What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is caused by a deficiency of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. When we have sufficient levels of dopamine our movements are coordinated and quick, however for someone with Parkinson’s their movements become slow and awkward.  It is common for Parkinson’s to occur in older age groups, the average age of diagnosis is 59 and many people have different symptoms and degrees of severity. There is no known reason for why the levels of dopamine change or what triggers the development of Parkinson’s, it can’t be cured but it can be treated. (The Parkinsonism Society of New Zealand Inc., n.d).

Click here to veiw a short video that explains what Parkinson’s disease is, how it is caused and the types of symptoms people can experience. (Parkinsonsworm, 2013).

Those who live with Parkinson’s disease can have a range of symptoms including motor and non-motor. Below is a table of symptoms that can appear with the disease. (Browner & Pagan, 2013).

MOTOR SYMPTOMS

Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

Rigidity (stiffness of movement)

Tremor (involuntary shaking of the hands, feet, arms, legs, jaw, or tongue, usually more prominent at rest)

Postural Instability (tendency to fall without explanation, usually when pivoting)

NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMS

Mood (depression, anxiety, irritability)

Cognitive changes (attention, visuo-spatial problems, memory problems, personality changes, psychosis/hallucinations)

Orthostatic hypotension (lightheaded and low blood pressure upon standing)

Constipation and early satiety (a feeling of fullness after eating small amounts)

Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), especially of hands and feet

Seborrhea dermatitis (dry skin) dandruff

Urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence

Loss of sense of smell (Anosmia)

Sleep disorders

Insomnia, Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS), Rapid Eye Movement Behavioral Disorder (RBD) or active dreaming, dream enactment, involuntary movements and vocalizations during sleep, Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)/Periodic Leg Movements Disorder (PLMD)

Sensory (pain, tightness, tingling, burning)

MIXED MOTOR AND NON-MOTOR SYMPTOMS

Drooling due to slowed swallowing (Sialorrhea)

Speech and swallowing problem

There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease; however there are treatments available for the management of symptoms. Treatments can include medications, surgery and alternative treatments such as lifestyle changes, exercise, sleep, diet, massage and herbal remedies to name a few. (Healthcare Group, n.d.).

References:

Browner, N., & Pagan, F. (2013). National Parkinson Foundation. Retrieved from http://www.parkinson.org/Parkinson-s-Disease/PD-101/How-do-you-know-if-you-have-PD-

Healthcare Group. (n.d.). Southern Cross, Healthcare Group. Retrieved fromhttp://www.southerncross.co.nz/AboutTheGroup/HealthResources/MedicalLibrary/tabid/178/vw/1/ItemID/130/Parkinsons-disease---symptoms-causes-treatment.aspx#treatment

Parkinsonsworm. (2013). What is Parkinson’s? Retrieved from htp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9NsJoNThAk

The Parkinsonism Society of New Zealand Inc. (n.d.). Parkinson’s New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www.parkinsons.org.nz/