What is Parkinson’s Disease?

About Parkinson’s Disease:

• It is a progressive neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and the parts of the body controlled by the nerves. 
• It is a condition in which a patient has limited or no control over his movements and body balance. 
• The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease naturally increases with age, and the average age at which it starts is 60 years old.
• Many studies have suggested that men are more likely to be affected by Parkinson’s than women.
• Cause:
  • It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement.
  • These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine.
  • Dopamine operates with other neurotransmitters to help coordinate the millions of nerve and muscle cells involved in the movement.
  • Lack of dopamine causes the slowed movements and tremors symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
• Symptoms:
  • Parkinson's disease symptoms can be different for everyone.
  • Early symptoms may be mild and go unnoticed.
  • Symptoms often begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on that side.
  • Parkinson's symptoms may include:
    • Tremors(trembling in the hands, arms, legs, and jaw); rigidity (stiffness of the limbs); slowness of movement; and impaired balance and coordination.
    • Patients may also experience other symptoms such as difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking, urinary problems, constipation, skin problems, depression, emotional changes, and sleep disruption.
• Diagnosis: Currently, no blood laboratory or radiological tests are available to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. 
• Treatment: There's no cure for this disease, but treatments can help significantly improve your symptoms.