Parkinson’s Disease Center

Parkinson’s disease is a continuous disorder of the nervous system, which affects movements. The disease develops progressively, starting with barely noticeable tremors to serious cases of speech impairment and stiffness. Parkinson’s disease is incurable. However, there are medications and brain surgeries that improve symptoms.

Parkinson's Disease Center

Symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. The signs start showing on one side of the body. The initially affected side remains worse, even after the disease begins to affect both sides. Early signs go unnoticed since they are insignificant. Common signs include:

  • Tremors usually begin in the hand when it is relaxed.
  • Slowed movement. This disease reduces the ability to carry out simple tasks such as walking or even getting up from a chair.
  • Muscle stiffness. Muscles become rigid, inhibiting movements and also resulting to pain.
  • Poor balance and impaired posture. Balance problems and stooped posture is common among patients.
  • Loss of unconscious movements. The ability to perform automatic movements, such as smiling, blinking and swinging arms when walking is significantly decreased.
  • Speech problems
  • Writing problems

Causes of Parkinson’s disease

When neurons die, the production of Dopamine (chemical messenger of the brain) is affected. Dopamine is responsible for the normal functioning of the brain. Low levels of dopamine results to abnormal brain activity, which is a precursor to Parkinson’s disease. Several factors have been linked to the disease:

  • Several gene variations and mutations cause Parkinson's disease.
  • Environmental factors, such as toxins may lead to brain damage.

Risk Factors

  • The risk of getting Parkinson’s disease increases with age, although it does not affect young adults.
  • Family history. Having a close family member increases the likelihood that you may get the disease.
  • Men have a higher risk of getting Parkinson’s disease than women.
  • Exposure to toxins. Chemicals present in herbicides and pesticides increase the risk of the disease.

Evidence Based

This article is based on scientific evidence, and written, fact-checked & medically reviewed by health experts.

Throughout this article, you’ll find scientific references (highly trusted peer-reviewed scientific papers, links denoted by the numbers in the parentheses (1, 2, 3)).