase, increasing the risk of falls.
• Gait changes: Many people with Parkinson's develop a shuffling gait with short steps. Over time, some experience a 'freezing of movement' where their feet feel as if they are stuck to the ground.
• Decreased facial expressions: Known as 'masked faces' or hypesthesia, people with Parkinson's may experience less spontaneous facial expressions and blinking.
• Changes in speech and writing: In Parkinson's disease, speech may become softer, monotonous or slurred. Handwriting may also become smaller or cramped.

Non-motor symptoms:

In addition to motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms can occur in Parkinson's disease, including

1. Sleep disorders: difficulty falling or staying asleep, vivid dreams, restless leg syndrome, etc.
2. Mood disorders: depression, anxiety and apathy are common.
3. Cognitive impairment: mild cognitive dysfunction may be present and may progress to dementia.
4. Autonomic dysfunction: problems with blood pressure, digestion, bladder control and sweating.

Causes and risk factors:

The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but several factors are possible

1. Heredity: Heredity: About 10-15% of people with Parkinson's disease are associated with genetic mutations. Having a close relative with Parkinson's disease slightly increases the risk of developing the disease.
2. Environmental factors: Exposure to toxins such as pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
3. Age: Parkinson's disease usually develops in people over the age of 60, but in rare cases it can develop earlier (early onset Parkinson's disease).
4. Gender: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women.

Diagnosis:

There is no specific test for Parkinson's disease. The diagnosis is based on history, symptoms and neurological examination. In some cases, imaging tests such as MRI or DaTscan (a specialized imaging test for dopamine function) may be performed to rule out other diseases.

Treatment:

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but treatment can reduce symptoms: 

  1.Medication: The mainstay of treatment is medication to increase dopamine levels in the brain:

• Levodopa: the most effective treatment, often combined with carbidopa to prevent side effects such as nausea.
• Dopamine agonists: Drugs that mimic the action of dopamine in the brain.
• MAO-B inhibitors: Drugs that prevent the breakdown of dopamine in the brain.

2. Deep brain stimulation (DBS): A surgical option for patients with advanced Parkinson's disease, in which electrodes are placed in specific areas of the brain to reduce symptoms such as tremors and rigidity.

3. Physiotherapy: Exercise can help improve balance, flexibility and overall mobility. Speech therapy may be needed to address speech and swallowing problems. Lifestyle changes: maintaining a healthy diet, maintaining physical activity and managing stress improve quality of life.

Prognosis:

The progression of Parkinson's disease is different for everyone. Parkinson's is a chronic degenerative disease, but many people live with Parkinson's for many years with the help of treatments to manage symptoms. Over time, motor and non-motor symptoms may worsen, but with ongoing medical care and treatment adjustments, quality of life can be optimized.