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What Is Parkinson’s Disease And Its Symptoms

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Parkinson’s Disease: What Are The Symptoms?

APDAParkinson’s Disease SymptomsCould this be due to Parkinsons Disease? Uncommon non-motor symptoms of Parkinsons Disease

It is common for a person with Parkinsons disease to attribute every new symptom that develops to PD. That is largely because the list of non-motor symptoms commonly associated with PD is so varied, it can seem that almost anything is a symptom of PD!; But if you take a closer look, there are some symptoms that are very commonly associated with PD, others that are virtually never associated with PD, and some in between.

Lets divide up non-motor symptoms into the following categories:

How Is Parkinsons Disease Treated

There is no cure for Parkinsons disease. However, medications and other treatments can help relieve some of your symptoms. Exercise can help your Parkinsons symptoms significantly. In addition, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech-language therapy can help with walking and balance problems, eating and swallowing challenges and speech problems. Surgery is an option for some patients.

What Is Parkinsons Disease Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention

The causes and symptoms of Parkinsons disease can vary from person to person. While there is no cure, there are medications and treatments to help manage the condition.

Parkinsons disease is a movement disorder that happens when nerve cells in a certain part of the brain are no longer making the chemical;dopamine.

The condition is also sometimes known as paralysis agitans or shaking palsy.

The Parkinsons Foundation estimates that 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinsons every year. However, the true number of people who develop the disease may be much higher.

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Causes Of Parkinsons Disease

Scientists are not absolutely sure what causes Parkinsons disease, but it is linked to the death of nerve cells in the brain and a fall in level of dopamine levels which causes abnormal brain activity. If it is accompanied by changes in the Lewy bodies of the brain, dementia may also develop.;

Certain factors seem to be associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinsons disease. These include:

  • Age the disease is most common in people aged 60 and over.
  • Hereditary if you have a close family member with the disease, you are more likely to develop it.
  • Sex A French study in 2015 found that men are 50% more likely to develop Parkinsons disease than women. However, the risk for women increases with age.
  • Environmental factors studies suggest ongoing exposure to certain pesticides may slightly increase your risk of Parkinsons.

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Herantis Creates Video To Show How Its Parkinsons Therapy Works

Parkinson

Results showed that rhCDNF was successfully engineered into nanoparticles. Most importantly, the treatment retained its protein structure, essential for it work as intended. Further tests supported that rhCDNF, as nanoparticles, maintained its;effectiveness and neuroprotective effects.

This was a key milestone to achieve as part of our broader intranasal administration project for rhCDNF, one of only a few clinical stage assets focused on disease modification of Parkinsons disease, said Craig Cook, CEO of Herantis Pharma.

The ability to nanoform the rhCDNF molecule improves the chances of success for intranasal administration and creates additional possibilities to impact the lives of patients. We very much look forward to progressing the work with Nanoform, Cook added.

Another study will now further refine the size and shape of the rhCDNF nanoparticles, and evaluate their distribution when delivered as minimally invasive intranasal spray.

We look forward to now moving into further nanoforming activities as rhCDNF continues its development, said;Christian Jones, chief commercial officer of Nanoform.

Parkinsons is characterized by the loss of nerve cells that make the neurotransmitter;dopamine, a chemical messenger that allows nerve cells to communicate and, among other functions, helps regulate movement.

CDNF was administered directly into patients brains through a delivery system implanted by a neurosurgeon.

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What Is Parkinson’s Disease Its A Movement Disorder

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive brain illness that affects the way you move. In more clinical terms, Parkinsons disease is a neurodegenerative disorder of the central nervous system.

Normally, there are cells in the brain that produce a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine sends signals to the parts of your brain that control movement. When approximately 60-80% of the dopamine-producing brain cells are damaged, symptoms of Parkinson’s disease appear, and you may have trouble moving the way you want.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic illness and it slowly progresses over time. While there is no therapy or medicine that cures Parkinsons disease, there are good treatment options available that can help you live a full life.

