Parkinson’s disease
POSTED August 23, 2010 - 17:47 | POSTED BY Anonymous
Last edited by Rakhi on August 23, 2010 - 17:48
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive and degenerative neurological disorder which impairs the motor skills, damaging the movement, muscle control and balance. It was first described in England in 1817 by James Parkinson.
Causes
Although Parkinson's disease is referred to as idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. However, experts believe the gradual reduction in the cells in an area of the brain called the basal ganglia lowers the production of dopamine, the chemical responsible for transmitting impulses from nerve to nerve, triggers the disorder.
Viral brain infections, antipsychotic drugs and exposure to herbicides or toxins can also be the initiating factor in some cases.
Risk factors:
While aging itself does not make people susceptible to the disease, the condition usually strikes after the age of 60. It is more common in men than women.
In addition, while a set of specific genetic factors play a strong role in early-onset Parkinson's disease, the presence of another set of multiple genetic may altogether postpone its development.
Environmental factors like toxic pollution and infections and can provoke the production of the body’s oxygen free-radicals, which play an active role in the deterioration of nerve cells that lead to Parkinson's.
Symptoms:
Shaking or trembling limbs and rigid muscles are often the telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease. As the condition progresses, people with Parkinson’s may also feel depressed and anxious. Confusion and memory loss also sets in. They also experience trouble chewing, swallowing and talking. Other typical symptoms include drooling, inexpressive face, infrequent blinking, incontinence and constipation.
Cures:
While there is no absolute cure for Parkinson’s disease, available treatments primarily focus on controlling symptoms and improving quality of life. Its management encompasses avenues like patient and family education, general wellness maintenance, physiotherapy, exercise and nutrition.
Drug therapy typically replaces or stimulates diminished supplies of the brain chemical dopamine.
In severe cases, a surgical method primarily Deep Brain Stimulation, involving the implantation of a brain pacemaker, a medical device which transmits electrical impulses to specific parts of the brain, can prove helpful.
