Diseases That Mimic Parkinson’s

What Causes Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease causes are still unknown. However, there is a vast amount of research directed at getting answers to its origin, treatment and prevention.

Parkinsons has been linked to declining levels of dopamine, an important brain chemical. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter. It plays a role in controlling movement and coordination. Parkinsons also causes the nerve endings to die on another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine. Norepinephrine controls automatic functions of the body, which contributes to Parkinsons symptoms such as fatigue, constipation and blood pressure changes .

How Is Depression Diagnosed

Most people with PD will go undiagnosed or undertreated for depression therefore, being diagnosed is a critical first step towards effective treatment and recovery. To be diagnosed with depression, a person must experience one of the following symptoms most of the time over the previous two weeks:

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

In addition, some of the following symptoms must be present:

• Changes in sleep or appetite
• Increased fatigue

Difficulties In Diagnosing Depression In Patients With Parkinsons

• Certain symptoms of depression overlap with symptoms of PD ? for example, sleep problems and feeling slowed down occur in both conditions.
• Some experts think that depression in PD often involves frequent, shorter changes in mood versus a constant state of sadness daily.
• Many people with PD express less emotion due to the effect the disease has on the muscles of the face. This symptom, called facial masking, makes a person unable to express emotion through facial expressions.
• Many people with Parkinsons do not seek treatment because they often do not recognize they have a mood problem or are unable to explain symptoms. For these reasons, it is helpful to ask a caregiver or loved one if he or she has noticed any changes commonly reported in depression.

Also Check: Apathy In Parkinson’s Disease

Whats The Difference Between Drug

Parkinsons is a progressive disorder, which will become worse over time, while DIP does not. In DIP, Parkinson-like symptoms can begin within four days to one month of starting the medication. However, all the symptoms could completely subside once the effecting medication is stopped, though it may take up to 18 months for all the symptoms to subside.

For more information on drug-induced parkinsonism, read this journal article and/or information sheet.

Faqs About Parkinsons Disease

Im claustrophobic. Is there an MRI scan alternative?

Yes, many people who struggle with small spaces have the option to have an open or upright MRI scan.

Will I get a copy of my results?

Yes, if you would like to see your results after any test or assessment, we can provide the details for you. Feel free to ask for a copy of your test results or a CD of your MRI scan if applicable.

How quickly can I be seen?

We aim to see patients on the same day of their enquiry wherever possible.

Can you arrange tests?

Yes, depending on what is most suitable for you and your condition, we can arrange for tests and scans to be scheduled before or after your consultation.

What does the consultation entail?

During a consultation, we will carry out an assessment and go through your medical history with a view to getting a diagnosis. Following this, our specialists will provide you with a bespoke treatment plan and a full consultation report.

If I am seen privately, will I be removed from the NHS waiting list?

No, receiving care at Dementech will not impact your NHS care. You are still welcome to seek guidance and treatment from the NHS if you wish to.

Do you offer video calls?

If you cannot make it to the clinic, we are able to provide facilities for video calls. You are welcome to use Skype, FaceTime, or WhatsApp for your appointments.

Do you provide finance?

Also Check: Medicinal Plants For Parkinson’s Disease

How Do Treatments Differ

MS treatments can ease your symptoms during an attack or slow down the diseaseâs effects on your body.

Steroids like prednisone calm the inflammation that damages your nerves.

Plasma exchange is another therapy if steroids donât work. Your doctor will use a machine to remove the plasma portion of your blood. The plasma gets mixed with a protein solution and put back into your body.

Some people with both diseases who take anti-inflammatory medicines like steroids see their Parkinsonâs symptoms get better.