What Are The Causes

The cause of Parkinson’s is largely unknown. Scientists are currently investigating the role that genetics, environmental factors, and the natural process of aging have on cell death and PD.

There are also secondary forms of PD that are caused by medications such as haloperidol , reserpine , and metoclopramide .

Recommended Reading: Parkinson’s Disease Inheritance

My Parkinsons Story: Advanced Parkinsons

This 10-minute video alternates between an interview with a man and his wife and his palliative care team, including a doctor, nurse, clerg and social worker. The man and his wife shares his experience with late stage Parkinsons. The palliative care team explains that their job is to support the best physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of the immediate family as well as help the family make end of life decisions.

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Who Gets Parkinson’s Disease

Overview of Parkinson’s disease and its symptoms | Giselle Petzinger

About 1 million people in the United States have Parkinson’s disease, and both men and women can get it. Symptoms usually appear when someone is older than 50 and it becomes more common as people get older.

Many people wonder if you’re more likely to get Parkinson’s disease if you have a relative who has it. Although the role that heredity plays isn’t completely understood, we do know that if a close relative like a parent, brother, or sister has Parkinson’s, there is a greater chance of developing the disease. But Parkinson’s disease is not contagious. You can’t get it by simply being around someone who has it.

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Posture And Balance Difficulties

Movement problems in PD are mostly caused by the diseases impact on dopamine production in the brain. However, as PD progresses to a later stage it begins to cause symptoms tied to other parts of your brain besides those that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain control and coordinate movement.

Posture is an example. Its not controlled by dopamine. Instead, poor posture may be the result of damage to neurons that produce different chemical messengers such as norepinephrineor acetylcholine. Your posture may become stooped, and you may lean forward as you walk. This affects your balance and makes you likelier to fall forward or backward. About half of people with PD will experience this symptom within five years from the time they were diagnosed.

Medical Treatment For Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease cannot be cured, though taking the medicines timely as prescribed by the doctor can control your symptoms, often dramatically. The doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, and exercises and physical therapy that focuses on balance and stretching.

Based on the severity of the patients condition the doctor may also suggest surgery.;

Read Also: How Long Can You Live With Parkinson’s

Deep Brain Stimulation For Parkinson’s: Am I A Candidate

Deep brain stimulation is not a cure, but it can relieve your symptoms from Parkinson’s disease when medications are not an option. Only you and your doctor can decide if this surgical procedure is right for you. You may be a candidate for deep brain stimulation if:

  • You have idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. Patients with atypical parkinsonism are not candidates.
  • You have good motor function and independence during your best “on” state when taking the drug Sinemet.

What Is Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons Disease: Signs, Risks and Treatme

Parkinsons disease is a nervous system disease that affects your ability to control movement. The disease usually starts out slowly and worsens over time. If you have Parkinsons disease, you may shake, have muscle stiffness, and have trouble walking and maintaining your balance and coordination. As the disease worsens, you may have trouble talking, sleeping, have mental and memory problems, experience behavioral changes and have other symptoms.

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Symptoms That May Be Related To Pd

These symptoms can be associated with PD, but are also commonly associated with other medical;conditions, so more testing is necessary. For example, weight loss may be associated with PD, but may also be a sign of a gastrointestinal problem or cancer. Pain may be associated with PD, but could be also due to arthritis, spinal stenosis, cancer, or a whole host of other causes.

There is a fourth category of non-motor symptoms that I would like to focus on now:

Other Causes Of Parkinsonism

“Parkinsonism” is the umbrella term used to describe the symptoms of tremors, muscle rigidity and slowness of movement.

Parkinson’s disease is the most common type of parkinsonism, but there are also some rarer types where a specific cause can be identified.

