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Parkinson’s Disease- Causes, Early Signs and Symptoms

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder that occurs in the nervous system and affects the movement of the body. It is caused due to the breaking down or neurodegeneration of the cells.

The condition of Parkinson’s disease grows with time with slightly noticeable tremors or shakiness in hands and limbs. This disease is also responsible for stiffness in the body or slowing down movement. 

To know more about Parkinson’s disease, you can read the further information below-

Parkinson’s disease mainly occurs when nerve cells in the brain start to break down. However, various factors can cause Parkinson’s disease. Some of them are-

1. Hereditary –

According to various researches, it is found that some mutations in the genes can lead to Parkinson’s disease.  It also happens if the family members in the past have suffered from Parkinson’s disease. 

2. Autoimmune Conditions–

according to reports by the National Institutes of Health, it was found that people suffering from an autoimmune disease such as rheumatoid arthritis have more chances to suffer from Parkinson’s disease.

3. Protein Clumps–

the clumps of proteins which are also known as Lewy bodies lead to the degeneration of cells or the cells die. This can cause changes in the body such as thinking process, mood, slower movements of the body, etc. 

4. Lower levels of norepinephrine–

It is found that people having lower levels of norepinephrine, then it affects their cognitive and non-motor activities. In this way, the chances of Parkinson’s disease increases. It affects their natural mobility, focusing ability, and other activities.

5. Lower levels of Dopamine–

Decrease in dopamine levels can cause restriction in movement because it is essential for transmitting messages to the brain. If the dopamine levels gradually fall with time, then it becomes very difficult to control the movements and leads to Parkinson’s disease. 

6. Environment–

The environmental factors that lead to Parkinson’s disease are complicated such as living in a healthy area having lots of trees and clean air can lower the risks of having Parkinson’s disease. Whereas, having an improper lifestyle such as lack of exercise can also lead to Parkinson’s disease. 

It is important to know about the signs and symptoms for early treatment and control Parkinson’s disease on time. Some of the major symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are-

1. Tremor–

The limbs start to shake and it worsens with time. Initially, the hands and fingers start to shake then slowly, it reaches to thumbs, chin, and other parts. 

2. Stiffness of muscles–

Patients also experience stiffness in their body and it becomes painful for them to do any movement. 

3. Slower movements–

The body starts to move very slowly even doing the simplest tasks. Such as slower and shorter steps while walking, picking up something from the table, etc. becomes very difficult in Parkinson’s disease.

4. Speech Problems–

It becomes very difficult to speak due to Parkinson’s disease. The voice becomes soft and unclear and they also face difficulty hearing anything. 

5. Posture–

Due to Parkinson’s disease the posture of patients gets imbalanced. Their body becomes stooped and they are not able to stand straight. 

6. Changes in Handwriting–

Due to stiffness and slower movements, it also becomes difficult to hold a pen and write something if you are suffering from Parkinson’s disease. 

Other signs are- 

1. Problem in Sleeping
2. Losing the ability to smell
3. Rapid Eye Movement Sleep 
4. Constipation
5. Dizziness
6. Depression
7. Anxiety

Read Also – How to Prevent Parkinson’s Disease?

1. Have a balanced and healthy life by eating healthy foods and doing daily exercise and meditation. 
2. Take proper rest and therapy on time.

Here are some drugs which are used for treating Parkinson’s disease-

1. Amantadine (Symmetrel)
2. Dopamine agonists
3. COMT inhibitors
4. Levodopa
5. Anticholinergics
6. MAO inhibitors

Sahyadri Hospital has been a pioneer in the field of neurology, and they continue to research new ways to improve the quality of life for patients with Parkinson’s Disease.

If you or someone you love is suffering from this disease, please consider traveling to Pune for treatment. The neurologist team at Sahyadri Hospital will take great care of you and may be able to help you regain some of your lost mobility and independence.

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