What Is Parkinson's Disease?
Have you ever seen an old man shaking continuously, not being able to control the shaking of his arms and legs or his body being too stiff and immovable or not being able to balance his body properly? Well most probably the person is suffering from 'Parkinson's Disease'. It is one of the most widespread neurological disease in world, which affects all most 6.3 million(approx) people worldwide. Approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year, and this number does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected. Commonly known as an old man's disease, it typically develops after the age of 60. Although about 15% of people with the condition develop "young-onset" Parkinson's disease before reaching age 50.
Parkinson's Disease: A Neurological Disorder
Well that Statistics seems quite scary, but the big question is "What is the Parkinson's disease?". The Oxford defines it as "a progressive disease of the nervous system marked by tremor, muscular rigidity, and slow, imprecise movement, chiefly affecting middle-aged and elderly people. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain and a deficiency of the neurotransmitter dopamine".
James Parkinson an English apothecary surgeon, in 1817, published his famous treatise: "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy," describing the symptoms which now collectively bear his name. Although many scientists worked on this topic before him worked on various aspects of motor dysfunction Parkinson was the first to collect them into a common syndrome; one which he believed formed a distinctive condition. He explained it to be a progressive, neurodegenerative disease that occurs when the neurons within the brain responsible for producing the chemical dopamine become impaired or dies. Dopamine is an organic chemical produced by the brain cell, which has a very important function of controlling the voluntary muscles of our body. Once approximately 80% of the brain's dopamine producing cells no longer function, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease begin to appear. People suffering from Perkinson's disease lose most of their control over their body and it becomes very difficult for them to do routine works like bathing, walking, eating etc.
Effects of Parkinson's Disease
Most common symptoms of Parkinson's disease are tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (unnaturally slow movements) and poor balance. Initially they are mild but eventually they interfere with daily routine. While speaking of Parkinson's disease majority of people will automatically think about physical symptoms. However coping with Parkinson's disease also takes a tremendous toll on the emotional well being of the sufferer. Feelings of anxiety, frustration, embarrassment at not being able to do every day things and often depression can have a huge effect on Parkinson's patients. Alternating emotional outburst from depression and anxiety attacks are common in 80% of the cases.
Another observed side effect is partial memory loss which of add to the psychological suffering of a patient. As the stages progress patients dates, names and faces which can be quite traumatic. However with a loving support system of friends and family a patient can be a bit relieved of the depression. But it is quite difficult for a normal person to understand a patients suffering. So it is very helpful if the person can join a local help group where he can discuss his problem with other patients.
Causes of Parkinson's Disease
The disease is mainly found in elderly people mostly over 55-60. But in some cases a person develops Parkinson's disease before reaching the age of 50 known as "young onset". Males have a higher probability of having this disease the females. There is considerable controversy surrounding the possibility of a genetic cause of Parkinson's disease. People who develop this disease early can be considered to have genetic abnormalities. But there is also some evidence that certain toxins in the environment may cause Parkinson's disease. Scientists have suggested that external or internal toxins may selectively destroy the dopaminergic neurons, causing Parkinson's disease. Herbicides and Pesticides often cause this disease. Several drugs like haloperidol and chlorpromazine if taken over a prolonged period of time may also cause this disease.
Precautions & Treatment
Till date there is no absolute cure for Parkinson's disease. But with the advancement of modern medical science, there are treatments which can significantly relieve people's symptoms and markedly improve their quality of life. But any kind of treatment first requires accurate diagnosis, which the first and most important step. It's a bit tricky as in the earlier stages its difficult to separate from other diseases with similar symptoms. After that there is Medication, Surgical treatments and therapies. Treatment is best done by neurologists who specialise in 'movement disorder'. Drug treatment in Parkinson’s is prescribed to suit the individual, both in terms of the dosage, the form of the medication. Treatment is generally started with low doses of a drug; this dose is then gradually increased until the required control over the symptoms is achieved. For example: Levodopa therapy is a principal medical treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. People affected by this disease must have self belief to fight for survival and they must also be taken care off by their family and close ones.
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