Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that is caused by a degeneration of cells in the part of the brain that produces the neurotransmitter dopamine (chemical messenger). It is characterized by loss of motor control such as slowness of movement, rigidity, tremor and balance problems as well as non-movement type symptoms including constipation, low mood, fatigue, sleeping and memory problems.
Symptoms
Parkinson's disease symptoms and signs may vary from person to person. Early signs may be mild and may go unnoticed. Symptoms often begin on one side of body and usually remain worse on that side, even after symptoms begin to affect both sides.
Parkinson's signs and symptoms may include:
• Tremor: A tremor, or shaking, usually begins in a limb, often hand or fingers. May notice a back-and-forth rubbing of thumb and forefinger, known as a pill-rolling tremor. One characteristic of Parkinson's disease is a tremor of hand when it is relaxed (at rest).
• Slowed movement: Over time, Parkinson's disease may reduce r ability to move and slow movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Steps may become shorter when walk, or may find it difficult to get out of a chair.
• Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of body. The stiff muscles can limit range of motion and cause pain.
• Impaired posture and balance: Posture may become stooped, or may have balance problems as a result of Parkinson's disease.
• Loss of automatic movements: In Parkinson's disease, may have a decreased ability to perform unconscious movements, including blinking, smiling or swinging arms when walk.
• Speech changes: May have speech problems as a result of Parkinson's disease. May speak softly, quickly, slur or hesitate before talking. r speech may be more of a monotone rather than with the usual inflections.
• Writing changes: It may become hard to write, and writing may appear small.
Risk factors
Risk factors for Parkinson's disease include:
• Age: Young adults rarely experience Parkinson's disease. It ordinarily begins in middle or late life, and the risk increases with age. People usually develop the disease around age 60 or older.
• Heredity: Having a close relative with Parkinson's disease increases the chances that will develop the disease.
• Sex: Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than are women.
• Exposure to toxins: Ongoing exposure to herbicides and pesticides may put at a slightly increased risk of Parkinson's disease.
