Parkinson's
disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects predominately
dopamine-producing “dopaminergic” neurons in a specific area of the brain
called substantia nigra. Parkinson's
disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects the movement.
Symptoms start gradually with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand.
Tremors are common, but the disorder also commonly causes stiffness or slowing of
the movement.
Symptoms:
Tremor: A
tremor or shaking is usually begins in a limb, often your hand or fingers. You
may a rub your thumb and forefinger back-and-forth, known as a pill-rolling
tremor. Your hand may tremor when it's at rest.
Slowed movement (Bradykinesia):
Parkinson's
disease may slow your movement, making simple tasks difficult and
time-consuming. Your steps may become shorter when you walk. It may be
difficult to get out of a chair. You may graft your feet as you try to walk.
Rigid muscles:
Muscle stiffness may occur in any part of your body. The stiff muscles
can be painful and limit your range of movement.
Impaired posture and balance:
Your posture may become curved or you may have balance difficulties as a result
of Parkinson's disease.
Loss of automatic movements:
You
may have a reduced ability to achieve unconscious movements, including
blinking, smiling or swinging your arms when you walk.
Speech changes: You
may speak softly, quickly, smear or hesitate before talking. Your speech is
more of a monotone rather than with the usual modulations.
Writing
changes: May be it’s become hard to write and your writing may appear
small.
Conclusion:
There
is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but medications, surgery, and physical
treatment can provide relief and are much more effective than treatments
available for other neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s
disease, motor neuron disease, and Parkinson plus syndromes. The
main families of the levodopa drugs are useful for the treating motor symptoms.
