Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder that affects both the motor and non-motor systems.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about Parkinson's:
What happens in the brain:
- Loss of nerve cells: Parkinson's is caused by a loss of nerve cells in a specific area of the brain called the substantia nigra. These cells produce a chemical called dopamine, which plays a vital role in controlling movement.
- Dopamine deficiency: With fewer dopamine-producing cells, the brain has less dopamine available. This dopamine deficiency disrupts the communication between brain and muscle, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's.
Symptoms:
- Movement-related:
- Tremor: Shaking, often starting in one hand or arm and eventually affecting both sides of the body.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making everyday tasks like walking, dressing, and writing difficult.
- Rigidity: Muscle stiffness, often causing a stooped posture and difficulty turning.
- Non-motor:
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Mood changes, such as depression and anxiety
- Cognitive issues, such as memory problems and difficulty thinking clearly
- Pain
- Speech and swallowing problems
Important points:
- Progression: Parkinson's progresses at different rates for different people. Some people experience slow progression, while others experience faster decline.
- Treatment: There is no cure for Parkinson's, but there are treatments that can manage symptoms and improve quality of life. These include medications, surgery, and other therapies.
- Research: Ongoing research is focused on finding a cure for Parkinson's and developing new treatments to improve the lives of people living with the disease.
Resources:
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/
- Parkinson's Foundation: https://www.parkinson.org/
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/
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