Monday, March 18, 2024

How Do You Get Parkinson’s

What Causes Parkinsons Disease Dementia

PARKINSON DiSEASE HOW YOU GET IT AND HOW TO AVOID IT

A chemical messenger in the brain called dopamine helps control and coordinate muscle movement. Over time, Parkinsons disease destroys the nerve cells that make dopamine.

Without this chemical messenger, the nerve cells cant properly relay instructions to the body. This causes a loss of muscle function and coordination. Researchers dont know why these brain cells disappear.

Parkinsons disease also causes dramatic changes in a part of your brain that controls movement.

Those with Parkinsons disease often experience motor symptoms as a preliminary sign of the condition. Tremors are one of the most common first symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

As the disease progresses and spreads in your brain, it can affect the parts of your brain responsible for mental functions, memory, and judgment.

Over time, your brain may not be able to use these areas as efficiently as it once did. As a result, you may begin experiencing symptoms of Parkinsons disease dementia.

You have an increased risk of developing Parkinsons disease dementia if:

  • youre a person with a penis
  • youre older

Bring Nature Indoors With Houseplants

Bev is definitely an indoor plant maven. I tease her that soon she will have to open a greenhouse and nursery for all her plants.

Because she lives in Ohio, Bev gets to experience the four seasons, unlike me living in the Arizona desert. She told me that her favorite season is winter.

But she said, In the fall, when it is not so humid and hot out, I like to sit outside on the patio with my coffee, some bakery , and enjoy the surroundings. She has tall pine trees at the edge of her backyard, as well as a small creek where she can listen to the water. There are also ducks in the creek that she can watch.

Engaging with nature can help all of us. For people with PD, it can help decrease possible feelings of isolation, increase awareness and creativity, and perhaps even help manage some symptoms.

To learn more about how nature helps all of us destress and be more creative, I recommend diving into the book The Nature Fix by Florence Williams.

Parkinsons Disease As A Result Of Paraquat Exposure

Parkinsons disease is only second to Alzheimers as the most common neurodegenerative condition in the country. As the dopaminergic neurons in the brain degenerate, so do a persons motor functions. This leaves the patient with physical challenges like:

  • Limb rigidity and tremors
  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Challenges typing or writing by hand

Those suffering from Parkinsons disease can even experience non-motor symptoms, such as personality changes. Over time, the condition gets progressively worse, with disabling effects. You may have difficulty walking or communicating.

Despite being common, Parkinsons disease has no established cause. Genetic factors can contribute to your risk for Parkinsons disease, but only recent studies have shone a light on the possibility of environmental exposures like herbicides causing the condition.

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How Does Parkinson’s Affect The Body

The telltale symptoms all have to do with the way you move. You usually notice problems like:

Rigid muscles. It can happen on just about any part of your body. Doctors sometimes mistake early Parkinson’s for arthritis.

Slow movements. You may find that even simple acts, like buttoning a shirt, take much longer than usual.

Tremors. Your hands, arms, legs, lips, jaw, or tongue are shaky when you’re not using them.

Walking and balance problems. You may notice your arms aren’t swinging as freely when you walk. Or you can’t take long steps, so you have to shuffle instead.

Parkinson’s can also cause a range of other issues, from depression to bladder problems to acting out dreams. It may be a while before abnormal movements start.

Deep Brain Stimulation For Parkinson’s: Am I A Candidate

6 ways to prevent Parkinson

Deep brain stimulation is not a cure, but it can relieve your symptoms from Parkinson’s disease when medications are not an option. Only you and your doctor can decide if this surgical procedure is right for you. You may be a candidate for deep brain stimulation if:

  • You have idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Patients with atypical parkinsonism are not candidates.
  • You have good motor function and independence during your best “on” state when taking the drug Sinemet.

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Causes Of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinsons occurs when neurons in the part of the brain that control body movement become impaired or die. These neurons are responsible for creating dopamine, an important brain chemical that is vital for normal body function.

With fewer of these neurons in the brain, insufficient dopamine is created. Scientists are still not sure what exactly causes these neurons to become impaired or die.

People with Parkinsons also lose nerve endings that produce norepinephrine, the chemical messenger of the sympathetic nervous system that controls heart rate and blood pressure. This could be why fatigue and a decrease in blood pressure regularly occur with people who have Parkinsons.

While there have been cases of the disease that appear to be hereditary and can be traced to specific genetic mutations, there isnt enough evidence yet to conclusively prove it is passed down from parents to their children.

Most cases of Parkinsons occur randomly, and researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are responsible.

