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What Is Parkinson’s Disease And How Do You Get It

What Causes Parkinsons Disease

PARKINSON DiSEASE HOW YOU GET IT AND HOW TO AVOID IT

Parkinsons disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease that currently affects about 1 million Americans. Parkinsons disease involves a small, dark-tinged portion of the brain called the substantia nigra. This is where you produce most of the dopamine your brain uses. Dopamine is the chemical messenger that transmits messages between nerves that control muscle movements as well as those involved in the brains pleasure and reward centers. As we age, its normal for cells in the substantia nigra to die. This process happens in most people at a very slow rate.

But for some people, the loss happens rapidly, which is the start of Parkinsons disease. When 50 to 60 percent of the cells are gone, you begin to see the symptoms of Parkinsons.

What Can You Do If You Have Pd

  • Work with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy. This might include the following:
  • A referral to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain
  • Care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist
  • Meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson’s will affect your life
  • Start a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms.
  • Talk with family and friends who can provide you with the support you need.
  • For more information, visit our Treatment page.

    Page reviewed by Dr. Chauncey Spears, Movement Disorders Fellow at the University of Florida, a Parkinsons Foundation Center of Excellence.

    How Will The Disease Affect My Life

    Most people who have Parkinsonâs live a normal to a nearly normal lifespan, but the disease can be life changing.

    For some people, treatment keeps the symptoms at bay, and they’re mostly mild. For others, the disease is much more serious and really limits what you’re able to do.

    As it gets worse, it makes it harder and harder to do daily activities like getting out of bed, driving, or going to work. Even writing can seem like a tough task. And in later stages, it can cause dementia.

    Even though Parkinson’s can have a big impact on your life, with the right treatment and help from your health care team, you can still enjoy the things you love. It’s important to reach out to family and friends for support. Learning to live with Parkinson’s means making sure you get the backing you need.

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    Incidence Of Parkinsons Disease

    Its estimated that approximately four people per 1,000 in Australia have Parkinsons disease, with the incidence increasing to one in 100 over the age of 60. In Australia, there are approximately 80,000 people living with Parkinsons disease, with one in five of these people being diagnosed before the age of 50. In Victoria, more than 2,225 people are newly diagnosed with Parkinsons every year.

    What Else Do We Know

    Parkinson

    As scientists try to learn what’s at the root of Parkinson’s, they’re looking far and wide to pick up clues where they can.

    They’ve found that people with Parkinson’s tend to have something called Lewy bodies in their brain. These are unusual clumps of a protein called alpha-synuclein. The protein itself is normal, but the clumps are not. And they’re found in parts of the brain that affect sleep and sense of smell, which could explain some symptoms of Parkinson’s not related to movement.

    Your gut may also have a part in it, as some of its cells make dopamine, too. Some doctors think that this might be where the earliest signs of Parkinson’s show up, but that idea needs more research.

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    Surgery And Deep Brain Stimulation

    Deep brain stimulation is a treatment for Parkinsonâs disease that uses an implantable pacemaker-like device to deliver electrical pulses to parts of the brain involved in movement. The DBS system consists of leads precisely inserted into a specific brain target, the neurostimulator implanted in the chest, and extension wires that connect the leads to the neurostimulator. Though implantation of the system requires a neurosurgical procedure, the treatment itself consists of long-term electrical stimulation. Advantages of DBS include its ability to reduce the high doses of medications , its adjustability , and its reversibility DBS was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment for PD in 2002 and according to Medtronic , more than 80,000 patients have undergone DBS surgery worldwide.

    Typical candidates are those who have motor fluctuations or periods of âoffâ time with troublesome symptoms alternating with periods of âonâ time with good symptom control, and also with possible periods of excessive movement .

    Not all patients with Parkinsonâs disease are good candidates for treatment with DBS. Approximately 10â20% of patients considered for possible treatment with DBS include those:

    How Is Parkinsons Disease Dementia Diagnosed

    No single test can diagnose Parkinsons disease dementia. Instead, doctors rely on a series or combination of tests and indicators.

    Your neurologist will likely diagnose you with Parkinsons and then track your progression. They may monitor you for signs of dementia. As you get older, your risk for Parkinsons dementia increases.

    Your doctor is more likely to conduct regular testing to monitor your cognitive functions, memory recall, and mental health.

