Parkinson's disease is not contagious, nor is there evidence to
suggest that it can be handed down from one generation to the
next. Characterized by slow, impoverished movement; muscle
rigidity; resting tremor; and postural instability, Parkinson's
disease is a progressive disorder of the nervous system. Certain
nerve cells fail to work properly, or may even die off. These
cells found in the Basal Ganglia, normally produce a chemical
known as dopamine, which enables nerve cells to send messages to
muscle fibres and one another. When dopamine is in short supply,
messages between nerve cells and fibres become confused, thus
causing the tremors and symptoms characteristic of Parkinson's.
It is usually a disease of unknown cause, affecting persons over
60 years of age. However, it may occur in younger persons,
especially following brain swelling (encephalitis) or poisoning
by carbon monoxide, by the metal, manganese, or some drugs.
Symptoms:
Early:
- impaired postural reflexes
- lack of facial expression
- deliberateness of speech
- infrequent blinking
Mid:
- muscle aches and fatigue
- open-mouthed facial expression
- drooling
- forgetfulness
- stooped posture
- depression
- progressive rigidity
- difficulty initiating movement
- shuffling gait
Late:
- urinary retention
- dementia
- severe postural instability
- visual hallucinations
Treatment:
- Drugs - Parlodel (to reduce tremor), antidepressants (for
depression), antiparkinsonian agents and anticholinergics to
prevent parkinsonism.
- Long-term physical therapy to maintain muscle tone and
function
- Speech therapy to evaluate and improve swallowing
abilities
- Occupational therapy to maintain activities of daily
living
- Counseling and psychotherapy for depression
- Warm baths and massage to relax muscles
- Balanced, low-protein diet
Patients with the disease are told to continue working and
lead an active lifestyle for as long as possible. To prevent the
spine from bending forward, sufferers should lie on their back
on a firm mattress and walk with their hands folded behind their
back. Hand tremor while at rest is less noticed if the patient
grasps the arms of the chair when seated.
Back to A-Z Listing of Diseases and Disorders
|