How Is Parkinson’s Disease Managed

Your doctors will tailor your treatment based on your individual circumstances. You will manage your condition best if you have the support of a team, which may include a general practitioner, neurologist, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, psychologist, specialist nurse and dietitian.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, symptoms can be treated with a combination of the following.

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Stiffness While Moving Or Walking

Stiffness or trouble moving could be due to injury, or an issue like arthritis, says Beck. But if the stiffness doesnt go away when you move, it can be a sign of Parkinsons disease. An early signal may be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips you might also feel like your feet are stuck to the floor.

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What Treatments Are Available

My Experience with how you get diagnosed with Early, Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease?

Many Parkinson’s patients enjoy an active lifestyle and a normal life expectancy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and staying physically active contributes to overall health and well-being. Parkinson’s disease can be managed with self-care, medication, and surgery.

Self careExercise is as important as medication in the treatment of PD. It helps maintain flexibility and improves balance and range of motion. Patients may want to join a support group and continue enjoyable activities to improve their quality of life. Equally important is the health and well being of the family and caregivers who are also coping with PD. For additional pointers, see Coping With Parkinsons Disease.

These are some practical tips patients can use:

Medications There are several types of medications used to manage Parkinson’s. These medications may be used alone or in combination with each other, depending if your symptoms are mild or advanced.

After a time on medication, patients may notice that each dose wears off before the next dose can be taken or erratic fluctuations in dose effect . Anti-Parkinsons drugs can cause dyskinesia, which are involuntary jerking or swaying movements that typically occur at peak dosage and are caused by an overload of dopamine medication. Sometimes dyskinesia can be more troublesome than the Parkinsons symptoms.

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When To See A Doctor

If youre experiencing more than one of the above symptoms, ask your doctor about screening for Parkinsons. Unfortunately, making a PD diagnosisespecially in its early stagesis not easy, says Beck. There is not a simple blood test or brain scan that confirms a diagnosis. The presence of bradykinesia , plus either tremor or stiffness/rigidity, will help doctors make a PD diagnosis.

If youre diagnosed with Parkinsons disease by an internist or geriatrician, the Parkinsons Foundation strongly recommends following up with a movement disorder specialist for a second opinion, says Beck. Movement disorder specialists are neurologists who have specific training in diagnosing and treating PD. And to get through this pandemic at your healthiest, dont miss these 35 Places Youre Most Likely to Catch COVID.

For more information, the Parkinsons Foundation has many resources on its website, or you can call their helpline toll-free at 1-800-4PD-INFO.

The post Sure Signs You May Be Getting Parkinson’s, According to Science appeared first on Eat This Not That.

What Types Of Damages Can You Get In A Paraquat Lawsuit

A paraquat lawsuit can help you recover damages to make up for the injuries youve suffered. Personal injury lawsuits can reward economic and non-economic damages. That includes:

  • Past and future medical bills based on the treatment you need
  • Lost income and wages as a result of being unable to work for any period of time
  • Pain and suffering and loss of consortium caused by your disability or condition
  • Funeral expenses if youve lost a loved one because of paraquat

A Parkinsons disease diagnosis comes with significant costs. A civil lawsuit is the best way to make you whole under the law as if you were never exposed to paraquat. While monetary compensation cannot undo your diagnosis or disease, it can help you get the treatment you need so that you can take care of your health and live your life to the fullest.

Corporations that put dangerous products onto the market need to be held responsible for the damage and injuries that they cause. In the case of intentional, reckless, or malicious behavior, a court may even award punitive damages, which are meant to punish bad actors and discourage others from following their example.

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What Are The Symptoms Present To Confirm Parkinsons Disease

In order to medically diagnose Parkinsons disease, a minimum of two to four symptoms must be present. The four main symptoms include-

  • Acute slowness of movement called Bradykinesia.
  • Stiffness or rigidity of the arms, legs and trunk.
  • Problems with maintaining body balance and posture which result in falls called postural instability.

What Medications Are Used To Treat Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsonâs Symptoms, Diagnosis &  Treatments

Medications are the main treatment method for patients with Parkinsons disease. Your doctor will work closely with you to develop a treatment plan best suited for you based on the severity of your disease at the time of diagnosis, side effects of the drug class and success or failure of symptom control of the medications you try.

Medications combat Parkinsons disease by:

  • Helping nerve cells in the brain make dopamine.
  • Mimicking the effects of dopamine in the brain.
  • Blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine in the brain.
  • Reducing some specific symptoms of Parkinsons disease.

