Below:
• What is Parkinson's disease?
• What are the symptoms?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How is Parkinson's disease treated?
What is Parkinson's disease? Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder caused by degeneration of neurons in the areas of the brain that control movement. The destruction of these neurons results in a decrease in the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter or signaling chemical, which in turn causes impairment of movement – the most recognizable symptom of Parkinson's. One in 100 people over the age of 60 are affected by Parkinson's disease, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Younger adults (under 40) can also develop Parkinson’s, but this group accounts for only about 5 to 10 percent of cases. Because most patients are seniors and symptoms emerge gradually, the initial signs are often dismissed as part of the normal aging process. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of Parkinson's are usually mild at first and often include a slight tremor of the hand or foot. These are often 'rest tremors' that only occur when the limb is relaxed. Other common symptoms include slowed movement, inability to move, rigidity of the limbs, shuffling gait and stooped posture. Some patients have facial fixity, a blank expression that shows little emotion, or a staring appearance caused by a reduction in eye blinking. Other symptoms may include: • Speech changes |
| •Micrographia (small, cramped handwriting) |
| •Difficulty swallowing |
| •Drooling |
| •Pain |
| •Dementia or confusion |
| •Sleep disturbances |
How is it diagnosed? Parkinson's disease is diagnosed by a neurologist through an evaluation of symptoms and a physical exam. Imaging studies, such as CT or MRI scans, can help distinguish Parkinson's from other disorders with similar presentations. If the neurologist suspects Parkinson's, he or she may prescribe anti-Parkinson's drugs and monitor the patient’s response. How is Parkinson's disease treated? In the initial stages of the disease, symptoms can be mild enough that little or no treatment is necessary. When symptoms become more pronounced, levodopa (L-dopa) and other drugs are prescribed to help replace dopamine in the brain. Very severe cases can be treated with neurosurgery.
First published May 9, 2008
Copyright © 2008 Consumer Health Interactive
| 
