Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that causes uncoordinated or involuntary movements. The condition worsens with time and can lead to problems with movement, speech, and independence.
Parkinson’s typically affects people over 60 but can occur at younger ages. The exact cause of Parkinson’s is not clear and there is no cure. Treatment typically involves medication and therapy to manage symptoms.
Read on to find out more about the early signs of Parkinson’s disease and what causes it.
Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system. Its symptoms occur because of low dopamine levels in the brain. Early signs include tremor, a loss of sense of smell, and coordination problems.
The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop gradually. They often start with a slight tremor in one hand and a feeling of stiffness in the body. Over time, other symptoms develop, and some people can experience dementia.
Some early signs of Parkinson’s disease may include:
- movement changes, such as tremors
- coordination and balance impairments that can cause a person to drop things or fall over
- a loss of sense of smell
- gait changes, so a person leans forward slightly or shuffles when walking
- fixed facial expressions due to changes in the nerves that control face muscles
- a voice tremor or softer voice
- more cramped and smaller handwriting
- sleep problems resulting from restless legs and other factors
- rapid eye movement sleep disorder may be a powerful predictor, according to a 2015
studyTrusted Source
Movement symptoms may start on one side of the body and gradually affect both sides.
Other common symptoms
- mood changes, including depression
- difficulty chewing and swallowing
- fatigue
- constipation
- skin problems
- dementia, delusions, and hallucinations that can develop in time
Having these symptoms does not mean a person has Parkinson’s disease. Various other conditions can have similar symptoms, such as:
- Parkinsonism
- head trauma
- encephalitis
- stroke
- multiple system atrophy
- progressive supranuclear palsy
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that develops when changes occur in the brain. Precisely what triggers it, and why it happens, is unclear, but scientists have identified some variations that occur.
Low dopamine levels
Parkinson’s disease symptoms mainly result from low or falling
Dopamine plays a role in sending messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Therefore, low dopamine levels can make it harder for people to control their movement.
As dopamine levels continue to fall, symptoms gradually become more severe.
Lewy bodies
A person with Parkinson’s disease may have
The accumulation of Lewy bodies can cause a loss of nerve cells, leading to changes in movement, thinking, behavior, and mood. It can also lead to dementia.
Lewy body dementia is not the same as Parkinson’s disease, but people may have both as the symptoms are similar.
Genetic factors
Experts have identified changes in several genes that appear to have links with Parkinson’s disease, but they do not consider it a hereditary condition.
Genetic factors appear to cause only
Autoimmune factors
In a
In 2018, researchers investigating health records in Taiwan found that people with autoimmune rheumatic diseases had a 1.37-higher chance of also having Parkinson’s disease.
Several environmental factors may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
These include:
- Past traumatic brain injury: Head injuries from contact sports, for example, may increase the risk of the condition.
- Toxin exposure: Such as pesticides, solvents, metals, and other pollutants.
- Gender: Males are more likely to develop the condition than females.
- Age: The condition often appears in people aged 60 years.
- Some drugs and medications: Certain medications can lead to Parkinsonism, where a person has tremors and other symptoms but does not have Parkinson’s disease.
Symptoms usually appear from the age of 60 years. If a person experiences symptoms before the age of 50, doctors refer to it as early onset Parkinson’s.
Do racial factors affect the risk?
In the past, statistics have suggested that Parkinson’s disease is less likely to affect Black people than other people of other ethnicities in the United States.
However,
There is currently no singular test for Parkinson’s disease. Doctors
In the early stages, Parkinson’s may cause symptoms that are similar to those in stroke, Lew body dementia, head trauma, and brain tumors. To rule out these conditions, doctors may order:
- blood tests to rule out thyroid level issues or liver damage
- MRI or CT imaging scans, to rule out stroke or brain tumors
- lumbar punctures to rule out infection
- DatScan
There is no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatments may help manage symptoms. These treatments include:
- physiotherapy
- occupational therapy and assistance
- medication to manage tremors
- surgery including neuromodulation and focused ultrasound
Parkinson’s is a complex neurological disease that can affect a wide range of functions. These effects can lead to many different complications, including:
- problems swallowing
- movement difficulty and falls
- sleep disturbances
- urinary problems
- difficulty communicating
- sexual dysfunction
- pneumonia
- depression and anxiety
- cognitive changes
It is not possible to prevent Parkinson’s disease, but some lifelong habits may help reduce the risk.
Avoiding toxins
People should take precautions when using potentially
Where possible, individuals should take the following steps:
- avoiding the unnecessary use of pesticides and herbicides
- using alternatives to products containing known toxins, such as paraquat
- taking precautions, such as wearing protective clothing, when it is not possible to avoid them
Avoid head trauma
For protection from a traumatic brain injury, people can take the following steps:
- wearing protective headgear during contact sports
- wearing a helmet when cycling or motorcycling
- using a safety belt when traveling by car
- seeking medical attention for concussion and avoiding future risks until a doctor says it is safe to do so
Exercise
Regular physical exercise may help prevent or treat Parkinson’s disease, according to a
Parkinson’s disease resources
To discover more evidence-based information and resources for Parkinson’s disease, visit our dedicated hub.
A person diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) may experience a range of emotions including denial, shock, and discouragement.
Parkinson’s Foundation suggests the following coping strategies for people with PD:
- learn about Parkinson’s and focus on abilities rather than inabilities
- maintain open communication with loved ones
- exercise regularly to help manage stress
- find new ways to adapt to the new circumstances
Due to advances in treatment, people with Parkinson’s disease have a normal or near-normal life expectancy.
Everyone’s experience of living with Parkinson’s is different, but there are challenges shared by many people living with the condition.
Physically, a person may feel unsteady, shaky, dizzy, have stiff muscles, and experience nerve pain.
In terms of a person’s mental health, they may also feel depressed and anxious.
Parkinson’s disease is a lifelong condition involving neurological changes in the body.
Experts do not know why Parkinson’s disease occurs, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. Specifically, experts have found strong links with past traumatic brain injury and exposure to toxins.
Exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding toxins may all help prevent Parkinson’s disease, but there is no current evidence to confirm the specific cause.