Disease-modifying treatments slow down MS nerve damage and disability. They include:

National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke: âTremor Fact Sheet.â

Neurology: âParkinsonâs Disease in Multiple Sclerosis A Population-Based, Nationwide Study in Denmark .â

Mayo Clinic: âMultiple Sclerosis: Overview,â âMultiple Sclerosis: Symptoms and Causes,â âMultiple Sclerosis: Treatment,â âParkinsonâs Disease: Causes,â âParkinsonâs Disease: Definition,â âParkinsonâs Disease: Risk Factors,â âParkinsonâs Disease: Symptoms.â

Christopher Reeve Foundation: âHow the spinal cord works.â

National Association for Continence: âParkinsonâs Disease.â

National Multiple Sclerosis Society: âMS Symptoms,â âWho Gets MS? .â

National Parkinson Foundation: âNon-Motor Symptoms.â

Multiple Sclerosis Trust: âLhermitteâs sign.â

Johns Hopkins Medicine: âPlasmapheresis.â

You May Like: Can Parkinsons Cause Congestive Heart Failure

What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Parkinsons Disease

The severity of Parkinsons disease symptoms and signs vary greatly from person to person, and it is not possible to predict how quickly the disease will progress.

• Parkinsons disease itself is not a fatal disease, and the average life expectancy is similar to that of people without the disease.
• Secondary complications, such as pneumonia, falling-related injuries, and choking can lead to death.
• Many treatment options can reduce some of the symptoms and prolong the quality of life.

Dont Miss: Is Dark Chocolate Good For Parkinsons Disease

Don’t Miss: Cbd Oil For Parkinson’s Disease

What Are Signs And Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

Early diagnosis can greatly increase the effectiveness of Parkinsons treatment. However, Parkinsons symptoms are easy to dismiss as normal signs of aging or other conditions such as stroke or head trauma. For these reasons, people may ignore symptoms or doctors may have a harder time with diagnosis.

Also Check: How Long Do Elderly Live With Parkinsons

Parkinsons Disease Symptoms Of Dementia

Up to one-third of people living with Parkinsons disease experience dementia, according to the Parkinsons Disease Foundation. Problems with dementia may include trouble with memory, attention span, and what is called executive function the process of making decisions, organizing, managing time, and setting priorities.

Dont Miss: Does Parkinsons Cause Seizures

You May Like: How Do You Get Parkinson Disease Symptoms

Conditions That Mimic Shuffling Gait Seen In Parkinsons:

Please read the article on shuffling gait. It describes 5 causes of shuffling of gait.

The most crucial mimic to remember is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus .

The person with NPH feels like he is stuck to the ground. This is a magnetic gait. It is easy to mistake this for Parkinsons disease.

For example, see this video posted by the Hydrocephalus Association of America on youtube:

NPH can be treated by implanting a small shunt pipe. This shunt drains excess water around the brain into the abdomen.

Read Also: Non Shaking Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons Disease Vs Als: Risk Factors And Complications

Risk factors for Parkinsons disease include being over the age of 50, being male, having a family history of Parkinsons disease, carrying gene variations, experiencing a head injury, being exposed to environmental toxins, and taking certain medications such as anti-anxiety medications or sleeping pills.

Complications associated with Parkinsons disease include difficulty thinking, depression, emotional changes, swallowing problems, sleep problems and disorders, bladder issues, constipation, changes in blood pressure, smell dysfunction, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunction.

Studies into ALS have revealed some interesting insight. For example, it may just be that some people with this disease are triggered by certain environmental factors. The environmental triggers under investigation include smoking, lead exposure, and military service. Recent research has indicated that people who have served in the military are at a higher risk of getting ALS.

Studies are also looking at the entire human genome, since research has uncovered a number of genetic variations that people with familial ALS and some with non-inherited ALS have in common. These variations might make people more prone to ALS.

You May Like: Ways To Prevent Parkinson’s

What Is Alzheimers Disease

Alzheimers disease , the most common form of dementia among older adults, is an irreversible degeneration of the brain that causes disruptions in memory, cognition, personality, and other functions that eventually lead to death from complete brain failure. Genetic and environmental factors including diet, activity, smoking, traumatic brain injury, diabetes, and other medical diseases contribute to the risk of developing this form of the disease. The hallmarks of Alzheimers disease are the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques between nerve cells in the brain and neurofibrillary tangles, which are twisted fibers found inside the brains cells). These tangles consist primarily of a protein called tau.

You May Like: Using Cbd For Parkinsons Disease

Transcranial Direct Stimulation In Parkinsons Disease Gait Rehabilitation

This article is an orphan, as no other articles link to it. Please introduce links to this page from related articles try the Find link tool for suggestions.

