What Is Parkinson’s Disease Causes and Symptoms
What is Parkinson's Disease and why it occurs are among the most frequently asked questions about this condition. What is Parkinson's Disease? develops primarily due to a decline in dopamine-producing cells. There are several potential causes for this decrease. In this article, we explain each cause and everything else related to What is Parkinson's Disease? in detail, step by step.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
Parkinson's disease occurs when cells in the brainstem's substantia nigra region are damaged, leading to the loss of dopamine-producing cells. Symptoms typically appear after 60-80% of these cells have been lost. The condition is more commonly diagnosed in men than in women.
What Does Parkinson Mean?
The name "Parkinson's disease" honors Dr. James Parkinson, who first described the condition in 1817 and lent his name to the disease.
Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
The onset, timing, type, and severity of Parkinson's symptoms can differ greatly from one person to another. Common symptoms of Parkinson's disease include:
- •Slowness of movement: This is a key sign used for diagnosis. Over time, it increasingly limits a person's ability to perform everyday tasks, eventually leading to reliance on others. Individuals may struggle with activities such as buttoning clothing, tying shoes or ties, using utensils, writing, chewing, sitting down or getting up, getting out of bed, or entering and exiting vehicles.
- •Mask-like facial expression: Known as hypomimia, this involves reduced facial movements and diminished reflex actions like blinking.
- •Micrographia: Some people first notice a stiffness when using a pen. Upon examination, their handwriting may begin legibly but gradually becomes smaller and harder to read.
- •Tremor: This is the most visible symptom and often prompts patients to seek medical help. Tremors may start in one finger or hand and spread to the arm, leg, and other limbs. They may also be seen in the tongue, lips, or jaw, typically occurring at a consistent speed and rhythm.
- •Muscle rigidity: Normally, muscles are mildly tense at rest. In Parkinson's, they remain excessively tense, even when not moving. This stiffness, or rigidity, can be easily detected during a physical exam.
- •Postural abnormalities: Many patients develop a slight forward lean, most noticeable when walking. Consistently leaning forward may lead to posture changes and cause back or lower back pain.
- Walking difficulties
- Speech impairments
- Swallowing difficulties
- Drop in blood pressure
- Excessive saliva in the mouth
- Constipation
- Sexual dysfunction
- Urination problems
- Increased sweating
- Depression
- Forgetfulness (Dementia)
- Emotional complaints
- Insomnia
- Loss of sense of smell,
- Behavioral disorders during REM sleep,
- Redness in the eyes (conjunctivitis),
- Vision problems
Young Onset Parkinson's Symptoms
Parkinson's disease can be diagnosed at any age. As with other age groups, symptoms in younger individuals develop gradually and can vary from person to person. Notably, slowness of movement”a hallmark symptom”may be less pronounced in younger patients.
Parkinson End-of-Life Symptoms
Many patients and their families often wonder about end-of-life symptoms in Parkinson's disease. However, Parkinson's is a chronic, not fatal, condition. With proper care, individuals can live for 15 to 25 years or more after diagnosis.
What Causes Parkinson's Disease?
The causes of Parkinson's disease may include lifestyle choices, environmental factors, frequent use of tobacco or coffee, genetic predisposition, stress, head injuries, inadequate hydration, and other contributing factors.
Treatment of Parkinson's Disease
Currently, there is no definitive cure for Parkinson's disease, but symptoms of the disease can be significantly reduced with medication. The medications used need to be taken regularly and for a lifetime. If these medications are discontinued without medical supervision, Parkinson's symptoms will inevitably return, and interruptions in the treatment process can lead to life-threatening risks.
Parkinson's treatment is entirely individualized. A medication that works well for one patient may be ineffective for another. In cases where symptoms cannot be controlled, surgical methods are also employed.
Stages of Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson's disease progresses through several stages, with different symptoms appearing or worsening over time:
• Stage One: Symptoms are mild and usually limited to one side of the body. Early signs may include tremors and slow movement, but daily life is not significantly affected. Diagnosis often occurs at this stage. Medication may not be necessary, or low-dose treatments can manage symptoms effectively.
• Stage Two: Symptoms become more noticeable and often affect both sides of the body. Tremors, stiffness, and mild walking difficulties may be visible to others, but individuals can still manage daily activities without assistance.
• Stage Three: Loss of balance and coordination becomes more pronounced. While patients can live independently, tasks like eating, dressing, and other daily routines become challenging. Postural instability, slowed reflexes, and episodes of foot dragging or freezing may lead to more frequent falls.
• Stage Four: Independent living is no longer possible. Movements slow considerably, handwriting shrinks, and assistance is needed for most daily activities. Speech difficulties and episodes of confusion may arise. High doses of medication are often required, but side effects may increase and symptom control may decrease.
• Stage Five: This advanced stage is marked by severe rigidity and complete dependence on caregivers. Standing and walking are not possible without help. Individuals may also experience significant sleep disturbances and hallucinations due to the disease and side effects of medications.
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* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain’s substantia nigra region. It affects movement control, leading to symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and slowed motion.
What causes Parkinson’s disease?
The exact cause is not fully understood. Factors like genetics, aging, head trauma, environmental toxins, and oxidative stress are believed to contribute to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons.
Who is most at risk for Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s primarily affects adults over 60, though it can also occur in younger individuals. Men are slightly more likely than women to develop the disease.
What are the early signs of Parkinson’s disease?
Early symptoms may include mild tremors, slower movements, stiffness in limbs, reduced facial expressions, smaller handwriting, and changes in posture.
Can young people develop Parkinson’s?
Yes. “Young-onset Parkinson’s disease” occurs before the age of 50 and may progress more slowly but still affects daily activities.
Is Parkinson’s a fatal disease?
Parkinson’s disease itself is not directly fatal, but complications such as falls, infections, or swallowing difficulties can pose serious risks. With proper care, many patients live long, fulfilling lives.
How is Parkinson’s disease diagnosed?
Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation by a neurologist, reviewing symptoms, medical history, and response to medication. Imaging tests like MRI or DaTscan may support the diagnosis.
How is Parkinson’s treated?
While there is no cure, treatment focuses on symptom management. Medications like levodopa and dopamine agonists help restore dopamine levels. In some cases, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery may be recommended.
Can lifestyle changes help manage Parkinson’s?
Yes. Regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate hydration, and stress management can help maintain mobility and improve quality of life. Physical and speech therapy are also beneficial.
How many stages does Parkinson’s disease have?
Parkinson’s progresses through five stages, from mild symptoms affecting one side of the body to severe disability requiring full-time assistance.
Does Parkinson’s disease cause dementia?
Some patients may develop Parkinson’s-related dementia in later stages due to ongoing brain changes, though not all experience cognitive decline.
Where can I receive Parkinson’s disease treatment in Türkiye?
Liv Hospital in Istanbul provides specialized neurological care, offering advanced diagnostic and treatment options, including medication management, physical therapy, and surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation.
