Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Symptoms usually begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, people experience difficulty walking and talking. Mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, depression, memory difficulties, and fatigue may also occur. Although most people with Parkinson’s develop the disease after age 60, about 5% to 10% experience onset before the age of 50, and it seems to affect more men than women.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease occur when the nerve cells in the brain (that control movement) becomes impaired/die and don’t produce dopamine, which causes problems with movement. Parkinson’s also causes loss of the nerve endings (that produce norepinephrine), which affects heart rate, blood pressure, fatigue, and movement of food through the digestive track. A sudden drop in blood pressure may also occur when standing up from a sitting or lying position.
Many brain cells of people with Parkinson’s contain Lewy bodies, which are unusual clumps of protein. Researchers are trying to understand the relevance of this protein and the relationship to genetic mutations that affect Parkinson’s. Some cases of Parkinson’s appear to be hereditary, and a few are traced to specific genetic mutations. Although genetics seem to play a role in Parkinson’s, the disease does not seem to run in families. Some researchers believe Parkinson’s results from both genetic and environmental factors, like exposure to toxins.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include tremors in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head, muscle stiffness, contracted muscles, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination that often results in falls. Other symptoms include depression, difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking, urinary problems, constipation, and skin problems. Symptoms and rate of progression vary. Lack of facial expression, not being able to move their arm or leg normally, a gait that tends to lean forward with quick steps, and trouble initiating or continuing movement are symptoms. Symptoms may start on one side of the body, but eventually affects both sides. Problems with memory, attention span and the ability to accomplish a task may occur, but sometimes medications, stress, and depression may also contribute. As the disease progresses, some people may develop Parkinson’s dementia, which is a type of Lewy body dementia.
Currently there are no blood or laboratory tests to diagnose non-genetic cases of Parkinson. Diagnosing the disease includes completing a medical history, and a physical and neurological exam. If symptoms improve with medications, that will aid with the diagnosis.
Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medications, surgical treatment, and other therapies may relieve some symptoms. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure where electrodes are implanted into the brain and connect to a small electrical device implanted in the chest. The electrodes stimulate the brain portion that controls movement and help stop some of the movement-related symptoms like tremors, slowness of movement and rigidity. Physical, occupational and speech therapies, a healthy diet, exercises to strengthen muscles and improve balance, massage therapy, yoga and tai chi may help with stretching and flexibility.
Although the progression of the disease is usually slow, activities such as working, taking care of the home, and socializing with family and friends will likely be affected, so it is important to work with the doctor to ensure the best treatment options are made available to keep the person active for as long as possible. Support groups can provide information, advice and connections to resources for those living with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and caregivers.
On August 3, 2023, Thursday from 11:00am-12:00pm (immediately after the Rambling Roses meeting), St. Therese of Lisieux will host a Parkinson’s of Michigan speaker to discuss Parkinson’s disease. Please join us for this informational lecture.
Please RSVP to the Parish Office at 586-254-4433 or Marilyn Cito, Parish Nurse at 586-254-4433 Ext. #320 or via email at Marilync@stol.church since a light lunch will be provided.
References: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease, National Institute on Aging, Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, April 14, 2022.