Parkinson’s disease is characterized by involuntary movements of the body (known as motor neuron entrapment disorder) due to loss of motor control. It is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system that leads to the loss of muscle co-ordination and movement. This neurodegenerative disorder is divided into four main sub-types: Parkinson’s disease (PD), Parkinson’s disease with tremor (PDD-T), Parkinson’s neuromuscular disorder with loss of movement (PDN-L) and Parkinson’s disease with loss of balance (PDL-L). The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known but it is believed to be caused by the nerve cell injury triggered by Parkinson’s nerve cells damaging the nerve cells in the substantia nigra or the nigrostriatal regions of the brain. Other causes also suggested including infections, toxins, hyperactivity, malnutrition and others. Some studies also suggest that the disorder may be hereditary, which can be passed on from one generation to another.
Parkinson’s symptoms can be divided into two groups namely motor symptoms and tremor. Motor symptoms include slurred speech, rigid muscles, rigid shoulders and tremor which are often initially detected while performing certain movements like swallowing or chewing. On the other hand, tremor is a wider term that includes both difficulty in both movement and speech. Both have symptoms that progress gradually but Parkinson’s disease tremor is more disabling than Parkinson’s motor symptoms.
Parkinson’s symptoms can be attributed to three separate areas namely, gait disturbances, dopamine dysfunction and loss of muscle co-ordination. Gait disturbances are non-contained or cardinal dysfunctions of walking such as slipping, tripping and falling. Parkinson’s disease patients can have brachyosis, a slowing of the beat of heart rate, heart failure, heart enlargement and congenital abnormalities of the limbic system. Dopamine dysfunction refers to the inability of the brain chemical dopamine to transfer nerve signals between brain regions. Due to excessive dopamine in the area, messages sent to substantiate the movement become distorted.
Factors that elevate the odds of acquiring Parkinson’s disease are considered to be lifestyle, genetic predisposition, environment and stress. Lifestyle-related factors such as tobacco and alcohol use have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s. These substances stimulate the production of dopamine within the body. In addition, Parkinson’s patients who have suffered head injuries have also shown to have higher than normal levels of dopamine within their bodies. It has also been found that Parkinson’s patients that have had a history of severe head injuries are more likely to have experienced early onset of Parkinson’s symptoms.
A medical history reveals an overall picture of the disease. Patients should be aware of medications that they are taking for any conditions such as arthritis and heart ailments. A medical history will help researchers learn about the side effects and risks of any other medications taken by the patient. A complete medical history would reveal if a patient is under any type of depression and any other mental disorders such as bipolar disorder. Research also reveals that people with Parkinson’s experience an elevated risk of depression and anxiety disorders as well as other serious health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disorders.
In the later stages of Parkinson’s disease, there may be noticeable differences in the rigidity of the limbs. Patients may begin to experience problems with walking and with maintaining a straight back. They will also be affected by weakness in the legs and difficulty performing tasks requiring fine motor function.
One of the most crucial medications prescribed for patients with Parkinson’s is dopamine releaser (DRC) drugs such as loratadine, securing and metoprolol. These medications are designed to reduce the levels of dopamine that is released from the dopamine transporter into the nerve cells. Dopamine is a chemical substance in the brain that is responsible for regulating feelings of motivation, mood and alertness. As the level of dopamine in the brain falls the level of dopamine receptors are reduced causing lower levels of serotonin, which in turn leads to feelings of depression and irritability. Due to these side effects some patients stop taking the medication.
Other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease include rigidity, bladder control, tremors, loss of balance, mouth tremors, decreased taste sensations and speech problems. Some patients even have problems controlling their bowel movements. Due to the fact that this disease is a degenerative disorder, it is not always possible to determine if the symptoms are indeed caused by Parkinson’s. However, tests such as brain scans and magnetic resonance imaging can help to accurately diagnose the disease in its early stages.
Oren Zarif – Psychokinesis Treatment
