The Causes of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Treatment
The Causes of Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s Treatment
One of the most severe neurodegenerative diseases, Parkinson’s disease has no cure. It is a progressive disease where the brain stops producing dopamine, a vital neurotransmitter. The result? The body is not able to regulate its movements resulting, tremors, stiff muscles, and slow movement and balance issues. In most patients, the disease develops slowly often times taking several years to finally become full-blown. Most patients can live for a long time with the disease. In itself, it is not fatal but its complications lead to death. The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease patients are the following:- Muscle Rigidity
- Tremors or shaking in the hands, arms and legs
- Gait and balance issues
- Muscle stiffness
- Cognitive issues
- Depression, sleep disturbances
Causes of Parkinson’s
While it is widely documented that Parkinson’s symptoms occur due to the lack of dopamine production in the brain, it is not clear as to why it occurs in the first place. Genetic studies reveal that different dysfunctional cellular processes, stress an inflammation contribute to cellular damage.Parkinson's was first recognised 200 years ago today, and there's still no cure. We need a breakthrough. Donate at https://t.co/jAFGwQk3bG pic.twitter.com/418FTAVbB3
— Parkinson's UK (@ParkinsonsUK) May 31, 2017
Risk Factors
- Age by far is the biggest factor when it comes to the development of the disease. Most patients with Parkinson’s are 60 years of age and older
- Men are affected twice more than women
- Family history plays a role
- History of constant head trauma, illness or constant exposure to environmental toxins like pesticides are known to increase risk