Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s is a disease that affects the nervous system. Parkinson’s is caused by the progressive impairment or deterioration of neurons in the brain known as the substantia nigra. The brain produces a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine works as a chemical messenger in the brain allowing communication between the substania nigra and the corpus striatum. The communication works by coordinating smooth and balancing muscle movement. When there is a lack of dopamine it results in abnormal nerve functioning causing a loss in ability to control body movements. It is not known how Parkinson’s occurs or how the neurons in the brain become impaired. There is evidence that Parkinson’s may be genetic or inherited. In a small number of families, specific genetic abnormalities leading to the illness have been identified. Yet the majority of people with Parkinson's disease do not have any of these identified genetic abnormalities. It is thought that early onset Parkinson’s disease may be genetic. The cause of Parkinson’s is still very unclear. There is also evidence that Parkinson’s may be caused by certain toxins in the air. Scientists have suggested that external or internal toxins may selectively destroy the dopaminergic neurons and can cause Parkinson's disease. Chemicals that may cause Parkinson’s are manganese, carbon monoxide, carbon disulfide, and some other pesticides.
The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary from person to person. Early signs may be subtle and can go unnoticed. Symptoms typically begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on that side even after symptoms begin to affect both sides. Some symptoms are tremors, slow motions, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, loss of automatic movements, speech changes, and dementia.
A person should see a doctor if any of these signs occur to find out the cause for them. Even though there is no complete treatment for Parkinson’s. There is medicine that treats the symptoms but cannot completely get rid of Parkinson’s. Many medications can cause severe side effects, including hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and delirium. Monitoring and follow-up by the health care provider is important. Eventually, symptoms such as stooped posture, frozen movements, and speech difficulties may not respond very well to drug treatment.
Lifestyle changes may be helpful for Parkinson's disease. Good general nutrition and health, regular rest periods and avoiding stress, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy can help make the onset of Parkinson’s not come on so fast. Even though Parkinson’s is not curable there are ways to help make the disease not so unbearable.