This month we are sharing education on Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a brain disorder 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with each year. Symptoms can include shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. These symptoms usually begin mildly and progress over time. The progression may lead to difficulty walking and talking which is why it’s important to be educated on what to look for.
Risk factors for Parkinson’s
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for Parkinson’s as most people first see symptoms around age 60. However, approximately 5-10% of people have “early-onset” disease with symptoms beginning before age 50. Early-onset forms of Parkinson’s can be inherited and some forms have been linked to specific gene mutations. Parkinson’s impacts both men and women however men are diagnosed 50% more than woman. Research in this area of medicine has been extensive and many now believe that Parkinson’s disease results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s occurs when the nerve cells in the brain that control movement are damaged or die. It is also possible that the person will lose the nerve endings that produce the main chemical messenger of the nervous system which controls many functions of the body, such as heart rate and blood pressure.
What Symptoms are common with Parkinson’s disease?
There are four main symptoms:
- Tremors or trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head
- Stiffness of the limbs and trunk
- Slowness of movement
- Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls
- Other symptoms may include: depression and other emotional changes; difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions.
How is Parkinson’s Diagnosed?
Unfortunately, there are no exact medical tests to definitively detect the disease, sometimes making this a difficult disease to diagnosis. There are also a number of other disorders that have similar symptoms to Parkinson’s which further complicates diagnosis. Additionally, many people may dismiss early symptoms of Parkinson’s as normal effects of aging. As symptoms of Parkinson’s and the rate of progression differ among individuals this can also make it difficult to diagnosis this disease. This is why speaking with your provider if you or someone you know has any of these symptoms and/or a family history of Parkinson’s is important.
It’s important to note that symptoms often begin on one side of the body or even in one limb on one side of the body and eventually affecting both sides of the body.
As we mentioned, a number of other disorders can mimic Parkinson symptoms. This further emphasizes the needs for early diagnosis since response to medical tests and medications can help to distinguish between these disorders.
Currently there are no exact blood or laboratory tests to diagnose nongenetic Parkinson’s disease. Therefore, it is typical that diagnosis is based on a person’s medical history and a neurological examination especially since improvement after initiating medication is a hallmark of Parkinson’s disease.
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease however medication, surgical intervention, and other therapies can help to relieve and manage some symptoms. If you or someone you love shows signs of Parkinson’s please see your provider or encourage them to see their provider. Parkinson’s can be a very scary and overwhelming diagnosis since it impacts so many daily functions of the body. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, it can be manageable.
Please reach out to us at VITALity if you have any questions about Parkinson’s or would like additional resources on this disease. Until next time, stay safe, healthy and well!
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