Parkinson's disease is a disorder characterized by muscle rigidity, trembling, and loss of physical movement. The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s are due to excessive muscle contraction, caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain.
Parkinson disease mainly affects body movement; however, other symptoms may include disorders of mood, behavior, sensation, etc.
Signs and symptoms
The earliest symptom of Parkinson's disease can be as subtle as an arm that does not swing when you walk, a mild tremor in the fingers of one hand or soft, mumbling speech that is difficult to understand. You may lack energy, feel depressed, or have trouble sleeping. Alternatively, you may notice that it takes you longer to shower, shave, eat, or do other routine tasks.
Signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease:
Tremor: starts with a slight shaking in your hand or even one finger.
Slowed motion (bradykinesia): a slow, shuffling walk with an unsteady gait and stooped posture.
Rigid muscles: Muscle stiffness (rigidity) in the limbs and neck.
Impaired balance: Posture may become unstable.
Loss of automatic movements: Blinking, smiling, and swinging of arms unconsciously.
Impaired speech: having trouble with speaking.
Dementia: A mental disorder that affects the ability to think, reason, and remember.
Treatments
Levodopa: This is the most widely used form of treatment. L-dopa is transformed into dopamine in the dopaminergic neurons by L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Due to feedback inhibition, L-dopa results in a reduction in the endogenous formation of L-dopa, and so eventually becomes counterproductive.
Dopamine Agonists: Dopamine-agonists such as bromocriptine, pergolide, pramipexole, lisuride, etc., are moderately effective. However, these have their own side effects including somnolence, hallucinations, or insomnia.
MAO-B Inhibitors: These inhibitors reduce the symptoms by inhibiting monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B), which inhibits the breakdown of dopamine secreted by the dopaminergic neurons.
Deep Brain Stimulation is a surgical intervention mostly used to treat Parkinson?s disease presently.
Gene therapy: gene therapy involves using a safe virus to transport a gene into the subthalamic nucleus (STN) part of the brain. This gene leads to the production of an enzyme called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), which catalyses the production of a neurotransmitter called GABA.
Nutrients such as the L-dopa precursor, THFA, NADH, and pyridoxine are used to partially treat Parkinson's disease or slow down its deterioration.
Regular Physical exercise such as yoga, tai chi, and dance are beneficial to the patient for maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance.
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