What is Parkinson 's disease (PD)

Parkinson's disease, PD in short, is a chronic and progressive debilitating disease of the nervous system which is also sometimes referred to as the "shaking palsy". It is estimated that about more than a hundred out for every 100, 000 Caucasians are affected with this disease. The figures are expected to double in a few years time and because of this growing concern, it is important for the general population to know what this disease is all about, how this can be avoided and how this can be detected as early as the initial signs and symptoms.

The Disease Process

Even our simplest movements are governed by our brain, which is part of the nervous system. In order for us to move according to the command of our brain, there are certain chemicals which facilitate the transmission of the message. These chemicals are what we call neurotransmitters.

In the case of PD, the neurotransmitter Dopamine is the one deficient. Thus, the transmission of message from the brain to the target body part becomes unclear and unstable. It's like calling another person through a mobile phone when the signal is so weak that the line gets choppy. The same thing happens with PD. The body part fails to receive the proper message conveyed by the brain which makes movement less accurate and less coordinated.

Types of Parkinson's disease

The types of PD depends on the causative factor of the disease. The most widespread form of PD is idiopathic, meaning the cause is unknown. This type of PD is not associated with genetics and heredity.

Drug induced PD can also happen in mentally challenged patients receiving medications to treat their underlying disease. Anti-psychotic medicines are those drugs known to cause PD in this type of disease.

Some PD may also be caused by previous medical histories of stroke or CVA, head injuries, encephalitis and other diseases which are related to the brain.

Signs and Symptoms of the Disease

The earliest signs and symptoms which may appear are not definitive yet of PD which includes stiffness, weakness, depression and change in posture while standing, ambulating, etc. As it is a chronic and progressive disease, as time passes, it will advance into a more severe disease with appearance of more definitive signs and symptoms like muscular rigidity, bradykinesia (slowness of movement, resting tremors and postural instability.

Treatment

The treatment for Parkinson's is not standardized to all patients - and needs serious professional health care. Each patient will have to have his own dose of medicine, own schedule of therapy, use of devices and special equipments, etc. Since PD's cause is unknown, the treatment is mainly symptomatic meaning there is great need to treat the symptoms of the disease to minimize its effects. Medicines for PD are aimed to stimulate the production of or mimic the action if acetycholine.

Parkinson's Disease is a devastating disease not only for the patient but also that of the significant others because they must be the one to take care of a person with this disease.