What is Parkinson’s disease?
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition. This means that is a condition where parts of the brain become damaged over time.
Symptoms
There are several different symptoms that are common amongst those with Parkinson’s disease. These are grouped into 3 distinctive categories which include the 3 main symptoms, physical symptoms and mental symptoms.
The 3 main symptoms affect someone with Parkinson’s disease in the following ways:
- Tremors – uncontrollable shaking of certain body parts
- Muscles becoming stiffer – make it difficult to move, can lead to painful muscle cramps
- Movement slowing down
Physical symptoms:
- Problems with keeping themselves balanced
- A loss of smell
- Pain in the nerves
- Difficulties sleeping/insomnia
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- An overactive bladder
- Erectile dysfunction
- Difficulties swallowing
- Producing an excessive amount of saliva
- Excessive sweating
Mental symptoms:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dementia
When looking at a person’s symptoms it is important to remember that they will be different for each individual. The severity of these symptoms, the order that they appear and the way in which they progress will also vary from one individual to another.
Causes
Parkinson’s disease develops due to a loss of nerve cells in the section of the brain that is called the substantia nigra. These nerve cells are responsible for producing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Our body uses dopamine to send chemical messages between parts of the brain and the nervous system. This helps to co-ordinate and control our bodies movements. When these nerve cells die it results in an impairment in the brains ability to control our movement. This means that our movements become disrupted and slower. As these dopamine levels continue to fall over time it causes the symptoms to both develop further and make new ones appear.
Research that has aimed to find out why the loss of these nerve cells has been linked with Parkinson’s disease is still inconclusive. However, it is believed that a combination of environmental and genetic factors may increase the chances of its development.
Genetics
There are a small number of rare cases where it is has been reported that Parkinson’s has been passed down from a parent to their children.
Environmental factors
There are some researchers who believe that environmental factors may increase the risk of someone developing Parkinson’s disease. These factors include exposure to pesticides, herbicides, toxic chemical and pathogens.
Diagnosis
Before getting a diagnosis, a specialist will want to ask you questions about your symptoms, put you through a medical examination and look at your medical history. This is because diagnosing someone with Parkinson’s is not an easy thing to do as there are other conditions they may want to rule out. Depending on how severe the symptoms are a specialist may prescribe you a medication called levodopa. This is so that if the symptoms improve after taking it for a period of time the specialist may be able to confirm the diagnosis of Parkinson’s.
It may be beneficial to take someone with you to this appointment for support. It could also help to make a list of any questions you may have and any further information you would like.
Treatment
At this moment in time there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. However, there are several types of treatments that are available to help alleviate some of the symptoms. This will allow you to live your life as close to normal as possible. These treatments can include forms of supportive therapies and medication.
Supportive therapies
There are three types of supportive therapies that you can be referred to, such as:
- Physiotherapy – can help work on issues with movement, posture, joint pain and muscle stiffness
- Speech and language therapy – help with problems with writing and speech, they can also help with problems like drooling and having difficulty swallowing
- Occupational therapy – help you to find alternative ways to make daily tasks that have become difficult, a little bit easier
These therapies are completely individualistic as each one of them will appeal to a different person. Therefore, it is important to try them out and find what works best for you.
Medication
Medication can be taken to improve some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. However, before it gets to this stage it is vital to sit down with a specialist so they can explain all of the options that are on the table as well as the risks of taking each. This will allow you to weigh up the risks alongside the benefits to find what may be best for you.
The three main prescribed medications would be:
- Levodopa
- Dopamine agonist
- MAO-B inhibitor
Levodopa
Levodopa is absorbed by nerve cells in your brain and turned into dopamine. The use of this medication will improve several of the symptoms of Parkinson’s such as a slowing down in movement and stiffness.
Side effects include:
- It becomes less effective over time
- Long-term use can lead to a person experiencing involuntary movement like jerks or twitches
- Compulsive and impulsive behaviours
- Withdrawal symptoms
Dopamine agonist
They work by acting as a replacement for dopamine in the brain. This is because they are able to trick the brain into thinking that they are dopamine. By mimicking the way it works it can help to reduce the symptoms.
Side effects can include:
- Dizziness
- Tired, sleepy
- Cause hallucinations
- Make people confused
- Compulsive and impulsive behaviour
MOA-B inhibitor
These inhibitors work by blocking the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. This means that there is more dopamine available to treat the symptoms.
Side effects:
- Increase in risk of low blood pressure
- Impulsive and compulsive behaviour
- headaches
Impact on mental health
Someone with Parkinson’s can experience a wide range of mental health issues alongside their symptoms. These can include memory problems, depression and anxiety, to name a few. One of the reasons for their development can be due to feelings of concern, worry and fear that come with being made aware that you will have to live with a long-term condition. In addition to this, when the symptoms begin to progress, some may start to limit their time socialising with others. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and becoming more isolated which can increase the chances of depression.
These mental health issues can be addressed in several different ways including:
- Exercise regularly to improve mood, relieve stress and muscle stiffness
- Eat a well-balanced diet with all the nutrients your body needs
- Relax – try relaxation and complementary therapies such as meditation, yoga, aromatherapy
- Improve sleep
- See a therapist
Support available
Parkinson’s UK
You can contact their helpline on 0808 800 0303 (9am to 7pm on Monday to Fridays, 10am to 2pm on Saturdays). Their team of trained advisers can help with a wide range information and support you may need such as:
- Emotional support
- Getting you access to further information you may need, information about the different services that are available in your area
- Answering any concerns, you may have about how this diagnosis may affect your work
- Make you aware of any benefits you may be entitled to
- Give you tips on how to deal with the day-to-day challenges of Parkinson’s
- Require support with caring for a loved one
