Understanding Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease
Kathleen Clark
COM/155
August 11, 2013
Gregory Simon

Although both chronic neurological diseases, Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis differ as to their cause, effects on the body, and treatments. When thinking about these two diseases, one probably knows they are of the neurological type, but don’t understand how the two are different. Both of these disorders happen for completely different reasons. While both diseases can have effects on the body and treatments that seem similar, most are specific to the individual disease. It takes a combination of different types of therapies to combat the toll these diseases take on the body. The treatments can only help with the symptoms however, because both of these diseases have no cure. These two disorders do have some similar attributes, but are more different than alike. The causes for both Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) originate in the brain, but for different reasons. . Primary PD is attributed to a decrease in dopamine production in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra. The substantia nigra is part of a system of interconnecting nerve centers, called the basal ganglia, and a router called the thalamus. They are located in the core of the brain and brainstem that controls the coordination of the movement of muscles. The basal ganglia take in and process information, and the motor cortex sends the commands out for movement (Parkinson's Disease and NPH, 2013). When there is lack of dopamine, the brain cannot send it out to areas of the body it needs to, which is what causes the effects of the disease. The cause of MS however, is still not known, but scientists believe that a combination of several factors may be involved. It is now generally thought that MS involves an immune-mediated process. An immune-mediated process is an abnormal response of the body’s immune system that is directed against the myelin. The myelin is the fatty sheath surrounding parts of the nerve cells in the brain. This myelin is necessary for fast delivery of messages the brain sends to the body. Another cause of MS could be exposure to some environmental agent that occurs before puberty. It is thought that maybe this may predispose a person to develop MS later. Studies of migration patterns have shown that people born in an area of the world with a high risk of MS, who then move to an area with a lower risk before the age of 15, acquire the risk of the new area. Scientists are trying to figure out why this would be. Still another factor in acquiring MS is thought to be linked to Vitamin D. which is thought to have been beneficial for immune function and may help protect against diseases like MS (National MS Society, 2013). Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis also have different ways in how they affect the body. PD has many ways it makes its presence known. It is a degenerative disease, which means it usually gets worse as time goes on. People with Parkinson's disease have problems with the muscles in their neck, legs and face, which can affect speech. Also patients may have tremors in their hands or arms. The disease can cause the afflicted to walk with a stooped posture, and have balance problems. This disease can also cause difficulties in speech, and involuntary muscle movements. Further, it is possible for people with PD to develop mental disorders such as depression, when faced with such a diagnosis. With MS, the effects on the body are just as devastating. Some warning symptoms of MS include numbness, tingling, weakness in limbs, and difficulty walking. As the disease progresses is causes muscle spasms which can lead to very painful muscle cramps. Severe muscle weakness and spasms can make walking impossible. Individuals with MS can eventually become partially or completely paralyzed. The patient might also have fecal and urinary incontinence as the nerves that control bowel movements and urination are damaged. As with PD, MS can also cause depression and other psychological problems.
In the treatment of these two diseases, there are many medicines and therapies that are used. Some of the medicines uses to treat PD are Levodopa, MAO-B inhibitors, Dopamine agonists, and others. Levodopa, the most effective Parkinson's disease medication, is a natural chemical that passes into your brain and is converted to dopamine. MAO-B inhibitors help prevent the breakdown of brain dopamine by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO B). This enzyme metabolizes brain dopamine (Mayo Clinic, 2013). Dopamine agonists mimic dopamine effects in the brain to lesson symptoms. Patients may also take a variety of medications like antidepressants to help with any psychological issues. Some surgical options like deep brain stimulation (DBS) may provide some relief. This is where an electrode is placed in the brain that can be controlled by the patient. A “receiver” is placed under the skin in the chest. When the patient is experiencing severe tremors, thy can place a remote control up to their chest. This remote can tell the receiver to stimulate the electrode in the brain. The patient can adjust the strength of the signal, depending on severity of tremor. Physical therapy is usually recommended to most patients, as it can help with stiff muscles and pain. Sometimes psychotherapy is also a good type of treatment for PD patients, for issues with depression. The treatments for MS also vary in type. Some medicines for MS are disease modifying drugs including Betaseron, Avonex, and Rebif. These drugs seem to slow down the progression of the disease, and lessen the frequency of attacks. For acute flare ups, steroids have been shown to shorten the length of attacks by reducing the swelling and inflammation in MS lesions. Other types of therapies for MS include some experimental trials, physical therapy, and also psychotherapy.
Although some of the characteristics of Parkinson’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis are similar, the majority of them are different. It is true that both diseases originate in the brain and are degenerative disorders, but each disease has its own cause, effect on the body, and therapy that works best. Because each afflicted person has unique symptoms, doctors need to work together to ensure proper therapies are implemented for patients as individuals. Knowing the differences between these two diseases is essential to the medical community when providing care for patients. Although both disorders are incurable, the management of symptoms through treatment can provide relief to those affected by these two chronic diseases.

Reference
MayoClinic. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/parkinson-disease/DS00295/Method=print
National MS Society. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about- multiple-sclerosis/index.aspx Parkinson's Disease and NPH. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.upright-health.com/parkinsons.html