Parkinson's Disease: What is it, What you need to know?.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Parkinson’s disease (PD) occurs when brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die.

The most prominent signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when nerve cells in the basal ganglia, an area of the brain that controls movement, become impaired and/or die. Normally, these nerve cells, or neurons, produce an important brain chemical known as dopamine. When the neurons die or become impaired, they produce less dopamine, which causes movement problems associated with the disease. Scientists still do not know what causes the neurons to die.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease:

1. Tremor

2. Slowed movement (bradykinesia).

3. Rigid muscles.

4. Impaired posture and balance.

5. Loss of automatic movements.

6. Speech changes.

7. Writing changes.

Other symptoms may include:

• Depression and other emotional changes.

• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking.

• Urinary problems or constipation.

• Skin problems.

There are currently no blood or laboratory tests to diagnose non-genetic cases of Parkinson’s. Doctors usually diagnose the disease by taking a person’s medical history and performing a neurological examination. If symptoms improve after starting to take medication, it’s another indicator that the person has Parkinson’s.

Treatment of Parkinson's Disease:

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medicines, surgical treatment, and other therapies can often relieve some symptoms.

• Increasing the level of dopamine in the brain

• Having an effect on other brain chemicals, such as neurotransmitters, which transfer information between brain cells

• Helping control non-movement symptoms

People living with Parkinson’s disease should never stop taking levodopa without telling their doctor. Suddenly stopping the drug may have serious side effects, like being unable to move or having difficulty breathing.
Other modalities of treatment:

• Deep Brain Stimulation:

During a surgical procedure, a doctor implants electrodes into part of the brain and connects them to a small electrical device implanted in the chest. The device and electrodes painlessly stimulate specific areas in the brain that control movement in a way that may help stop many of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s

• Other Therapies:

Physical, occupational, and speech therapies, may help with gait and voice disorders, tremors and rigidity, and a decline in mental functions.
A healthy diet supports overall wellness.
Exercise strengthens muscles and improves balance, flexibility, and coordination.
Massage therapy to reduce tension.
Yoga and tai chi to increase stretching and flexibility.

Prevention:

Because the cause of Parkinson's is unknown, there are no proven ways to prevent the disease. Some research has shown that regular aerobic exercise might reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease. Some other research has shown that people who consume caffeine — which is found in coffee, tea, and cola — get Parkinson's disease less often than those who don't drink it. Green tea is also related to a reduced risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, it is still not known whether caffeine protects against getting Parkinson's or is related in some other way. Currently, there is not enough evidence to suggest that drinking caffeinated beverages protects against Parkinson's.