Parkinson’s disease is characterized by a group of dopamine-related proteins called the dopamine transporters. These proteins are important for transmitting information from nerve cells in the brain to muscles and to other organs. Parkinson’s symptoms are divided into four: rigidity, muscle twitching, loss of balance, and slowing of movement. Loss of balance is one of the most distressing of all Parkinson’s symptoms, as it typically occurs when the patient loses the ability to stand up or walk. The condition can result in falls, a lack of coordination, and even severe coordination problems.
Parkinson’s symptoms can be divided broadly into two categories. The first is predominantly motor symptoms, which are caused by a breakdown of communication between brain and body. Parkinson’s symptoms can affect almost every part of the body; however, the most common are hoarseness, rigidity, and the slowing of movement. Early symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include trembling, involuntary twitching, loss of bladder control, a tremor (inability to move), and stiffness.
There are many medications available for treating Parkinson’s disease, but most have severe side effects and are unsuitable for long-term use. To relieve Parkinson’s symptoms, drug treatments usually involve the use of dopamine-releasing agents such as levodopa and bromelain. Unfortunately, many people find that these drug treatments do not work as desired, as the levodopa, bromelain, and other drugs have potentially serious side effects such as hallucinations, agitation, headache, and constipation. Other alternative treatments include dietary supplements and acupuncture.
Dopaminergic neuroleptics can help control Parkinson’s by preventing the degradation of nerve cells, thus preserving the brain cells that provide the necessary function. Unfortunately, the neuroleptics also have many side effects such as insomnia, nausea, and dizziness, as well as increasing the risk of depression and anxiety. One particular type of medication used to treat Parkinson’s is paliperidone, an inhibitor of dopamine. Although it has shown promise in reducing tremors, it does not work as well in people with Parkinson’s disease who have difficulty swallowing and metabolizing calcium.
Parkinson’s symptoms can also be helped by improving muscle tone. Loss of muscle tone due to Parkinson’s may include weakness in the legs or difficulty walking, slurred speech, and rigidity or clumsy walk. Muscle tone aids in balancing weight so that balance problems may also be alleviated. Slurred speech and difficulty with walking are common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and may include unusual and unexpected hesitations. A sufferer’s knees may begin to lock as well.
It is often necessary to change medications depending on how well Parkinson’s is taking care of you. If your doctor finds that you are not responding favorably to one medication or if he notices a worsening of your symptoms, he may want to try another medication. In some cases, however, the medication cannot help control Parkinson’s so you will have to work with your doctor to find alternate methods of treatment. Your doctor can give you information about alternative treatments as well.
When it comes to dealing with the day to day physical aspects of your life, comfort is important, but it is not the only consideration you should make. Living with Parkinson’s can be frustrating because the condition makes it difficult to perform simple tasks such as tying your shoes or getting dressed. Limiting your movements becomes difficult as well since so many people with Parkinson’s experience stiffness and rigidity in one side of their body. This can affect your ability to hold a job or to sit comfortably at a computer.
It is important to remember that there are two types of Parkinson’s disease: Parkinson’s disease (PD) and Parkinsonism. PD is hereditary and usually results from being born with the disease while Parkinsonism is not linked to any particular gene. PD can cause loss of muscle function, speech problems, slurred speech, rigid muscles, tremors and general body weakness. While these symptoms are the most obvious, others such as difficulty swallowing food, need not be ignored. With the right care and attention, you can live a happy, fulfilling life even with milder symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Oren Zarif – Psychokinesis Treatment