Site icon InlifeHealthCare

Early Signs of Parkinsons Disease – Its Causes and Treatment

Parkinson’s disease or primary parkinsonism is a progressive deteriorating disorder of the central nervous system which affects the brain cells (neurons) of the substantia nigra region that produce dopamine thus, giving rise to motor symptoms such as tremors and shaking, rigidity and slowness of movement that can eventually lead to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Parkinson’s disease is more common in older adults and most of the cases are observed in people over the age of 50 years. The cause of this disease is unidentified and no cure has still been discovered, but the condition can be treated effectively and kept under control with medication and surgery.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Although, the symptoms that are experienced vary from person to person, yet some of the early signs of Parkinson’s are as follows:

Early Signs:

At advanced stage, the Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:

Advanced Signs:

Causes of Parkinson’s Disease

Although the precise cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known yet, it is caused due to the degeneration and death of brain and nerve cells named neurons and the motor movement is diminished as a result of the death of these cells that work as chemical messengers of the brain. The reduced level of Dopamine in the brain lead to abnormal brain functions.

Risk Factors for Parkinson’s disease

Although, there is no fixed measures or tests to know who can develop Parkinson’s disease in future but there are certain risk factors that put specific groups at high risk of this disease.

Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease

In many cases, the early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease mimic that of Alzheimer’s and therefore, it becomes difficult to diagnose even for an experienced neurologist. Most of the tests for Parkinson’s disease diagnosis are physical ones as there are no standard diagnostic tests such as accurate image scanning or blood tests.

Treatment and Management of Parkinson’s disease

Although, there is no cure for this disease, the symptoms can be kept under control with Parkinson’s disease treatment that includes medications and surgery in some cases.

Carbidopa-levodopa: The Carbidopa-levodopa is one of the most important Parkinson’s disease medications that the Doctor is most likely to prescribe. Levodopa is a natural chemical that is converted into dopamine as it enters the brain. It is combined with carbidopa in order to prevent premature conversion outside the brain. But with prolonged use, the effects of levodopa may wear off and effectiveness may be diminished.

 

Dopamine agonists: The dopamine agonists that combine with dopaminergic post-synaptic receptors have similar effects like levodopa on the brain, but unlike levodopa, it does not transform in to dopamine, but mimic the effects of dopamine instead. Although, it is not as powerful as levodopa, but its effects are long lasting and can be used along with levodopa to power up its reduced effect. Dopamine agonists is a combination of pramipexole, ropinirole and rotigotine. The side effects of dopamine agonists include sleepiness, hallucinations and compulsive behaviors.

MAO-B inhibitors: The MAO-B inhibitors include selegiline and rasagiline that prevents dopamine metabolism and increases dopamine level in brain.  They block the monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) from breaking down dopamine produced by neurons. MAO-B inhibitors are usually not taken with any antidepressants because of risks of serious reactions. The side effects of taking MAO-B inhibitors include headaches and nausea.

Surgery

Deep brain stimulation: It is a surgical method by which electrodes are implanted in specific parts of the brain in order to send artificial impulses to the brain. This surgery is usually administered for patients who are suffering from an advanced stage of the disease and are not responding to medicinal treatment. Deep brain stimulation can improve movement, reduce tremors and rigidity and stabilize a medication fluctuation that is often seen in case of levodopa therapy.

Tips to Cope with Parkinson’s disease

Following a healthy life style can help a lot in dealing with the symptoms of this disease.

Living with a chronic disease is very difficult and it is extremely important for family members and friends to support and understand the person and his requirements and extend their helping hand in order to give him a better and more comfortable life.

Image Sources: parkinsondisease.in, bocahomecareservices.com, slideshare.net, medindia.net, fpnotebook.com.

Exit mobile version