Symptoms and Causes
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the nervous system. It mainly affects the part of the brain that controls movement. It is a chronic disease that gradually worsens over time and has no cure. Nerve cells in the brain begin to break down or die, including the cells that produce dopamine. The loss of these dopamine-producing cells causes abnormal brain activity, then symptoms begin (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2018).
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person and can be considered motor or non-motor. The first, most obvious signs of the disease are tremors, limb rigidity, difficulty balancing, and changes in speech and writing. Some symptoms may go unnoticed, such as needing more time for daily activities, taking smaller steps, and blinking less. People with Parkinson’s disease may even experience loss of smell, depression, and REM sleep behavior disorder, which is talking or flailing of the limbs while asleep (Shilling, 2017).
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown but is believed to be related to genes and environmental triggers. Some scientists believe that exposure to certain chemicals and metals may lead to the death of dopamine-producing cells and the development of Parkinson’s disease. Others suggest that it may be related to gender, age, occupation, and area of residence. There are also factors that are believed to reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, such as exercise, caffeine consumption, and high vitamin D levels (Environmental Factors, 2017).
Impact on Nervous System
Parkinson’s disease can cause issues with the autonomic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system in charge of regulating body functions that are not done consciously. Organs affected by this system involve the blood vessels, pupils, heart, genitals, bladder, stomach, and sweat, salivary, and digestive glands. The functions regulated by this system include breathing, heart rate, blood pressure, sweating, and urination. Examples of symptoms associated with autonomic nervous system issues are orthostatic hypotension, erectile dysfunction, and frequent urination (Parkinson’s Disease [PD], n.d.).
When diagnosing Parkinson’s disease, neurologists look for the cardinal features of the disease: tremor, loss of balance, muscle stiffness and slow movement. As the disease worsens, the development of dementia and cognitive dysfunction is common. The combination of dementia and Parkinson’s disease can cause difficulties with communication, forgetfulness, and ability to pay attention, as well as make living independently unlikely. Parkinson’s disease doesn’t drastically alter life expectancy, but the effects of the disease on the nervous system can change daily activities and the quality of life (Parkinson’s Disease [PD], n.d.).
Although it is not the only chemical system affected in Parkinson’s disease, dopamine is the most recognized and most important. Over time, the dopamine-producing cells located in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra decrease. Due to the lack of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, the brain has more difficulty controlling muscles and movement. The absence of dopamine is also the cause of mood and cognitive issues associated with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson Disease and Dementia, n.d.).
Treatment
It is not fatal, but there is currently no known cure for Parkinson’s disease. There are different treatments based on a number of factors including severity, age, and overall health. Medication can be used to control some of the symptoms, or temporarily decrease the severity of them. Physical, speech, occupational and diet therapies may help as well. Three types of surgery are also available options for treatment. Lesion therapy is a procedure where a lesion is placed in parts of the brain that control movement to help stop tremors. Deep Brain Stimulation is the placement of an electrode into the parts of the brain that cause movement. The device can then be turned on to help decrease the flow of information to the brain and the symptoms of Parkinson’s. There is also research being conducted to find a replacement for the part of the brain that no longer functions properly in people with Parkinson’s disease (Parkinson’s Disease (PD), n.d.).
Conclusion
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder that progressively worsens over time. As dopamine levels in the brain decrease, symptoms develop and worsen. The brain is no longer able to fully control movement, which causes things like tremors, difficulty walking, and changes in speech. It is unknown what triggers the decrease of dopamine and there is no known cure for the disease. There are multiple treatment options like medication and surgery, as well as research being conducted to find other alternatives.