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SOMEONE I KNOW WAS RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH PARKINSON'S DISEASE. WHAT EXACTLY IS THIS?
Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurological condition that effects the central nervous system. It causes a reduction of dopamine-a vital brain chemical. Decreased quantities of dopamine produce the classic Parkinson's disease symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
· Rigidity-This symptom is always present in Parkinson's disease. It causes increased tone and stiffness in the muscles.
· Tremor-Tremor affects approximately 75% of people with Parkinson's. It is the symptom that people often recognize and associate with the disease. Oftentimes, it is also the symptom that sends someone to see his or her physician. It is usually worse on one side of the body.
· Slowness in movement-This is caused by the brain not sending signals fast enough to the various parts of the body.
· Problems with walking-These include shuffling steps, diminished arm swing and sudden freezing.
· Balance and coordination problems-These are quite common. It is especially apparent when a person with Parkinson's disease attempts to make sudden movements. Again, this is caused by the brain not sending out impulses at a fast enough rate.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER SYMPTOMS THAT I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?
Yes. These are called secondary symptoms and can include:
· Problems with speech
· Difficulty swallowing
· Stooped over posture
· Depression
· Dizziness
· Insomnia
· Dementia
· Sexual problems
***It's important to note that not all people have all of these symptoms. Some people experience few symptoms other than the classic ones.
WHAT IS THE AVERAGE AGE FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE TO OCCUR, AND HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED BY IT?
More than one and a half million people have Parkinson's disease. For the most part, it is considered an "older person's" disease. About 15% of patients are diagnosed before age fifty and a small percentage are even diagnosed in their twenties or thirties. For some reason, men are affected more often than women.
WHAT CAUSES PARKINSON'S DISEASE AND IS THERE A CURE?
Scientists don't really know the cause of the disease. Though it does "run" in some families, it isn't totally genetic in nature. Rather, some people are born with a predisposition for the disease and an environmental factor sets it off. Some people link the onset of Parkinson's disease to a traumatic event, but doctors discount this theory.
Parkinson's is not fatal. Though there is no cure for this disease, experts say that one is nearly within our reach. Also, there are treatment options that can help a sufferer lead a more normal, productive life.
***There are some drugs that cause Parkinson's-like movements or symptoms. They do this by interfering with the brain's balance of dopamine. These symptoms can be permanent. Because of this, be aware of the drugs that you are prescribed.
Drugs that can cause Parkinson's-like symptoms include:
1. Some anti-hypertension drugs which contain reserpine.
2. The anti-nausea drug reglan. (Some doctors won't prescribe this drug because of this side-effect.)
3. Haloperidol and other drugs that control hallucinations and confusion in psychiatric patients.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TREATMENTS FOR PARKINSON'S DISEASE?
There has been a great deal of advancement in DRUG THERAPY for Parkinson's in recent years. They include:
· Levodopa-This substance is converted into dopamine by the brain. It marked a great advancement in the treatment of Parkinson's.
· Sinemet-This drug prevents Levodopa from being metabolized by the stomach. Therefore, less Levodopa needs to be taken and negative side effects are reduced.
· Symmetrel-This was originally marketed as an anti-flu medication. It works by increasing the supply of dopamine in the synapses.
There are many more drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's. Some have more side effects than others do. Also, new drugs are being developed and tested.
SURGERY is another option in the treatment of Parkinson's. One such procedure is called Pallidotomy. It targets the area of the brain where unwanted movement is located. By using an electrode, that problem cells are destroyed. This type of surgery is not without its risks, and it is not for everyone.
DEEP BRAIN STIMULATION is also used to help control unwanted movements. Electrodes are implanted in the brain and connected to a pacemaker-like device. The patient can then turn it on or off as symptoms demand.
WHAT ABOUT BRAIN TISSUE TRANSPLANTS. I'VE READ THAT THAT MIGHT BE AN EFFECTIVE OPTION.
Much research has taken place in this area. Though it shows encouraging results, it is still in the experimental stages. It started with fetal cells but scientists are now using animal cells and genetically engineered cells that can be made to produce dopamine.
HOW DOES PARKINSON'S DISEASE PROGRESS?
1. It usually starts out with a tremor of the hand.
2. Over time, slowness or stiffness accompanies the tremor.
3. As the patient becomes more aware of the symptoms, the impairment often progresses to the other side of the body. It is usually not as severe as on the primary side of the body.
4. As the disease worsens, fine motor skills diminish and gait problems may surface.
5. Treatment is instituted when the patient feels the symptoms are severe enough to warrant it. This varies from case to case.
FINAL WORDS
It is important to remember that Parkinson's is not fatal, and many people will have only mild symptoms. If the quality of life is diminished, therapies can be instituted that will make life easier.
People do live and thrive with Parkinson's disease. Michael J. Fox and Janet Reno are two examples of people who lead productive, happy lives and have Parkinson's Disease.
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