Most people have heard of Parkinson's disease but many are not entirely sure of what the term actually means. People with the disease are often observed to have tremors or shaking seen in the hands, arms, and legs. What are not so obvious are the stiff muscles and the difficulty the patient may have with keeping his or her balance. It helps to understand exactly what is Parkinson's disease and how to identify the signs and symptoms associated with it.
What is Parkinson's Disease?
This type of disorder affects many people today. Over time, it can have an impact on the way your body moves. This is usually caused by a breakdown of the nerve cells in the body that control movement. In normal people, the muscles have a fluid movement and will do what the brain tells them to do. However, when you have Parkinson's disease, there is a deterioration in these cells causing you to have difficulty moving your muscles in the way you want them to.
Signs and Symptoms of the Disease:
The constant shaking is likely the most obvious sign of the disease although it is not a symptom that everyone has. There are many patients who have no trembling at all. And a tremor is not a definitive indication that someone has this particular disease.
Those that do have the tremors, however, will see it begin in just one part of the body, perhaps one arm or one leg. Over time, the tremors will progressively get worse. Eventually, this disorder will affect all of the muscles in the body, which could lead to more severe problems like difficulty swallowing or constipation.
In the more advanced cases, the patient may not even be able to maintain a recognizable expression on the face. Patients may have difficulty speaking, and some even develop mental problems as well.
What Causes Parkinson's Disease?
When learning what is Parkinson's disease, it is important to know that there is no definitive cause to the disease. While there is no clear cut reason why one person will develop the condition and another will not, researchers have been able to shed some light on the problem and have learned a few things.
It has been observed that patients often have low levels of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that is used to control movement. However, while this has been found to be a key element in the development of the disease, it has yet to be understood what causes those nerve cells that produce dopamine to breakdown in the first place.
Parkinson's Disease Treatment:
There is no known treatment that can stop or even reverse the symptoms of Parkinson's disease so treatment options include ways to reduce the symptoms giving the patient a better quality of life. They may include medications, managing your diet, regular exercise, surgery, and speech, physical, or occupational therapy.
Once you understand more about what is Parkinson's disease, you are better prepared to handle and discuss the various treatment options with your doctor. There are also many support groups that can assist in giving you emotional support and better education about the illness. This is something you will need throughout the course and progression of the disease.