Cells in the Brain Are Damaged
For reasons not well understood,
brain cells located in a structure called the substantia nigra die or become
impaired in those with Parkinson’s disease. These cells produce a
neurotransmitter called dopamine, which helps to carry electrical signals from
your brain to the areas of the body you wish to move. (This process allows you
to carry out smooth and coordinated movements.) According to the National
Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson’s Disease occurs when at least eighty percent
of these cells that produce dopamine are affected.
Mild Changes Occur
As the body begins to have
trouble coordinating movement and muscle contractions, minor changes become
apparent. Your handwriting may become small and cramped. You may begin to speak
softly and have difficulty projecting your voice loud enough so others can hear
you. Your facial muscles may lose tone; others often notice this as a lack of
facial expression when they are speaking to you. You may also begin to have
trouble chewing and swallowing. Learning to recognize these early warning signs
is important. Medications, exercise and surgery can all help to control your
symptoms and, in some cases, slow the progression of this disease.
Movement Is Affected
As the disease progresses and
less dopamine is available, more apparent movement changes will occur. Your
movements may become slower and you may find that you have difficulty
initiating movement at all. This is often referred to as “freezing.” For
example you may want to lift your arm but since dopamine is not available to
carry the electrical signal your arm muscles, you will be unable to move your
arm until there is enough dopamine present. The same is true when attempting to
step out to walk; you may notice a tendency to shuffle your feet and take small
quick steps just to keep going. Since movements are uncontrolled some
Parkinson’s patients will develop a tremor or shaking movement in the arms,
face or legs.
Rigidity Occurs
The Parkinson’s Disease
Foundation states that as the muscles lose tone, you may develop a tightness or
stiffness especially in the trunk and hips. As the stiffness worsens, movement
becomes harder and slower. This can make it difficult to twist and turn. Daily
activities such as getting dressed, eating and bathing may take longer or you
may need assistance. As the muscles tighten, your posture may become halted
altogether and maintaining balance will be more challenging.
Cognitive Ability May Change
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
notes that as further damage occurs in the brain, some patients with
Parkinson’s disease develop “cognitive problems, such as short-term memory
loss, difficulty following complex instructions or a loss of multitasking
ability.” However they also state that the rate and severity of progression is
very different for each patient.
By Lori Newell
http://mymedclinic.info/?p=2883
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