Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive disease affecting the nervous system and manifested mainly by movement disorders. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in only one hand. In general, tremor is the most common symptom, but the disease can also cause slowed movements.

In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, the arms may not swing when walking. Speech may also become slurred, sometimes unintelligible. Over time, Parkinson's disease symptoms worsen as the disease progresses.

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary from person to person. Early symptoms are relatively unnoticeable. They often begin on one side of the body and usually remain worse on the same side, even after symptoms begin to affect the limbs on both sides.

Parkinson's disease symptoms

Shaking, called tremors, usually begin in one of the limbs, most often in the hand or fingers. The hand may tremble at rest, the tremor decreases when performing tasks and increases with emotion.

Slowing of movements, known as bradykinesia. Over time, Parkinson's disease can slow your movements, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when walking, you may have difficulty getting up from a chair, and you may drag or shuffle your feet when walking.

Increased tone of the plastic muscles (stiffness), which limits the range of motion.

Violation of posture and balance. During the disease, the posture becomes slouching, and there are pronounced problems with maintaining balance, especially when starting/stopping movements, and turns.

Loss of automatic movements. At this time, the motor stereotype changes, impoverished. The face “freezes”, facial expressions do not express the emotional state. Speech changes. Speech may become less clear, faster or more monotonous than usual.

Changes in writing. The ability to write may become difficult or what is written may become difficult to read.

When to see a doctor

See your doctor if you have any symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease - not only to diagnose the condition but also to rule out other causes for your symptoms.

Causes

Parkinson's disease is caused by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Decreased dopamine levels lead to decreased brain activity, resulting in movement problems and other symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown, but several factors appear to play a role, including:

Genes. Scientists have identified specific genetic changes that may cause Parkinson's disease. Certain gene variants appear to increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, but the risk of developing Parkinson's disease for each of these genetic markers is relatively small.

Environmental triggers. Exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, but the risk is small.

Researchers have noted that there are many changes in the brains of people with Parkinson's disease, although the cause is unknown. These changes include:

The presence of Lewy bodies. Clusters of special substances in brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson's disease. They are called Lewy bodies, and researchers believe they hold an important clue to the cause of Parkinson's disease.

Alpha-synuclein is found in Lewy bodies. Although many substances have been found inside Lewy bodies, scientists believe that the most important is the naturally occurring and widely distributed protein alpha-synuclein. It is found throughout Lewy bodies in the form of clumps that cells cannot break down. Scientists have found clumped alpha-synuclein protein in the cerebrospinal fluid of people who later develop Parkinson's disease.