These include parkinsonism caused by:

  • medication where symptoms develop after taking certain medications, such as some types of antipsychotic medication, and usually improve once the medication is stopped
  • other progressive brain conditions such as progressive supranuclear palsy, multiple systems atrophy, and;corticobasal degeneration
  • cerebrovascular disease where a series of small strokes cause several parts of the brain to die

You can read more about parkinsonism on the Parkinson’s UK website.

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Signs Of Parkinsons Disease

In 1817, Dr. James Parkinson published An Essay on the Shaking Palsy describing non-motor, as well as, motor symptoms of the illness that bears his name. Parkinsons is not just a movement disorder, explained Dr. Shprecher. Constipation, impaired sense of smell, and dream enactment can occur years before motor symptoms of Parkinsons. The latter, caused by a condition called REM sleep behavior disorder, is a very strong risk factor for both Parkinsons and dementia . This has prompted us to join a consortium of centers studying REM sleep behavior disorder.

Give Yourself Time To Adjust

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Over time, youll likely become an expert in Parkinsons disease but right now, youre a newbie. Give yourself time for the diagnosis and all it might mean to sink in. Then, get educated: Ask your doctor for information you can take home and read, find other people with Parkinsons in your community or online to talk to, and browse sites like the National Parkinson Foundation and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinsons Research.

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Can Parkinsons Disease Be Prevented

Unfortunately, no. Parkinsons disease is long-term disease that worsens over time. Although there is no way to prevent or cure the disease , medications may significantly relieve your symptoms. In some patients especially those with later-stage disease, surgery to improve symptoms may be an option.

How Do I Prevent Falls From Common Hazards

  • Floors: Remove all loose wires, cords, and throw rugs. Minimize clutter. Make sure rugs are anchored and smooth. Keep furniture in its usual place.
  • Bathroom: Install grab bars and non-skid tape in the tub or shower. Use non-skid bath mats on the floor or install wall-to-wall carpeting.
  • Lighting: Make sure halls, stairways, and entrances are well-lit. Install a night light in your bathroom or hallway and staircase. Turn lights on if you get up in the middle of the night. Make sure lamps or light switches are within reach of the bed if you have to get up during the night.
  • Kitchen: Install non-skid rubber mats near the sink and stove. Clean spills immediately.
  • Stairs: Make sure treads, rails, and rugs are secure. Install a rail on both sides of the stairs. If stairs are a threat, it might be helpful to arrange most of your activities on the lower level to reduce the number of times you must climb the stairs.
  • Entrances and doorways: Install metal handles on the walls adjacent to the doorknobs of all doors to make it more secure as you travel through the doorway.

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Memory Or Thinking Problems

Having issues with thinking and processing things could mean your disease is progressing. Parkinsons is more than a movement disorder. The disease has a cognitive part as well, which means it can cause changes in the way your brain works.

During the final stage of the disease, some people may develop dementia or have hallucinations. However, hallucinations can also be a side effect of certain medications.

If you or your loved ones notice that youre getting unusually forgetful or easily confused, it might be a sign of advanced-stage Parkinsons.

Deep Brain Stimulation And Parkinsons Disease

Pin on Health & Wellbeing

For people with Parkinsons disease who do not respond well to medications, Deep brain stimulation , may be appropriate. Deep brain stimulation is a surgical procedure used to treat several disabling neurological symptomsmost commonly the debilitating motor symptoms of Parkinsons disease, such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement, and walking problems 20). The Deep brain stimulation has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is widely used today. The procedure is also used to treat essential tremor and dystonia. At present, the procedure is used only for individuals whose symptoms cannot be adequately controlled with medications 21). However, only individuals who improve to some degree after taking medication for Parkinsons benefit from Deep brain stimulation . A variety of conditions may mimic Parkinsons disease but do not respond to medications or deep brain stimulation. Deep brain stimulation uses a surgically implanted, battery-operated medical device called an implantable pulse generator similar to a heart pacemaker and approximately the size of a stopwatch to deliver electrical stimulation to specific areas in the brain that control movement, thus blocking the abnormal nerve signals that cause Parkinsons disease symptoms. The device and electrodes painlessly stimulate the brain in a way that helps stop many of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinsons, such as tremor, slowness of movement, and rigidity.