Gait variability seen in Parkinsons Disorders arise due to cortical changes induced by pathophysiology of the disease process. Gait rehabilitation is focused to harness the adapted connections involved actively to control these variations during the disease progression. Gait variabilities seen are attributed to the defective inputs from the Basal Ganglia. However, there is altered activation of other cortical areas that support the deficient control to bring about a movement and maintain some functional mobility.

Dont Miss: How Long Do Parkinsons Patients Live After Diagnosis

Don’t Miss: Questions To Ask About Parkinson’s Disease

Where Can I Get More Information

For more information on neurological disorders or research programs funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, contact the Institute’s Brain Resources and Information Network at:

Office of Neuroscience Communications and EngagementNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeNational Institutes of HealthBethesda, MD 20892

NINDShealth-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient’s medical history.

All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.

Does Parkinsons Affect Voice

The voice is affected too, because the voice box is ultimately controlled by the basal ganglia as well. Thus the voice becomes soft, slurred and hushed. Others may comment that the patient is mumbling. The mumbling goes away temporarily once the patient becomes aware of it but soon returns to the soft, slurred state.

This temporary improvement when attention is paid is true of many of the motor symptoms of PD because the condition primarily affects subconscious movements, and does not directly affect nerve or muscle control at the most basic level. Thus, conscious awareness can override the slowness to a certain extent. This fact is one reason why physical therapy and physical activity are so useful and necessary in treating PD.

• Slowness of walking and other movements
• Trouble with dexterity
• Reduced arm swing or stride length
• Delayed reactions physically
• Reduced facial reactions
• Softer or slurred speech

• Tremor in one or both limbs with the limb at rest
• Sometimes also tremor with holding a posture or with actions
• Usually asymmetric

Imbalance, loss of balance reflexes

• May fall backwards

Recommended Reading: Shadow Boxing For Parkinson’s

What Research Is Being Done

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke , a component of the National Institutes of Health, is the primary funder of research on the brain and nervous system. NIH is the leading funder of biomedical research in the world.

PSP is one of the diseases being studied as part of the NINDS Parkinsons Disease Biomarkers Program. This major NINDS initiative is aimed at discovering ways to identify individuals at risk for developing Parkinsons disease and related disorders, and to track the progression of these diseases. NINDS also supports clinical research studies to develop brain imaging that may allow for earlier and more accurate diagnosis of PSP.

Genetic studies of PSP may identify underlying genetic causes. Previous studies have linked regions of chromosomes containing multiple genes, including the gene for the tau protein , with PSP. Researchers hope to identify specific disease-causing mutation and are also studying how genetics and environment interaction may work together to contribute to disease susceptibility.

Animal models of PSP and other tau-related disorders, including fruit fly and zebrafish models, may identify basic disease mechanisms and lead to preclinical testing of potential drugs. Other studies in animal models focus on brain circuits affected by PSP, such as those involved in motor control and sleep, which may also yield insights into disease mechanisms and treatments.

Read Also: Parkinsons Disease How Long To Live

How Is Psp Different From Parkinsons Disease

PSP is often misdiagnosed as Parkinsons disease, especially early in the disorder, as they share many symptoms, including stiffness, movement difficulties, clumsiness, bradykinesia , and rigidity of muscles. The onset of both diseases is in late middle age. However, PSP progresses more rapidly than Parkinsons disease.

• People with PSP usually stand exceptionally straight or occasionally tilt their heads backward . This is termed axial rigidity. Those with Parkinsons disease usually bend forward.
• Problems with speech and swallowing are much more common and severe in PSP than in Parkinsons disease and tend to show up earlier in the disease.
• Eye movements are abnormal in PSP but close to normal in Parkinsons disease.
• Tremor is rare in PSP but very common in individuals with Parkinsons disease.

Although individuals with Parkinsons disease markedly benefit from the drug levodopa, people with PSP respond minimally and only briefly to this drug.

People with PSP show accumulation of the protein tau in affected brain cells, whereas people with Parkinsons disease show accumulation of a different protein called alpha-synuclein.

You May Like: Anxiety And Parkinsons Disease

Don’t Miss: Natural Supplements For Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinsons Disease Caused By Stroke: Vascular Parkinsonism

A stroke involving the substantia nigra or basal ganglia is called vascular Parkinsonism. Similar to other strokes, damage is caused primarily by a lack of blood supply to these regions of the brain. Generally, the strokes associated with Parkinsonism are termed small vessel strokes as they arent normally catastrophic. Diagnosis of small vessel strokes can be confirmed with diagnostic tests such as CT or MRI of the brain.

