Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be a devastating diagnosis for both the person receiving it and their loved ones.
Although Parkinson’s disease can be difficult to diagnose, recognizing the signs and symptoms can be the first step toward getting the help and treatment you need to manage the condition.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some genetic mutations have been associated with an increased risk of Parkinson’s, and exposure to certain toxins or chemicals may also play a role. Age is also a significant risk factor, as the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease increases with age, according to medical-news.org.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Disorders of sleep
Sleep disturbances are one of the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. People with Parkinson’s disease may experience sleep problems such as vivid dreams or nightmares. These problems tend to progress with the disease. Parkinson’s disease can disrupt the brain’s natural sleep-wake cycle and this is how the disorders occur.
Difficulty swallowing
Difficulty swallowing and drooling are common symptoms that affect many people with Parkinson’s disease. These problems can lead to uncomfortable and embarrassing situations and increase the risk of pneumonia and other complications. In Parkinson’s disease, the muscles of the mouth and throat are weakened, making it difficult to swallow food and drink. This can cause choking, coughing and difficulty breathing. Drooling is also common because the muscles of the mouth and throat stop working properly.
Loss of smell
Loss of smell is a common non-motor symptom in Parkinson’s disease. It can appear years before motor symptoms develop and is thought to be caused by degeneration of nerve cells in the olfactory system. Research has shown that loss of smell may be a useful early marker for Parkinson’s and that it is associated with more severe motor symptoms and greater cognitive decline.
Pain and tenderness
One of the most difficult symptoms to manage in Parkinson’s disease is the chronic pain that most likely comes with the diagnosis. Pain can take many forms, such as musculoskeletal, dystonic or neuropathic pain. Studies have shown that pain affects up to 85% of people with Parkinson’s and can affect their quality of life, mood and mobility.
Dystonia
Painful contractions, known as dystonia, can make life difficult for Parkinson’s patients. Dystonia is a movement disorder that can occur in Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions. Dystonia is characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal postures. It can affect different parts of the body, such as the neck, face, arms or legs, and can lead to disability. Causes of dystonia may involve abnormalities in the basal ganglia, a region of the brain that is affected in Parkinson’s.
Bowel and bladder problems
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra. This leads to a decrease in dopamine, a chemical that helps control movement. However, dopamine also plays a role in regulating the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as bladder and bowel control. As a result, people with Parkinson’s disease may have bladder and bowel problems due to disturbances in this system. In addition, the muscles that control these functions can become weaker over time, contributing to difficulties with urinary and bowel continence.
Speech and communication difficulties
As the disease progresses, the muscles responsible for speaking and swallowing can become weaker and less coordinated, leading to difficulty with articulation, voice projection, and eating.
Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension is a common problem experienced by people with Parkinson’s disease. It’s a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when you stand up, which can cause dizziness and even fainting.
Freezing gait
Freezing of gait is a common and frustrating symptom of Parkinson’s disease that affects mobility and balance. It occurs when a person suddenly feels that his feet are stuck to the ground and he cannot take a step forward.
Restless legs syndrome
Restless legs syndrome is characterized by an overwhelming need to move the legs, which is often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations such as tingling or burning. The syndrome can cause significant sleep disturbances, which in turn can worsen other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Excessive sweating
Excessive sweating can be caused by several factors, including side effects of medications, changes in the nervous system, and changes in the body’s thermoregulatory system.
Vision changes
These changes can include blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty with depth perception. These symptoms can be caused by many factors, including changes in the nervous system, side effects of medications, and eye problems. Parkinson’s disease affects the brain’s ability to process visual information, which can lead to difficulties with visual perception and processing.
Skin changes
These changes can include dry skin, oily skin, itching and changes in pigmentation. The exact cause of these skin changes is not fully understood, but they are thought to be related to changes in the nervous system and the side effects of medications.