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Self Help Keeping Active

It is necessary to continue to work out and take good care of your general well-being. Try and take a walk daily. Stretching exercises can allow you to keep your strength and freedom. Nevertheless, its also wise to rest during the day to prevent becoming tired. Support and psychological support from family, friends and support groups is, in addition, significant.

Cdnf Potential Dmt For Parkinsons May Work As Nasal Spray

A potential Parkinsons; therapy;based on a;protein with an ability to protect neurons ;called recombinant human;cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor ; has been transformed into tiny nanoparticles that may allow for its use as a nasal spray,;Herantis Pharma, its developer,;;announced.

Nanoforming, the process;of engineering rhCDNF into nanoparticles, those;thousands of times thinner than a human hair,;was conducted by Nanoform;using its nanoparticle technology.

Under a February partnership agreement, Nanoform conducted proof-of-concept studies to determine if its nanoforming process could be applied to rhCDNF, making it suitable for intranasal spray delivery. Currently the treatment, which aims to stop Parkinsons progression, needs to be;administered directly into the brain using an implanted delivery system;suited for Parkinsons patients.

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The 5 Stages Of Parkinsons Disease

Getting older is underrated by most. Its a joyful experience to sit back, relax and watch the people in your life grow up, have kids of their own and flourish. Age can be a beautiful thing, even as our bodies begin to slow down. We spoke with David Shprecher, DO, movement disorders director at Banner Sun Health Research Institute;about a well-known illness which afflicts as many as 2% of people older than 65, Parkinsons Disease.

What Is Parkinsonism Is It Different From Parkinsons

Symptoms of Parkinsons Disease

Parkinsons disease is the most common cause of parkinsonism, a category of neurological diseases that cause slowed movement.

No quick or easy diagnostic tests exist for Parkinsons disease, so a patient may receive an initial diagnosis of parkinsonism without a more specific condition being confirmed.

Classic Parkinsons disease referred to as idiopathic because it has no known cause is the most common and most treatable parkinsonism.

About 15 percent of people with parkinsonism have atypical variants, which are also known as Parkinsons plus syndromes.

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Prevention Of Parkinsons Disease

Researchers dont know of any proven ways to prevent Parkinsons disease, but avoiding certain risk factors and adopting a healthy lifestyle may help reduce your risk.

Some studies have shown a diet high in antioxidants along with regular exercise may play a role in preventing Parkinsons. Other findings have suggested that compounds like caffeine, niacin, and nicotine may have a protective effect against Parkinsons disease.

Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually develop gradually and are mild at first.

There are many different symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. Some of the more common symptoms are described below.

However,;the order in which these develop and their severity is different for each individual.;It’s unlikely that;a person;with Parkinson’s disease would experience all or;most of these.

Recommended Reading: Is Resting Tremor Always Parkinson’s

Increased Feelings Of Anxiety Or Depression

Anxiety and depression have been linked to Parkinsons. In addition to movement problems, the disease can also have an impact on your mental health. Its possible that changes in your emotional well-being can be a sign of changing physical health as well.

If you are more anxious than usual, have lost interest in things, or feel a sense of hopelessness, talk to your doctor.

Mood And Mental Problems

Parkinsonism symptoms and signs
  • Deal with depression. If you are feeling sad or depressed, ask a friend or family member for help. If these feelings don’t go away, or if they get worse, talk to your doctor. He or she may be able to suggest someone for you to talk to. Or your doctor may give you medicine that will help.
  • Deal with dementia. Dementia is common late in Parkinson’s disease. Symptoms may include confusion and memory loss. If you notice that you are confused a lot or have trouble thinking clearly, talk to your doctor. There are medicines that can help dementia in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Also Check: Warning Signs Of Parkinsons

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