Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects the movement of the body. The disease starts with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. In its early stage, it shows little or no signs, but as the condition progresses, the symptoms worsen over time. In the last stages, the affected person may not even be able to form words, let alone sentences. Here is all you need to know about the condition.
Signs of the disorder
The signs of Parkinson’s disease may vary from person to person. The early signs could be mild and go unnoticed. Signs are noticed on one side of the body initially and later both sides. Some of these are:
- Shaking
Tremor-like feeling begins in a limb and reaches your hands or fingers. Your hand might also tremble when your body is at rest. - Stiff muscles
Muscle stiffness can occur in any part of your body. The rigidity of muscles can be painful and can cause a limited range of movement. - Changes in speech and writing
Your speech might also be affected due to Parkinson’s disorder. Your speech will become shaky, or you might hesitate before talking. You might find it difficult to write, and your writing may appear small. - Slowed movement
As the disease spreads, it will slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. You might not be able to take long steps while walking and might find it difficult to get up after sitting. You may have to drag your feet as you try to walk. - Absence of automatic movements
You will notice that your ability to perform involuntary movements will be affected. - Disturbed posture and balance
Due to Parkinson’s disease, your posture may become stooped, and you may have issues with your balance.
Causes of the disorder
The actual cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but there are several factors that might have a role in its development, such as:
- Genetics
It has been found that genetic mutation can cause Parkinson’s disease. Certain genes variations might increase the risk of the disease. If you have a family history of the disease, there are high chances that you might also be affected by the same. - Environment factors
Exposure to some toxins in the environment or environmental factors also increase the risk of the disease. Exposure to toxins such as herbicides and pesticides also increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease. - Lewy bodies
A person with this disease may have lumps of protein known as alpha-synuclein or Lewy bodies in their brain. As these accumulate, they affect your nerve cells and the movements of the body. - Low dopamine levels
People with a low amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, could also be affected by this disease. As dopamine levels fall, the condition becomes worse.
It has been seen that this disease is an inherited condition, and it mostly affects individuals that are 60 years or more. Also, men are more likely to develop this Parkinson’s disease than women.
Treatment plan
Surgical procedures
This includes deep brain stimulation. Here, surgeons implant electrodes into a specific part of the brain. There is a generator in your chest, and these electrodes are connected to them. The electrodes send electrical pulses to your brain, which helps in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
A doctor would advise on the treatment plan depending upon the severity of the disease. If treatment options and a change in lifestyle can help, then surgery would be the last resort. Also, exercising is a great way to ensure that the condition doesn’t become worse.
If the body is exhibiting any symptoms which are indicators of Parkinson’s disease, then one should get in touch with the doctor immediately. A delay could have an adverse effect on the body.
