Parkinson’s Disease: Causes and Treatment
Parkinson’s disease is a long-term brain disorder impacting nerve cells, affecting movement and various aspects of life. Though its cause remains unknown, treatments like medication and surgery can help manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. While not typically fatal, it can lead to severe complications.
Parkinson’s disease primarily affects people over 60, with the average onset age being 60 years old. It’s slightly more common in men than women. While rare, it can occur in younger adults (as early as 20), often with a family history of the condition.
Types Of Parkinson’s Disease
The types of Parkinson’s disease are as follows:
- Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease
- Vascular Parkinsonism
- Drug-induced parkinsonism
- Early-Onset Parkinson’s
- Multiple system atrophy
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Normal-pressure hydrocephalus
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease symptoms appear slowly. They usually begin with a tremor in one hand and a sensation of rigidity throughout the body. Other symptoms emerge over time, and some people develop dementia.
Early indications of Parkinson’s disease:
- Tremors
- Bradykinesia
- Rigidity
- Postural instability
- Freezing
- Micrographia
- Masked face
- Speech changes
- Stooped posture
Other common symptoms include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Cognitive changes
- Sleep disturbances
- Loss of sense of smell.
When to see a doctor?
Feeling shaky, tense, or unsteady? See a doctor. If it seems like Parkinson’s, they may refer you to a neurologist. Get advanced Parkinson’s treatment at ONUS Hospitals with our expert neurologists.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
Genetic Causes (Familial Parkinson’s Disease)
About 10% of Parkinson’s cases are inherited from one or both parents. Experts have identified seven genes linked to Parkinson’s, with some causing early onset or unique symptoms.
Idiopathic Parkinson’s Disease
The majority of cases are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Experts believe it’s related to problems with a protein called α-synuclein. When this protein misfolds, it builds up in cells as toxic clumps called Lewy bodies, leading to brain cell damage.
Induced Parkinsonism
Conditions and factors that mimic Parkinson’s disease include:
- Medications: Some drugs can cause temporary Parkinson’s-like symptoms that may resolve after stopping the medication.
- Encephalitis: Brain inflammation can lead to parkinsonism.
- Toxins: Exposure to substances like manganese dust, carbon monoxide, or pesticides can cause parkinsonism.
- Head Injuries: Repeated trauma from activities like boxing or football can result in post-traumatic parkinsonism.
Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease
The risk factors are as follows:
- Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed after the age of 60.
- Genetics: A family history of Parkinson’s disease can increase the risk.
- Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than women.
- Environmental factors: Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk.
- Head trauma: Traumatic brain injuries may be associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease.
- Certain medications: Some drugs have been linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.
- Rural living: Studies suggest that people living in rural areas may have a slightly higher risk.
Complications of Parkinson’s Disease
The consequences of Parkinson’s disease on mobility are arguably the most well-known. Rigid muscles, delayed movements and shaking are the most obvious signs. The following are some well-known complications:
- Cognitive Problems
- Depression and Anxiety
- Difficulty in Swallowing
- Dementia
- Impaired sense of smell
Diagnosis and Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Diagnosis is challenging at any stage of the disease, especially during the initial stages. A diagnosis cannot be made with a specific test. Physical and neurological exams will most likely be performed periodically to measure changes in reflexes, coordination, muscular strength, and mental function. Doctors use clinical factors to diagnose the condition.
Useful diagnostic tools include:
- Blood tests Although blood tests cannot diagnose Parkinson’s disease, they can assist the doctor in identifying alternative causes of parkinsonism, such as multiple system atrophy or corticobasal degeneration.
- Genetic testing If they have a family history of parkinsonism, genetic testing may help the doctor identify the main reason.
- DaTscan A DaTscan is a type of imaging that allows a doctor to examine how much dopamine is present in the brain. If the scan reveals an abnormally low level, the doctor’s Parkinson’s diagnosis may be confirmed.
- Magnetic resonance imagining (MRI) A brain tumour, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or vascular parkinsonism can all be detected using an MRI
Medications for Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is treated with various medications.
- Carbidopa and levodopa are tremor-controlling drugs used in combination with other drugs to reduce the tremors.
- Benzodiazepines, sometimes known as tranquillisers, can temporarily relieve tremors.
- Beta-blockers might also be used to ease out some symptoms of the disease like high blood pressure.
- Anti-seizure drugs like primidone can help those with tremors which aren’t responding to beta-blockers.
- Most tremors can be treated with botulinum toxin, often known as Botox.
Prevention of Parkinson’s Disease
Unfortunately, Parkinson’s disease can’t be prevented since it’s often caused by genetic factors or occurs unpredictably. While some occupations, like farming and welding, may carry a higher risk due to exposure to certain chemicals, not everyone in these professions develops parkinsonism.
Lifestyle Changes And Self-Care for Parkinson’s Disease
Making lifestyle changes may help people with Parkinson’s disease.
- Healthy diet: Constipation is a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease, so eating a high-fibre diet of fruits, vegetables, and grains, as well as drinking enough water, might help avoid it.
- Exercise: Exercise can improve physical strength and balance while reducing sadness and anxiety.
- Work: Simple workplace adjustments, flexible hours, and regular medication assessment and adjustment may be required to continue working safely and effectively
- Relationships and sex: Sexual desire, performance, or pleasure may be reduced in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Others may experience a preoccupation with sexual ideas due to dopamine substitution medications. If this is happening, individuals should seek medical advice.
