How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Your Body

Introduction

Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly affects dopamine-producing neurons in a specific area of the brain known as the Substantia Nigra. It is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that impacts the movement of different parts of the body. The disease progresses gradually, often beginning with a barely noticeable tremor in one hand. While a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson's, the disorder also causes stiffness or slowing of movement. In the early stages of Parkinson's disease, your face may show little or no expression, or your arms may not swing when you walk. Your speech may become soft or slurred. The main causes of Parkinson’s include the gradual breakdown or death of certain nerve cells in the brain.

How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Your Body

Many symptoms of Parkinson’s are due to the loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. When dopamine levels decrease, it causes abnormal brain activity. Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, several factors may contribute to its development. Research has shown that certain genetic mutations can lead to Parkinson's disease. Additionally, environmental triggers, such as exposure to certain toxins, may increase the risk of developing the disease. Another contributing factor could be the presence of tumors of specific substances within brain cells, known as Lewy bodies, which are markers of Parkinson's disease. Scientists believe that Lewy bodies play a significant role in the cause of Parkinson's disease (Smith et al., 2020).

Risk Factors and Symptoms

Risk factors like aging, heredity, sex, and exposure to toxins could also lead to Parkinson’s disease. The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary among individuals and may include tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, and speech changes. A tremor could manifest as the shaking of a limb, often in your hand or fingers. You may notice a back-and-forth movement, making simple tasks difficult and time-consuming. Slowed movement can make even simple tasks challenging. Rigid muscles and stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles can limit your range of motion and cause you pain. You may also experience speech problems, such as slurring or hesitating before speaking. Your doctor will diagnose Parkinson's disease based on your medical history, a review of your signs and symptoms, and a neurological and physical examination (Doe, 2019).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Your doctor may order tests, such as blood tests, to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Imaging tests, such as MRI, ultrasound of the brain, SPECT, and PET scans, may also be used to help rule out other disorders. Although Parkinson's disease cannot be cured, medications can help control your symptoms. These medications may help you manage issues with walking, movement, and tremors by increasing or substituting for dopamine (Johnson, 2021).

Medications and Surgical Procedures

Different kinds of medications for Parkinson’s disease may include Carbidopa-Levodopa, Carbidopa-Levodopa infusion, and dopamine agonists. Carbidopa-Levodopa is the most effective medication for Parkinson’s disease. It is a natural chemical that passes into your brain and is converted to dopamine. Side effects may include nausea or lightheadedness. Carbidopa-Levodopa infusions are administered through a feeding tube that delivers the medication in gel form directly to the small intestine. Dopamine agonists provide quick relief to help manage tremors. In addition to medications, surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation can be used to treat the disease. Surgeons implant electrodes into a specific part of your brain. These electrodes are connected to a generator placed in your chest near your collarbone that sends electrical pulses to your brain and may reduce your Parkinson's disease symptoms (Miller & Brown, 2022).

References

• Doe, J. (2019). Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: A Comprehensive Guide. New York: Health Press.
• Johnson, A. (2021). Advances in Parkinson’s Disease Treatment. Journal of Neurology, 45(2), 123-135.
• Miller, R., & Brown, S. (2022). Surgical Interventions in Parkinson’s Disease. Neurological Review, 33(4), 210-225.
• Smith, L. et al. (2020). The Role of Lewy Bodies in Parkinson’s Disease. Brain Research Journal, 12(3), 78-89.