The Parkinson’s disease is a geriatric medical problem that can result in neurological degeneration in the higher centre, the brain. Parkinson’s disease is classified as a motor system disorder. The Parkinson’s disease can cause loss of motor nerve coordination, tremors and movement disorders. Some of the epidemiological data suggest that about 8–18 people per 100,000 persons are affected in a year in the developed countries. There is no permanent cure for Parkinson’s disease, and the available medication can treat the symptoms for a particular period of time. Some of the research reports found that natural supplements and antioxidants can delay the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Causes
The probable reason for Parkinson’s disease is the degenerative damage of the dopamine-synthesizing cells in the brain. Dopamine is the key neurochemical that transmits the synaptic transmission between the nerve cells. The impaired nerve synaptic transmission can result in impaired neuro-muscular functions, tremors and loss of muscle coordination. The exact cause of the selective damage of dopamine secretory cells is unknown and it is termed as idiopathic. Also some of the other causes of Parkinson's disease are as mutation in the brain protein–synthesizing gene, neuropsychiatric theories, hereditary reasons and ethnicity are reported in the scientific research studies
Symptoms
• Involuntary and non-coordinated movements of the head and hands
• Movement problems
• Slurred or slow speech
• Impaired walking with muscular fatigue and pains
• Difficulty in eating and swallowing
• Psychological problems such as progressive memory loss and dementia
• Heart beat variations
• Jerky movements and unsteady posture during rest and movement
• Depression and/or hallucination–like psychotic reactions and abnormal psychological behaviors.
Diagnosis
Some of the clinical and reflex examinations can be useful to diagnose the Parkinson’s disease. No laboratory biomarkers are available to predict/diagnose the Parkinson’s disease. Some of the commonly employed radio-diagnostic tests are:
• Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to rule out hydrocephalus and tumors and to confirm Parkinson's disease.
Treatment Options
The pharmacological agents that may be useful to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are anticholinergic drugs; cholinesterase inhibitors; amantadine; Mono Amine Oxidase – B inhibitors such as rasagline, Levodopa (L-Dopa), and dopamine agonist drugs such as apomorphine and bromocriptine. When the drugs are not useful for the management of Parkinson’s disease, the physician may opt for surgical procedures to treat the lesions and for deep brain stimulation. All of these procedures are symptomatic treatment and these will not cure the Parkinson’s disease.
Prognosis
The prognosis of the Parkinson’s disease is usually poor and develops over time. Some of the symptoms vary from one person to another; most of the patients experience abnormal tremors and disability to do their daily activities, which can cause extreme psychological disturbance. The available medications neither cure the disease nor delay the progression of the disease. In the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease, assistance from a caregiver, preferably a family member, is required for the Parkinson’s disease patient.
Future Therapies and Research Trends
As of now, there are no medicines and permanent cure for Parkinson’s disease. Some of the recent research findings suggest that stem cell therapy, gene therapy and some surgical procedures are useful. It is better to participate in the clinical trials as a volunteer for the Parkinson’s disease. There are some chances for better treatment or even cure; but there is no guarantee, as they are experimental drugs.
When to see a doctor
If you experience abnormal shaking of hands or any parts of the extremities and head, inability to walk some distance by your own and/or if you need someone’s assistance to perform your daily activities even after you took the medicines, you need to see a medical doctor immediately to rule out or confirm the existence of Parkinson’s disease.
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