How Does Parkinson’s Disease Affect the Body?

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

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