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PARKINSON S DISEASE Parkinson's disease is a long term disease related to the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system, resulting in the loss of dopamine, which helps in producing brain cells. Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects the regular movement of the body. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand. A tremor might be the most well-known sign of Parkinson's disease but apart from that the disorder also causes stiffness or slowing of regular movement. 2
Symptoms The symptoms of the Parkinson s disease may vary from person to person. The symptoms might include the following: Tremor - A tremor or shaking of a body part, usually seen in a limb, often being a hand or fingers. The major symptom of Parkinson's disease is the sudden tremor of your hand when it is relaxed (at rest). Slowed movement (bradykinesia): Over the time, this disease may reduce the person s ability to move and slow his or her movement, making simple tasks of daily life difficult and timeconsuming. Your steps may seem to become shorter when you are in motion, or at times you may find it difficult to get out of a chair. Also, you may have to drag your feet while walking, making it more difficult to walk. Rigid muscles: Stiffness of muscles may occur in any part of the body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and might cause you extreme pain. Impaired posture and balance: The posture of the affected person may be stooped, or he or she might face balance related problems, which is a result of Parkinson's disease. Loss of automatic movements: While you are affected with parkinson's disease, you may have a decreased ability to perform the unconscious movements, for e.g., blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk. 3
Changes in speech: One may experience speech problems as a result of Parkinson's disease. One might speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. Changes in writing: The affected person may find difficulty while writing and the writing may appear small. Causes The causes of Parkinson s disease is unknown, but the below factors can play an important role. Genes: Few specific genetic mutations may cause Parkinson's disease, but these are quite uncommon except in some rare cases, where most of the family members are affected with Parkinson's disease. Environmental triggers: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors increases the risk of this particular disease later, but the risk is relatively small. Diagnosis There is no specific test for the diagnosis of this particular disease. However, few neurological and physical test may be done along with some blood tests, to find out the conditions that are possibly causing the symptoms. 4
Treatment There is no drug to cure Parkinson s disease, but medications can help to control the symptoms. Doctor may also recommend a few changes in the lifestyle, e.g., the habit of regular aerobic exercise. In some cases, the physical therapy which focuses on the balance and stretching is also important. A speech-language pathologist may help you in improving your speech problems. Medications: Medications helps to manage problems with walking, movement and tremor. These medications might substitute for dopamine, a specific signaling chemical (neurotransmitter) in your brain. Carbidopa-levodopa: Levodopa can be the most effective medication for Parkinson's disease. It is a natural chemical that passes into your brain and is converted to dopamine. If levodopa is combined with carbidopa (Rytary, Sinemet), it protects the levodopa from the premature conversion to dopamine, which prevents or lessens the side effects such as nausea. Dopamine agonists - The dopamine agonists don't change into dopamine. Instead, they mimic dopamine effects in your brain. Dopamine agonists include pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. 5
MAO-B inhibitors: These medications include selegiline and rasagiline. They help in preventing the breakdown of brain dopamine by inhibiting the brain enzyme monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B). This enzyme metabolizes brain dopamine. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors: The primary medication from this class is Entacapone. This medication mildly effects the levodopa therapy by blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine. Anticholinergics: These medications are used for many years to control the tremor associated with Parkinson's disease. Several anticholinergic medications are available, including benztropine or trihexyphenidyl. Surgery Deep brain stimulation: In deep brain stimulation or DBS, the surgeons implant electrodes into a particular part of your brain. The electrodes are connected to a generator which is implanted in your chest near the collarbone that sends electrical pulses to your brain and may reduce your Parkinson's disease symptoms. 6
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