It typically takes several small strokes to produce the symptoms of vascular Parkinsonism. In some cases, small vessel strokes can also produce a type of dementia called vascular dementia. As such, it is not unusual for people who have vascular Parkinsonism to also have vascular dementia.

Read Also: Using Cbd For Parkinsons Disease

What Doctors Look For When Diagnosing Parkinsons

Certain physical signs and symptoms noticed by the patient or his or her loved ones are usually what prompt a person to see the doctor. These are the symptoms most often noticed by patients or their families:

• Shaking or tremor: Called resting tremor, a trembling of a hand or foot that happens when the patient is at rest and typically stops when he or she is active or moving

• Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement in the limbs, face, walking or overall body

• Rigidity: Stiffness in the arms, legs or trunk

• Posture instability: Trouble with balance and possible falls

Once the patient is at the doctors office, the physician:

• Takes a medical history and does a physical examination.

• Asks about current and past medications. Some medications may cause symptoms that mimic Parkinsons disease.

• Performs a neurological examination, testing agility, muscle tone, gait and balance.

You May Like: Big Movements For Parkinsons

Also Check: Lifespan Of Someone With Parkinson’s Disease

Behaviors Seen In Parkinsons Disease Dementia

As dementia progresses, managing disorientation, confusion, agitation, and impulsivity can be a key component of care.

Some patients experience hallucinations or delusions as a complication of Parkinsons disease. These may be frightening and debilitating. Approximately 50 percent of those with the disease may experience them.

The best thing to do when giving care to someone experiencing hallucinations or delusions from Parkinsons disease dementia is to keep them calm and reduce their stress.

Take note of their symptoms and what they were doing before they exhibited signs of hallucinating and then let their doctor know.

This element of the disease can be particularly challenging for caregivers. Patients may become unable to care for themselves or be left alone.

Some ways to make caregiving easier include:

• sticking to a normal routine whenever possible
• being extra comforting after any medical procedures
• limiting distractions
• using curtains, nightlights, and clocks to help stick to a regular sleep schedule
• remembering that the behaviors are a factor of the disease and not the person

Parkinsons has four main symptoms:

• Tremor in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
• Muscle stiffness, where muscle remains contracted for a long time
• Slowness of movement
• Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls

Other symptoms may include:

How Does Parkinsons Disease Affect The Brain

The part of the brain that is affected is called the basal ganglia, which functions like the autopilot of your brain, facilitating subconscious movements. Because PD causes the brain cells in this deep circuitry to deteriorate, patients natural movements become slow and stiff. Many patients describe feeling as if they had aged overnight.

Don’t Miss: When Parkinson’s Gets Worse

What Diseases Can Be Mistaken For Parkinsons

This is the list of different diseases that may be mistaken with Parkinsons disease:

• Progressive supranuclear palsy.

Alzheimers disease and primary lateral sclerosis can also be mistaken for Parkinsons disease. Other similar conditions include essential tremor, dystonic tremor, vascular Parkinsonism, and drug-induced Parkinsonism.

Also Know, what are the four cardinal signs of Parkinsons disease? Cardinal symptoms. Four symptoms are considered cardinal in PD: bradykinesia, tremor, rigidity, and postural instability also referred to as parkinsonism. Tremor is the most apparent and well-known symptom.

Similarly, it is asked, what is similar to Parkinsons?

Progressive Supranuclear Palsy: An Atypical Parkinsonian Syndrome. Progressive supranuclear palsy is not Parkinsons disease , but is a Parkinsonian-like syndrome. PSP is a rare brain disorder that causes serious and progressive problems with gait and balance, as well as eye movement and thinking problems.

Does stress cause Parkinsons disease?

Research suggests that stressful life events may increase the risk of Parkinsons disease. In addition, animal studies indicate that stress damages dopamine cells, resulting in more severe parkinsonian symptoms. In humans, acute stress can worsen motor symptoms, including bradykinesia, freezing, and tremor.

Recommended Reading: Rigidity In Parkinsons Disease