Parkinson’s Disease - Causes, Symptoms, Prevention, And Cure

Parkinson’s Disease - Overview

The human brain controls all the actions in the human body. Our eyes blink, and our heart pumps blood as a result of the messages sent by the brain. But how do these messages reach the parts of the body? This is where the nerves play a crucial role. 

The nervous system transmits messages to and from different parts of the body to the brain and vice versa. Minor damage to the nervous system can cause the functions of our body to turn topsy-turvy. There are a lot of nervous system disorders, and Parkinson's disease is one of them.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson's disease is a generative disorder that affects the nervous system over a long period of time. It mainly affects movements. The symptoms start very slowly with tremors in hand. People experience this disease at the age of sixty or older.


There are several stages for this disease. They are as following:

1.    Stage 1- The symptoms are mild, and the person is not affected much.

2.    Stage 2- Symptoms worsen, and daily activities get affected.

3.  Stage 3- Individual’s movements become slower. Daily activities are hampered too. This is considered as mid-stage Parkinson’s disease.

4.    Stage 4- Symptoms become severe, and the person needs assistance in doing everything.

5.   Stage 5- The individual is unable to walk and needs full-time assistance for daily chores. This is the advanced stage of it.

Causes Of Parkinson’s Disease

This disease is caused by the lack of dopamine. When the amount of dopamine is low, communication is affected, and movements become impaired. But what causes a lack of dopamine is still unknown. However, the following can play a role in it.

Genes: If someone in our family has had this, we are likely to get off it too.

Environmental triggers: If we are exposed to any toxic elements, it may make us more vulnerable.

Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

There are no common symptoms for this disease. It depends on the individual. The symptoms may begin at one side, and then it spreads to the next side. But the initial side is affected the most.

The following are the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease:

1.    Tremor:

 Tremor occurs in the fingers most of the time.

2.    Bradykinesia:

Even the simplest of all steps appear to be difficult and time consuming with the advent of the disease.

3.    Rigid Muscles:

Muscles stiffen and become painful.

4.    Impaired Posture And Balance:

We may find it not easy to maintain our posture and balance as a result of this disease.

5.    Loss Of Automatic Actions:

 Reflex actions don’t come out of us once we get hold of this disease.

6.    Speech Changes:

Our speech becomes quicker and softer. It becomes monotonous.

7.    Writing Changes:

Our handwriting appears smaller, and we lose the usual speed in writing.

                                        

Preventions Of Parkinson’s Disease

Where the cause is unknown, prevention remains an enigma. However, studies suggest that aerobic exercise might help. Parkinson's disease is found less in people who don't drink coffee. So as a preventive measure, we can skip the coffee.

Treatments Of Parkinson’s Disease

Currently, there is no cure for this disease. But medications can help control it.

 It is the most effective Parkinson's disease treatment that can convert itself into dopamine.

2.    Dopama Agonists: Unlike levodopa, dopama agonists don't convert into dopamine. Instead, they mimic its effects in the brain.

3.    M A O B Inhibitors: They help prevent dopamine from reducing by inhibiting the brain enzyme monoamine oxidase B.

4.    COMT Inhibitors: Catechol-O-methyltransferase blocks an enzyme that breaks down dopamine.

5.    Anticholinergics:

 This help prevents the tremors caused by the disease.

6.    Amantadine:

Helps prevent the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

7.    Deep brain stimulation:

Electrodes are implanted in the brain. These electrodes are joined to the generator implanted in the chest. These send electrical impulses to the brain, thus preventing the symptoms of the disease.

We all know how difficult it is when we can't talk or walk properly. Getting hold of a disease like this may seem like lifelong imprisonment.  Treating it is necessary. For this, we need to consult a doctor. 

But thousands of people pass out as doctors every single year. What we require is the best doctor in the world. Dr. Beth Latimer, best children’s neurologist in Washington DC, recommends her patients to avoid drinking coffee to prevent Parkinson’s disease. It is the simplest thing to do.