What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results from degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. Parkinson’s disease (PD) belongs to a group of conditions called motor system disorders, which are the result of the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.

The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are:

• Tremors or trembling in hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face
• Rigidity, or stiffness of the limbs and trunk
• Inability to move (akinesia)
• Postural instability
• Impaired balance and coordination
• Slow movement (bradykinesia)
• A shuffling gait
• Stooped posture
• Foot pain and toe curling
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing

As these symptoms become more pronounced, patients may have difficulty walking, talking, or completing other simple tasks. Parkinson’s disease usually affects people over the age of 50.  Early symptoms of PD are subtle and occur gradually.  In some people, the disease progresses more quickly than in others.

As the disease progresses, the shaking, or tremor, which affects the majority of people with Parkinson’s may begin to interfere with daily activities. Hoehn and Yahr developed a staging system to describe the progression of the disease.

Other problems associated with Parkinson’s include:

• Depression and other emotional changes
• Difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking
• Urinary incontinence or constipation
• Skin problems
• Sleep disruptions due to movement in sleep

There are currently no blood or laboratory tests that have been proven to help in diagnosing sporadic PD. Therefore, the diagnosis is based on medical history and a neurological examination. The disease can be difficult to diagnose accurately. Doctors may sometimes request brain scans or laboratory tests in order to rule out other diseases.

 

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Read more about Parkinson’s Disease HERE