Levodopa: Levodopa is a main treatment for the slowness of movement, tremor, and stiffness symptoms of Parkinsons disease. Nerve cells use levodopa to make dopamine, which replenishes the low amount found in the brain of persons with Parkinsons disease. Levodopa is usually taken with carbidopa to allow more levodopa to reach the brain and to prevent or reduce the nausea and vomiting, low blood pressure and other side effects of levodopa. Sinemet® is available in an immediate release formula and a long-acting, controlled release formula. Rytary® is a newer version of levodopa/carbidopa that is a longer-acting capsule. The newest addition is Inbrija®, which is inhaled levodopa. It is used by people already taking regular carbidopa/levodopa for when they have off episodes .

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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.

The 5 Stages Of Parkinsons Disease

Getting older is underrated by most. Its a joyful experience to sit back, relax and watch the people in your life grow up, have kids of their own and flourish. Age can be a beautiful thing, even as our bodies begin to slow down. We spoke with David Shprecher, DO, movement disorders director at Banner Sun Health Research Institute about a well-known illness which afflicts as many as 2% of people older than 65, Parkinsons Disease.

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Black Americans And Parkinsons Disease

Most research suggests that Parkinsons disease is more likely to affect whites and Hispanics.

But, some studies have shown that Black patients may be less likely to receive proper care for the disease.

A review published in 2018 in Neurology found there are racial disparities when it comes to managing Parkinsons disease.

Researchers identified one study that showed Black patients were 4 times less likely than whites to be started on treatment for Parkinsons.

Another study found an average seven-year delay in diagnosis among Black patients.

What Is The Prognosis And Life Expectancy For Parkinson’s Disease

The Parkinson’s Disease Protocol – How do you get Parkinson’s disease?

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

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What Is Parkinsons Disease Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention

The causes and symptoms of Parkinsons disease can vary from person to person. While there is no cure, there are medications and treatments to help manage the condition.

Parkinsons disease is a movement disorder that happens when nerve cells in a certain part of the brain are no longer making the chemical dopamine.

The condition is also sometimes known as paralysis agitans or shaking palsy.

The Parkinsons Foundation estimates that 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinsons every year. However, the true number of people who develop the disease may be much higher.

Parkinsons Disease Causes: The Facts

There is no known cause for Parkinsons disease, so sadly there is no way to avoid it. However, Parkinsons disease is found to be more common in men than women. It mostly affects people aged 65 and over. However, early-onset Parkinsons can occur in younger adults.

Scientific research has identified the following possible causes for the disease:

  • Genetic factors: The disease can run in families, but Parkinson’s isnt always hereditary. There is no reason to suspect that you will get Parkinsons just because a blood relative has it.
  • Low dopamine levels: Dopamine plays an essential role in sending messages to the part of the brain that controls coordination. Those with Parkinsons are reported to have low dopamine levels, making it harder for them to control their movements.
  • Low norepinephrine levels: Norepinephrine is another neurotransmitter responsible for controlling automatic bodily functions, such as blood circulation and bowel movements. Parkinsons disease causes the nerve endings that produce norepinephrine to die, leading to problems like fatigue, constipation and low blood pressure .
  • Lewy bodies in the brain: Research has found that people with Parkinson’s disease often have clumps of protein, known as Lewy bodies, in their brain. These Lewy bodies can also be linked with other conditions, including Parkinson’s disease dementia.

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Is Early Diagnosis Possible

Experts are becoming more aware of symptoms of Parkinsons that precede physical manifestations. Clues to the disease that sometimes show up before motor symptoms and before a formal diagnosis are called prodromal symptoms. These include the loss of sense of smell, a sleep disturbance called REM behavior disorder, ongoing constipation thats not otherwise explained and mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.

Research into these and other early symptoms holds promise for even more sensitive testing and diagnosis.

For example, biomarker research is trying to answer the question of who gets Parkinsons disease. Researchers hope that once doctors can predict that a person with very early symptoms will eventually get Parkinsons disease, those patients can be appropriately treated. At the very least, these advances could greatly delay progression.

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center

Our center provides compassionate and timely treatment to patients with movement disorders, such as dystonia, ataxia, essential tremor and similar conditions. But our mission goes beyond patient care excellence. By offering educational events and support groups, we empower patients and caregivers to become better partners in their health.

Trouble Moving Or Walking

Speech Tips for Parkinson

Do you feel stiff in your body, arms or legs? Have others noticed that your arms dont swing like they used to when you walk? Sometimes stiffness goes away as you move. If it does not, it can be a sign of Parkinson’s disease. An early sign might be stiffness or pain in your shoulder or hips. People sometimes say their feet seem stuck to the floor.

What is normal?If you have injured your arm or shoulder, you may not be able to use it as well until it is healed, or another illness like arthritis might cause the same symptom.

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