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What Is Parkinson's Disease? Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Dr. Srividya Kalavagunta

3 Min Read

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a long-term, degenerative, neurological disorder. In this condition, an individual is unable to control somebody functions. Approximately, 6.3 million people suffer from PD worldwide. The number of incidents of PD varies across the world. It has been found that PD is more widespread in North America and Europe than in Asia and West Africa. In India, Mumbai’s Parsi community has the world’s highest cases of PD where it affects about 328 out of every 100,000 people despite living in a country with one of the world’s lowest cases of PD – 70 out of 100,000 people.

History

In 1817, British doctor James Parkinson published a detailed article, “An Essay on the Shaking Palsy”, which established Parkinson’s Disease as a recognised medical condition. Some 60 years after it was first published, a French neurologist, Jean-Martin Charcot recognised the importance of doctor Parkinson’s work and named the disease after him.

Causes

The cause of Parkinson’s Disease is a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. Nerve cells in this part of the brain produce a chemical called dopamine that helps control and coordinate body movements. When these nerve cells are damaged, the amount of dopamine in the brain is decreased, causing movements to become slow and abnormal. Currently, it is believed that the major causes of PD are genetic changes and environmental factors. A neurologist will be able to recognise and treat your illness.

Genetics

Some studies show that a number of genetic factors increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s Disease, although it is unclear exactly how these make some people more susceptible to the condition. Parkinson’s Disease can also be caused due to faulty genes.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors, including toxic chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals cause dopamine-producing neurons to die resulting in the development of PD. Currently, it is argued that in the majority of cases, genetic and environmental elements interact to cause Parkinson’s disease.

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Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Tremor: Tremor is one of the most common early signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Small handwriting: A change in handwriting or micrographia is also a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Loss of Smell: If an individual has trouble smelling certain foods, like bananas, it could be a sign of PD.
Trouble Sleeping: Sudden movements during sleep could also be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Trouble moving or walking: An early sign of PD might be stiffness in the shoulder or hips. Sometimes stiffness goes away, but if it does not, it could be a sign of Parkinson’s disease.
Dizziness: Feeling dizzy or fainting can be connected to PD. Feeling dizzy while standing up is common among many, but if it happens regularly, one should check with a doctor.
Stooping or hunching over: If you seem to be stooping, leaning or slouching when you stand, it could be a sign of PD.

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Stages

Stage 1: Symptoms are mild and do not affect a person’s everyday routine.
Stage 2: Symptoms worsen and daily activities become difficult and take more time to complete.
Stage 3: This stage is considered mid-stage Parkinson’s Disease. Symptoms start to affect daily activities, for example, dressing, eating and brushing teeth become extremely difficult.
Stage 4: Symptoms become severe and the individual requires help for walking and performing daily activities.
Stage 5: This stage is the most advanced stage of Parkinson’s Disease. The individual will need full-time help with living.

Risk factors

The biggest risk factor for PD is age. Most people who develop PD are over 60. However, one in 20 people with PD is under 45, also men have a higher risk than women. Severe head injury and prolonged pesticide exposure have also been associated with higher risk.

See a doctor if you suspect you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Download the MFine app today and begin an online consultation with top neurologists of the country from the comfort of your home.