Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system illness that causes uncontrollable motion. Decreased dopamine concentrations in the brain induce its signs. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, although experts presently think that genetic mutations and exposure to environmental elements like chemicals play a major influence.
Continue reading to learn more about the causes of Parkinson’s disease and its early symptoms.
Table of Content
- Early signs & Symptoms
- What are the Causes?
- What are the Risk factors?
- Does race have an impact on the risk?
- Prevention
- Summary
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Early signs & Symptoms
In most cases, symptoms appear slowly over many years. Due to the variety of the condition, the evolution of symptoms can vary a little from person to person. People with PD might go through:
- Tremor, primarily at rest and characterised as a tremor in the hands that rolls pills; various types of tremor are possible
- A sluggish and sparse movement (called bradykinesia and hypokinesia)
- limb rigidity (rigidity)
- Balance and gait issues (postural instability)
Parkinson’s disease symptoms can sometimes be “non-motor,” or unrelated to movement, in addition to movement-related (“motor”) symptoms. Non-motor symptoms of PD frequently have a greater negative impact on patients than do motor symptoms. Depression, anxiety, apathy, hallucinations, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, sleep difficulties, loss of smell, and a number of cognitive deficits are examples of non-motor symptoms.
Parkinson’s disease signs and symptoms appear gradually. They frequently begin with a minor tremor in one hand and a sensation of rigidity throughout the body. Other signs start to appear over time, and some people may eventually acquire dementia.
Among the early indications of Parkinson’s disease are:
- movement modifications, such as tremors, coordination and balance issues that can lead to falls or dropped objects,
- a loss of smell
- changes in the nerves that regulate the cheek muscles cause fixed facial expressions, such as a slight forward tilt or shuffling when walking.
- vocal tremor, softer voice, more crowded, and smaller handwriting,
- sleep issues brought on by restless legs and other factors,
- rapid eye movement
- Difficulty in sleeping
Other typical signs include:
- alterations in mood,
- especially sadness
- tiredness,
- constipation,
- trouble swallowing
- skin issues
- Hallucinations,
- delusions
- dementia can all progress over time.
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What are the Causes?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition brought on by alterations in the brain. Although the exact reason why it occurs is unknown, scientists have found some varieties that do.
- Low dopamine levels
Parkinson’s disease symptoms are mostly brought on by low or declining levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It occurs when brain cells that make dopamine die.
The area of the brain that regulates movement and coordination receives information from dopamine. Therefore, it may be more difficult for people to control their movement when dopamine levels are low. The severity of the symptoms gradually worsens as dopamine levels continue to drop.
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Low norepinephrine levels
Damage to the nerve terminals that create another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which supports blood circulation and other natural bodily activities, may also be a component of Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease patients with low norepinephrine levels may have both motor and nonmotor symptoms like:
- rigidity and stiffness
- physical unsteadiness
- tremors,
- focus issues,
- anxiety,
- dementia, and
- sadness
This may help to explain why orthostatic hypotension frequently occurs in persons with Parkinson’s disease. When someone stands up, their blood pressure fluctuations, which can cause dizziness and a chance of falling, is referred to as this.
- Lewy bodies
Lewy bodies, also known as clusters of alpha-synuclein protein, are sometimes found in the brains of people with Parkinson’s disease.
Lewy bodies can build up and lead to nerve cell loss, which can change how a person moves, thinks, behaves, and feels. Dementia may also result from it.
Lewy body dementia is not the same as Parkinson’s disease, although because the symptoms are similar, some people may have both.
- Genetic factors
Although mutations in numerous genes have been found to be associated with Parkinson’s disease, experts do not believe this to be a hereditary ailment.
Only 10% of cases, particularly in those with early-onset disease, seem to be genetic in nature.
- Autoimmune factors
According to a 2017 study, there may be a hereditary connection between inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and Parkinson’s disease.
In 2018, Taiwanese health data were examined by researchers who discovered a 1.37-fold increased risk of Parkinson’s disease in patients with autoimmune rheumatic disorders.
What are the Risk factors?
Parkinson’s disease risk may be increased by a number of environmental variables.
These include:
- Past traumatic brain injury: For instance, head traumas sustained while playing contact sports may raise the likelihood of the illness.
- Exposure to toxins: These include metals, pesticides, solvents, and other contaminants.
- Males are 50% more likely than females to have the illness, while a 2016 study found that the risk for females may rise with age.
- Age: The illness frequently manifests around the age of 60.
- Certain pharmaceuticals and remedies With Parkinsonism, a person has tremors and other symptoms but does not have Parkinson’s disease, some medications might cause this condition.
Symptoms typically start to show up around the age of 60. However, early-onset Parkinson’s, which manifests before the age of 50, affects 5–10% of those who have the condition.
Does race have an impact on the risk?
Statistics in the past have indicated that Black Americans are less likely than people of other ethnicities to have Parkinson’s disease.
The lack of knowledge about how the disease can affect Black people and a higher likelihood of misdiagnosis as a result of unequal access to healthcare, according to experts, may be to blame for this.
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Prevention
Parkinson’s disease cannot be prevented, although several lifestyle choices may help lower the risk.
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Avoiding toxins
When employing potentially harmful substances like herbicides, insecticides, and solvents, people should exercise caution.
The following actions should be taken by people whenever they can:
- use alternatives to goods that include well-known toxins, such paraquat, to reduce the usage of pesticides and herbicides that aren’t necessary.
- when they cannot be avoided,
- adopting steps like wearing protective clothing
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Avoid head trauma
People can take the following actions to guard themselves against traumatic brain injury:
- wearing safety goggles during contact sports
- wearing a helmet while cycling or riding a motorcycle
- using a safety belt while driving
- seeking medical attention for concussions and
- delaying taking risks until a doctor indicates it is okay to do so
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Exercise
A 2018 review found that regular exercise may help prevent or treat Parkinson’s disease. The authors point out that exercise can support the maintenance of dopamine levels in the brain.
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Dietary factors
Parkinson’s disease and other disorders may be less likely as a result of some dietary choices. According to research, the following could be useful:
- Turmeric is a mellow spice that can be used in teas, curries, soups, and other dishes. Curcumin, an antioxidant, is a component in it. It may lessen the incidence of Parkinson’s disease by decreasing oxidative stress and the clumping of the protein alpha-synuclein, according to one laboratory study.
- Research indicates that the antioxidant flavonoids may reduce the risk of acquiring Parkinson’s disease. Flavonoids are found in berries, apples, various vegetables, tea, and red grapes.
- Avoiding aldehydes: Some cooking oils, such as sunflower oil, can generate hazardous compounds called aldehydes when heated and reused. These chemicals have been linked to Parkinson’s disease and other illnesses. Aldehydes may be present in significant concentrations in potatoes fried in old cooking oils.
Summary
Parkinson’s disease is a chronic ailment that affects the body’s nervous system. The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors might be involved. Experts have discovered clear connections between prior traumatic brain injury and toxic exposure.
Parkinson’s disease may be prevented by exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding pollutants, although the precise aetiology is not yet known. If you come across with similar signs and symptoms you can visit Best Neurosurgeons in India and find out the Best Neurosurgery Hospitals in India on our website.
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