We rely on our brains for every movement we make, whether writing, walking, talking or even sleeping.
But a serious brain disorder like Parkinson’s disease can rob a person of the ability to do everyday tasks that many of us take for granted.
There’s no cure, but treatment can help. And researchers continue to seek new understanding to improve medical care.
Parkinson’s disease evolves gradually over time. The early signs may be barely noticeable. A person’s movements may change slightly. You might notice slowness, rigidity or difficulty balancing or walking. The person’s face may lack expression or handwriting may become small and cramped.
Eventually, these changes can become more severe and interfere with daily life. It might become harder to sleep, think, eat, speak, smell and make decisions. As the disease worsens, symptoms may become difficult to control.
Parkinson’s disease usually arises after age 50, but can also appear earlier in life. It affects about 600,000 people nationwide. As Americans age, the number of people with Parkinson’s disease is expected to rise dramatically.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder, which means that brain cells gradually malfunction and die. The disease damages brain cells that make a chemical called dopamine. The resulting dopamine shortage causes the movement problems that mark Parkinson’s disease.
Although researchers don’t yet understand what causes Parkinson’s disease, the body’s genes likely play some role. A number of genes have been linked to the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
But genes are only part of the picture. Scientists are searching for other factors that might lead to the disease. One goal of this research is to discover new targets for drugs that can slow disease progression.
If you notice any of the common signs of Parkinson’s disease, see a health care provider. Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist, a physician specializing in the nervous system. A careful exam and certain tests can help with diagnosis.
Parkinson’s disease affects everyone differently. Common symptoms include:
* Movement problems such as shaking or tremor, especially in the fingers, hand, arm or face.
* Rigidity, stiffness or slowness.
* Fatigue or problems sleeping.
* Problems standing or balancing.
* Trouble speaking or choosing words.
* Changes in handwriting.
* Difficulty completing simple tasks or making decisions.
* Inability to detect odors.
To treat Parkinson’s, doctors prescribe combinations of medicines that work to regulate dopamine in the brain. This helps free up people to move better and lessens the troubling movement problems of Parkinson’s.
A surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation is an option for some patients. In this approach, a small pacemaker-like system is placed in areas of the brain that control movement.
Research suggests that eating right and exercising may help reduce or delay symptoms. Scientists are studying how much and what kinds of exercise can most help improve patient health and quality of life.
Amy Fachman is public relations and marketing coordinator at Fremont Health.
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