What is Parkinson’s Disease and How Can It Be Treated?

What is Parkinson’s Disease and How Can It Be Treated?

There are over one million Americans with Parkinson’s disease, defined as a movement disorder that affects the nervous system, which, in turn, causes nerve cells in the brain to weaken and die. Our nervous system is a giant network of nerve cells, and they control most parts of the body, including movement.

One of the early signs - and often ignored - of Parkinson’s disease (PD) is tremors. When they first start to happen, it could be a light tremor in the hands or feet, and sometimes jaw. It can also cause stiffness, like lack of arm movement while walking or loss of expression in the face. These symptoms will get worse over time, as Parkinson’s progresses.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s, there are treatments that can help to improve symptoms in patients. Brain surgery is also an option to help control the parts of the brain that are affected by Parkinson’s. 

Symptoms

1. Tremor - These start while at rest, typically starting with one hand or foot, on one side of the body. Tremors spread to both sides of the body, often affecting the jaw, tongue, or mouth. Some PD patients will also talk about an internal tremor, which is felt but not seen by others. One thing reported by PD patients is that while they’re doing something active, they don’t shake as much.
2. Bradykinesia, or slow movement, makes everyday tasks more difficult to manage. Things like getting out of the shower, getting up from a chair, or getting dressed take longer than they used to. You’ll also notice decreased facial activity, like a reduced blink rate or a mask-like facial expression. 
3. Vocal symptoms - Speech can be slurred or soft enough to be difficult for others to hear. Patients with PD often have a monotone speech pattern, without the typical speech patterns that everyone else has. This makes it difficult to understand patients and what they’re trying to say. 
4. Muscle rigidity - Muscle stiffness, called “lead pipe rigidity,” affects any part of the body, and can make muscles feel sore, like after a tough workout. Arm movements become jerky, which is evident as patients with Parkinson’s walk. Their arms don’t swing at their sides, or have a jerking motion. 
5. Unstable or poor posture - With the slow movement, or bradykinesia, of Parkinson’s disease, this could cause a patient to stoop or hunch over while walking. This starts to be more prevalent as the disease progresses. Often, patients will begin to shuffle, instead of walking. There could also be freezing, as if their feet were glued to the floor.
6. Mental health and sleeping - Anxiety and depression are often cited by patients with PD, as well as sleep problems. 

Causes

1. Genetics - There have been studies that specific genes are linked to Parkinson’s, but this is rare, unless many other family members have had PD. Familial Parkinson’s disease only accounts for about 10% of patients. So far, experts have found seven genes linked in Parkinson’s. 
2. Environmental factors - Exposure to pesticides, herbicides and industrial pollution can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s. It’s also been found that head injuries could be a factor in causing PD. 
3. Age - Most symptoms develop after the age of 50, and they increase as the patient ages. 
4. Lifestyle - Alcohol consumption and smoking, as well as a sedentary lifestyle, are contributing factors that could cause the onset of Parkinson’s. Regular exercise could lower the risk of developing PD.

Treatments

1. Medications - Prescribed for motor functions, as well as those that affect dopamine, have been researched to reduce tremors and help with involuntary movements. 
2. Therapies - Physical therapy is useful to help prevent falls and to improve gait for Parkinson’s patients. Occupational can also help with everyday tasks to make them easier. Speech therapy is also useful to help with difficulty in speaking and swallowing. 
3. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) - This procedure incorporates electrodes implanted in the brain to treat movement disorders often related to Parkinson’s disease.
4. Complementery therapies - These could help to improve balance, flexibility, and stress reduction. Therapies for this include yoga, tai chi, and massage.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be challenging, but early detection, proper medical care, and a strong support system can make a meaningful difference. While there is currently no cure, advancements in treatment and therapy options offer hope and improved quality of life for many patients. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms or has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, don’t hesitate to speak with a healthcare professional. Knowledge, support, and proactive care are key to navigating this journey.