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    Ways Of Better Ensuring Good Dental Care In Parkinsons Reviewed

    Another PD issue that can affect oral health is swallowing. Dry mouth and decreased strength in jaw, tongue, or facial muscles affect swallowing. Eating nutritious foods because of problems with chewing and swallowing can lead to more dental problems such as cavities and mouth ulcers.

    Bev had speech therapy for swallowing issues that started in the past year. The therapist recommended taking smaller bites when chewing and before swallowing, eating more slowly before swallowing, and sitting upright with her head up when eating.

    Jaw exercises to strengthen muscles in the mouth and jaw may also help PD patients with improved quality of life and oral health.

    A literature review titled Evidence-Based Recommendations for the Oral Health of Patients with Parkinsons Disease, published last March in the journal Neurology and Therapy, concluded that Patients with PD had reduced quality of oral health and hygiene, and high prevalence of gingival recession , periodontal disease , dental calculus , tooth decay, tooth mobility and loss, drooling, xerostomia , dysphagia and temporomandibular disorders.

    Because of the challenges of oral health for people with PD, routine consultations with an oral surgeon in addition to a general dentist may be recommended.

    Is There A Cure For Parkinsons

    What is Parkinson’s Disease?

    Theres currently no cure for Parkinsons, a disease that is chronic and worsens over time. More than 50,000 new cases are reported in the United States each year. But there may be even more, since Parkinsons is often misdiagnosed.

    Its reported that Parkinsons complications was the

    Complications from Parkinsons can greatly reduce quality of life and prognosis. For example, individuals with Parkinsons can experience dangerous falls, as well as blood clots in the lungs and legs. These complications can be fatal.

    Proper treatment improves your prognosis, and it increases life expectancy.

    It may not be possible to slow the progression of Parkinsons, but you can work to overcome the obstacles and complications to have a better quality of life for as long as possible.

    Parkinsons disease is not fatal. However, Parkinsons-related complications can shorten the lifespan of people diagnosed with the disease.

    Having Parkinsons increases a persons risk for potentially life threatening complications, like experiencing:

    • falls

    Parkinsons often causes problems with daily activities. But very simple exercises and stretches may help you move around and walk more safely.

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    What Is Parkinsonism Is It Different From Parkinsons

    Parkinsons disease is the most common cause of parkinsonism, a category of neurological diseases that cause slowed movement.

    No quick or easy diagnostic tests exist for Parkinsons disease, so a patient may receive an initial diagnosis of parkinsonism without a more specific condition being confirmed.

    Classic Parkinsons disease referred to as idiopathic because it has no known cause is the most common and most treatable parkinsonism.

    About 15 percent of people with parkinsonism have atypical variants, which are also known as Parkinsons plus syndromes.

    Diagnosis Of Parkinson’s Disease

    To diagnose Parkinsons, doctors will use a combination of diagnostic tests, physical exams, and a review of family and health history. In general, two of the four main physical symptoms must be present over a period of time for a Parkinsons diagnosis to be given.

    If your primary care doctor believes you might have early onset of Parkinsons, they will refer you to a specialist like a neurologist or a movement disorder specialist for further tests.

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

    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.

    What Is It And How Does It Affect Those Whove Been Diagnosed

    Parkinson

    Parkinsons disease is a type of movement disorder that can affect the ability to perform common, daily activities. It is a chronic and progressive disease, meaning that the symptoms become worse over time. It is characterized by its most common of motor symptomstremors , stiffness or rigidity of the muscles, and slowness of movement but also manifests in non-motor symptoms including sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others.

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    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

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    Is Parkinsons Disease Fatal

    Parkinsons disease itself doesnt cause death. However, symptoms related to Parkinsons can be fatal. For example, injuries that occur because of a fall or problems associated with dementia can be fatal.

    Some people with Parkinsons experience difficulty swallowing. This can lead to aspiration pneumonia. This condition is caused when foods, or other foreign objects, are inhaled into the lungs.

    The Nervous System & Dopamine

    Physical Therapy For Parkinson’s Disease – Do you really need it?

    To understand Parkinson’s, it is helpful to understand how neurons work and how PD affects the brain .

    Nerve cells, or neurons, are responsible for sending and receiving nerve impulses or messages between the body and the brain. Try to picture electrical wiring in your home. An electrical circuit is made up of numerous wires connected in such a way that when a light switch is turned on, a light bulb will beam. Similarly, a neuron that is excited will transmit its energy to neurons that are next to it.

