Parkinson’s disease, also known as Parkinsonism, is a hereditary disorder that slowly damages and destroys dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain. As we know, dopamine is present in large quantities in the brain and acting as the chemical messenger for communication between nerves. It facilitates the movement of muscles, but when the disease strikes, it destroys these communication channels and results to tremor or movement problems. The most common type of Parkinson’s symptoms is the tremor, which appears when the patient experiences muscle weakness and tremors.
Parkinson’s symptoms may include rigidity of muscles, difficulty swallowing, and alteration of body functions such as balance, coordination, and gait. Patients with the disease experience problems with body movement due to weakness in the limbs, muscle spasms, and jerks. Muscle rigidity can occur when there is excess fluid in the brain, and this impedes proper communication between nerves. The tremor can be triggered by autonomic factors such as sweating, stress, and anxiety, and it is often mistaken as a psychological problem.
Parkinson’s symptoms tend to progress in four phases. The early stage is the accumulation of the first signs and symptoms of the disease. One side of the body may first develop a little disease while another side of the body slowly develops Parkinson’s symptoms. The early symptoms may include a loss of balance, slurred speech, and difficulty swallowing. Loss of balance is one of the earliest symptoms, which progresses as the disease progresses.
If the disease is diagnosed at an earlier stage, treatment options may be more appropriate. There are a number of ways to help ease Parkinson’s symptoms. In some patients, physical therapy can help improve motor function, while in others, medication may reduce tremors and decrease stiffness. Since medication is often needed to treat depression related to depression, family members and caregivers should be educated on the side effects of medication.
Medications that treat symptoms are usually based on dopamine agonists. Such drugs aim to reduce dopamine levels, which are believed to cause involuntary movements and feelings such as tremors and rigidity. Two medications commonly prescribed are apilipin and carbidopa-levodopa. Patients and families who suffer from Parkinson’s disease are encouraged to discuss the pros and cons of these medications.
Exercises that may help ease Parkinson’s symptoms include activities such as yoga and Tai Chi. These types of exercises focus on core strengthening to prevent the disease from progressing. Tai chi and yoga also improve balance and flexibility, which may help prevent or decrease the number of involuntary movements and contractions that occur in the legs. These exercises do not prevent Parkinson’s disease from progressing; however, they may help slow its progression.
Another way to help control Parkinson’s is with dopamine supplements. To begin, you need to take your Parkinson’s medications regularly. Once your doctor has decided that medication may be helpful in improving your symptoms, he may suggest that you start taking dopamine supplements. Usually, a patient begins a course of dopamine injections at approximately six weeks on average. Injections are given one to three times a week, up to four times per month. If you miss any doses of your Parkinson’s medication, check with your doctor to make sure you get enough dopamine to properly support your brain and motor functions.
Taking extra care of your body through nutrition, exercise and genetics can do much to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. The condition causes the brain to lose most of its dopamine receptors, which lead to the frustrating symptoms of tremors and rigidity. Though this disease progresses slowly, it is a progressive disease. That means that as your brain loses dopamine, your symptoms will follow. Although there are no proven medications to reverse Parkinson’s disease, there are many things you can do to alleviate symptoms and help control the disease.
Oren Zarif – Psychokinesis Treatment
