مرض باركنسون (الشلل الرعاشي) (Parkinson’s Disease)

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Parkinson’s Disease (Tremor Palsy)

 

On this page, you willfind everything you need toknow about Parkinson’s disease.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

 It is a chronic disorder that affects the nervous system in the elderly. It mostly impacts the dopamine-producing nerve cells inthe brain, which is a crucial chemical that facilitates muscle movement and balance. A decrease in dopamine levels leads toinvoluntary and automatic movements in the patient, such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty with balance. Symptoms often begin gradually.

What are the Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

Symptoms start gradually and worsen over time. They may vary in type and severity from one person to another, and not all symptoms necessarily appear at once or within the same time frame. Additionally, they might occur on one side of the body or both sides:

  • However, the main symptoms include:
  • Muscle stiffness and rigidity,causing difficulty in movement.
    1. Tremors and involuntary movements in:
    2. The hands.
    3. The arms.
    4. The legs.
  • The jaw or head. 
  • Slowness of movement, making it difficult to complete daily tasks.

Loss of balance and frequent falls.

  • Other symptoms that may occur as the disease progresses include:
  • Difficulty chewing and swallowing, which could lead to issues such as dehydration and poor nutrition.
  • Difficulty speakingand showingfacial expression.
  • Nerve pain causingsensations oftingling, cold,and heat.
  • Urinary and bowel problems, such as constipation or urinary incontinence.
  • Sleep disorders.
  • Memory and concentration problems, making it difficult to perform daily tasks.
  • Loss of the sense of smell.
  • Skin problems.. 
  • Excessive sweating.
  • Increased saliva production.
  • Mood disturbances..
  • Fatigue.

Low blood pressure.

  • What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?
  • Parkinson’s disease occurs due to the deterioration or death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain’s basal ganglia, a chemical necessary for facilitating muscle movement and body balance. When these neurons die or weaken, they produce less dopamine, leading to movement and balance problems.

Additionally, people with Parkinson’s disease lose nerve endings that produce the chemical neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which controls many body functions, such as blood pressure and heart rate, explaining some symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and low blood pressure.

  • Scientists have not yet discovered the main reason behind the damage to dopamine-producing cells, but some risk factors may increase the chance of developing Parkinson’s, such as:
  • Age, with a higher chance occurring after the age of 50.
  • Gender, as some studies indicate that men are more likely to be affected than women.
  • Family history.
  • Geneticchanges.
  • Environmental factors, such as exposure to certain chemicals.
  • Head injuries.

Cerebrovascular diseases.

How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?:

  • The doctor takes the medical history and conducts a physical examination. They might also request additional procedures as needed, such as:Photon Emission Computed Tomography SPECT).
  • Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).MRI).

Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

What are the TreatmentOptions for Parkinson’s Disease?

  • While Parkinson’s disease is chronic and there is currently no cure, treatment options aim to alleviate symptoms and compensate for dopamine deficiency. Treatment involves various procedures and may include:
  • Taking prescribed medications to compensate for the deficiency in dopamine.
  • Taking dopamine agonists to stimulate dopamine production in the brain.
  • Taking enzyme inhibitors to reduce the activity of enzymes that break down dopamine in the brain.
  • Taking certain prescribed medications to minimize involuntary movements.
  • Taking medications to reduce tremors and muscle stiffness.
  • Deep brain stimulation to control involuntary movement.

Surgery in advanced cases.

How Can Parkinson’s Disease be Prevented?

  • Some lifestyle changes can make living with Parkinson’s disease easier, such as:
  • Adhering to medications prescribed by a doctor.
  • Keeping up with doctor’s appointments.
    1. Following up with specialists in:
    2. Occupational therapy.
    3. Physical therapy.
  • Speech and hearing therapy.
  • Exercising to strengthen muscles and improve balance.
  • Eating a healthy diet.
  • Ensuring to walk slowly with wide steps for better balance.
  • Using canes to aid while walking.

Installing grab barsin the bathroomto prevent slipping.

  • What are the Complications of Parkinson’s Disease?. 
  • Dementia.. 
  • Depression.
  • Digestive problems.
  • Respiratory problems.
  • Sexual dysfunction.
  • Bladder weakness.

Increased susceptibilitytoinfection.

When Should You See a Doctor?

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