Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, particularly in an area called the substantia nigra, become damaged or die. These neurons produce a neurotransmitter called dopamine, which is essential for regulating movement and coordination. As these cells degrade, dopamine levels drop, leading to the motor symptoms associated with the disease.
Key Symptoms:
- Motor Symptoms:
- Tremors: Shaking, often starting in the hands or fingers, is one of the earliest signs.
- Bradykinesia: Slowness of movement, making everyday tasks more difficult.
- Muscle rigidity: Stiffness in the limbs and body, which can be painful and reduce range of motion.
- Postural instability: Impaired balance, leading to falls.
- Gait changes: Difficulty walking, including shuffling steps or a stooped posture.
- Non-Motor Symptoms:
- Cognitive changes: Some individuals may experience memory problems, confusion, or even dementia in the later stages.
- Depression and anxiety: Mental health can be impacted due to changes in brain chemistry.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams, or acting out dreams (REM sleep behavior disorder).
- Autonomic dysfunction: Issues with blood pressure regulation, constipation, or bladder control.
How Parkinson’s Disease Affects Someone:
- Mobility: Over time, Parkinson’s can severely affect a person’s ability to walk, move, or perform daily activities, leading to dependency on others.
- Speech and communication: Speech may become soft or slurred, and facial expressions can become limited, affecting social interactions.
- Emotional impact: Depression, anxiety, and apathy are common due to the progressive nature of the disease.
- Daily functioning: As symptoms worsen, tasks like dressing, eating, or writing can become challenging without assistance.
- Quality of life: With physical limitations, cognitive decline, and emotional struggles, the overall quality of life can diminish.
Although there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical interventions like deep brain stimulation (DBS) can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.