A disease can disrupt your everyday life. Often times, it’s caused by an organism or infection that’s invaded a particular area of the body. However, a disease can occur because we’re not protecting ourselves or it can be hereditary. If you’ve been impacted by a disease, it’s imperative to get a diagnosis and treatment from a doctor.
Some diseases are infectious while others are not. Furthermore, diseases can range from experiencing mild to severe symptoms. In fact, some diseases can be life threatening and have a fatal impact on the sufferer. Most diseases result in a fatality if left untreated.
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What Is Parkison Disease?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Parkinson Disease is a progressive disease that impacts the nervous system“. It can also impact other parts of the body which consists of nerves. Parkinson Disease has a significant impact on the central nervous system.
If you’re impacted by the disease, there are telltale signs. More importantly, the signs of Parkinson’s progress slowly and primarily attack specific areas of the body. Again, it will impact areas of the body with nerve endings. For some, the disease can be debilitating and impact their everyday life. Learn more about the symptoms of Parkinson Disease below.
I Suspect I Have Parkinson’s, What Are The Symptoms?
The National Institute of Aging says, “Parkinson Disease is a brain disorder”. The brain produces less dopamine which is the leading cause of the disease. Dopamine is an essential chemical of the brain.
The symptoms of the disease start to occur when the area of the brain that controls movement (i.e. basal ganglia) are damaged or destroyed. If the brain produces less dopamine, the movement associated with Parkison Disease will start to occur. Uncontrollable movement is the prime symptom associated with the disease.
The symptoms include:
- involuntary movement
- stiff muscles
- difficulty standing/walking
- stiffening gait
- tremors
- rhythmic shaking
Early warning signs of Parkinson’s disease begin in the limbs. The hands and the fingers are the first to show signs of Parkinson Disease. Researcher’s aren’t sure why the disease is primarily manifested through the fingers or hands.
Surprisingly, the disease can also impact other areas including cognitive function, nasal, speech, mood, and sleep. In rare cases, it can also affect the urinary tract. To learn more about the symptoms of Parkison Disease, it’s important to talk to your doctor right away.
Who Is Primarily Impacted By The Disease?
The American Parkison Disease Association (APDA) reported, “one million American’s are living with the disease”. Individual’s are usually diagnosed and treated for the disease in their 50’s, but in rare cases, patients are diagnosed with Parkinson’s in their 40’s.
Research studies show men are more likely to suffer from the disease, but it does occur in women. There is no clear indication of what causes the nerves to die which result in the disease, also known as paralysis agitans and shaking palsy. The shaking element of the disease is medically termed as bradykinesia.
Take a look at the short video clip below to learn more about how Parkinson Disease impacts the body.
Can Parkinson Disease Be Cured?
Unfortunately, the disease is not curable, but treatable. Researcher’s haven’t discovered a way to revive the dead cells associated with Parkinson’s.
There is medication to enhance the production of dopamine in the brain, but not the damaged or destroyed nerve cells. Doctors are continuing to take part in research and clinic trials in an effort to curve or eliminate the disease.
What Are My Treatment Options For Parkinson Disease?
Although there is no cure for the disease, there are treatment options.
Medication
Medication for Parkison Disease is used to produce dopamine in the brain. The most popular drug on the market used in an effort to combat the disease is Levodopa. It can also enhance neurotransmitters in the brain and aid with non-movement symptoms.
Surgical Options
Surgery is usually the least sought after option for sufferer’s of the disease. A doctor will recommend deep brain stimulation (DBS) which has shown very promising results. The cost of surgery is what deters many people from choosing this treatment option for Parkinson’s.
Therapy
Therapy for the disease consists of physical exercise to assist the body parts impacted by the disease. In addition to exercise, your doctor may recommend self care options as well. Therapy is one of the easiest treatment options, but is less effective when used as a single treatment option, and should be combined with medication.
As a degenerative disease, it’s very important to talk to your doctor if you’re suffering from symptoms of the disease. A doctor will diagnose you with the disease through a series of testing and recommend the best treatment options for your unique symptoms.
How Do I Live A Better Life With Parkinson’s?
Yes, it’s possible to live a better life without the debilitating symptoms of Parkinson Disease hindering your daily activities. The goal is to improve your well-being and quality of life. Aside from medication, individual’s can improve their diet by adding more fruits and vegetables.
Creating an exercise regimen targeting the impacted limbs is also a great way to take a holistic approach to treatment. A strenous exercise regimen is not recommended, but rather, targeting key areas impacted by the disease. Talk to your doctor for the best recommended exercises for your unique symptoms.
Conclusion
Parkison Disease can be difficult to live with, but it’s doable. The most important factor is being diagnosed and treated by a doctor. While you’re living with the disease, it’s also important to make the necessary lifestyle changes. An individual living with the disease will play a huge role in their quality of life.
More importantly, continue to do your own research to stay up-to-date on new medication, treatment options, and research discoveries. You can live well for many years with simple lifestyle hacks like staying hydrated and getting the proper amount of sleep too. Talk to your doctor if you or someone you love are experiencing symptoms of Parkinson Disease.