    Neurons have a cell body with branching arms, called dendrites, which act like antennae and pick up messages. Axons carry messages away from the cell body. Impulses travel from neuron to neuron, from the axon of one cell to the dendrites of another, by crossing over a tiny gap between the two nerve cells called a synapse. Chemical messengers called neurotransmitters allow the electrical impulse to cross the gap.

    Neurons talk to each other in the following manner :

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    What Are The Symptoms Of Parkinsons Disease

    Symptoms of Parkinsons disease and the rate of decline vary widely from person to person. The most common symptoms include:

    Other symptoms include:

    • Speech/vocal changes: Speech may be quick, become slurred or be soft in tone. You may hesitate before speaking. The pitch of your voice may become unchanged .
    • Handwriting changes: You handwriting may become smaller and more difficult to read.
    • Depression and anxiety.
    • Sleeping disturbances including disrupted sleep, acting out your dreams, and restless leg syndrome.
    • Pain, lack of interest , fatigue, change in weight, vision changes.
    • Low blood pressure.

    How Do I Prevent Falls From Common Hazards

    • Floors: Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its usual place.
    • Bathroom: Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower. Use non-skid bath mats on the floor or install wall-to-wall carpeting.
    • Lighting: Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well-lit. Install a night light in your bathroom or hallway and staircase. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night. Make sure lamps or light switches are within reach of the bed if you have to get up during the night.
    • Kitchen: Install non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove. Clean spills immediately.
    • Stairs: Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure. Install a rail on both sides of the stairs. If stairs are a threat, it might be helpful to arrange most of your activities on the lower level to reduce the number of times you must climb the stairs.
    • Entrances and doorways: Install metal handles on the walls adjacent to the doorknobs of all doors to make it more secure as you travel through the doorway.

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    What Are The Symptoms

    Symptoms of PD vary from person to person, as does the rate of progression. A person who has Parkinson’s may experience some of these more common “hallmark” symptoms:

    • Bradykinesia – slowness of movement, impaired dexterity, decreased blinking, drooling, expressionless face.
    • Tremor at rest – involuntary shaking that decreases with purposeful movement. Typically starts on one side of the body, usually the hand.
    • Rigidity – stiffness caused by involuntary increase in muscle tone.
    • Postural instability – sense of imbalance. Patients often compensate by lowering their center of gravity, which results in a stooped posture.

    Other symptoms that may or may not occur:

    Freezing or being stuck in place Shuffling gait or dragging of one foot Stooped posture Cognitive impairment

    How To Prevent Parkinsons Disease

    What Age Does Parkinson

    There is no definite way to prevent Parkinson’s disease. However, research suggests that the following lifestyle factors can make a difference:

    Eating turmeric: Turmeric is an antioxidant, so it can help to prevent Lewy bodies in the brain, according to a laboratory study. Berries, apples and red grapes can also have the same effect.

    Avoiding aldehydes: Some scientists have linked aldehydes to increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

    Banishing toxic chemicals: Exposure to pesticides, herbicides and other toxins can increase the risk of neurological diseases. You should try to avoid these chemicals and make sure you wear the appropriate protective clothing if you do have to make contact.

    The causes of Parkinsons disease are largely unknown. However, these recent findings do help to shed light on the condition. Many people with Parkinsons find that information helps them feel reassured and in control.

    If you still have questions concerning Parkinsons disease causes and treatment, its best to consult your doctor or contact a reputable organization for support, such as the National Parkinsons Foundation Helpline .

    APA ReferenceSmith, E. . Parkinsons Causes: How Do You Get Parkinsons Disease?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2021, September 7 from https://www.healthyplace.com/parkinsons-disease/parkinsons-causes-how-do-you-get-parkinsons-disease

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    Prevention Of Parkinsons Disease

    Researchers dont know of any proven ways to prevent Parkinsons disease, but avoiding certain risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk.

    Some studies have shown a diet high in antioxidants along with regular exercise may play a role in preventing Parkinsons. Other findings have suggested that compounds like caffeine, niacin, and nicotine may have a protective effect against Parkinsons disease.

    What Is Parkinson’s Disease Its A Movement Disorder

    Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain illness that affects the way you move. In more clinical terms, Parkinsons disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

    Normally, there are cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to the parts of your brain that control movement. When approximately 60-80% of the dopamine-producing brain cells are damaged, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear, and you may have trouble moving the way you want.

    Parkinson’s disease is a chronic illness and it slowly progresses over time. While there is no therapy or medicine that cures Parkinsons disease, there are good treatment options available that can help you live a full life.

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