500,000 people in the US have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. The actual number may actually be closer to 1 million because many people are either misdiagnosed or remain undiagnosed until the condition worsens. Currently, there’s no cure for this condition; at best, it can only be managed.
Keep reading to learn all about Parkinson’s disease, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects nerve cells present in the substantia nigra, an important part of the brain. These nerve cells are responsible for producing dopamine, a hormone that coordinates and controls body movements by acting like a messenger between the nervous system and the brain.
As these nerve cells become damaged or die, dopamine levels decrease, affecting body movements. A person with Parkinson’s disease typically has uncontrolled, slower, or abnormal body movements.
The nerve cells die at a very slow rate, so the symptoms of the disease don’t appear until at least 50% of the nerve cells are already lost. The substantia nigra is irreversibly damaged before the disease management can begin.
The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not known, but here are some factors that are typically responsible for its onset:
- Some genetic factors increase a person’s chances of getting this disease.
- Environmental factors such as the prevalence of pesticides and herbicides.
- Some types of medications, such as antipsychotics.
- Some progressive brain conditions, such as multiple system atrophy and progressive supranuclear palsy.
- Cerebrovascular diseases.
Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease can cause several physical and mental symptoms. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Tremors
- Slow movement and balance troubles
- Stiff muscles
- Loss of sense of smell
- Burning or numbing sensation
- Urination and bowel problems
- Excessive salivation and sweating
- Sexual dysfunction
- Blurred vision and dizziness
- Swallowing difficulty
- Sleeping problems
- Dementia
- Depression and anxiety
- Mild cognitive impairment.
Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Since there’s no known cure for Parkinson’s disease, the treatment typically revolves around the management of the symptoms of this condition.
The three ways in which Parkinson’s disease is usually managed are as follows:
- Supportive therapy (Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and dietary changes)
- Medication (levodopa, dopamine agonists, and monoamine oxidase-B inhibitors)
- Surgery (deep brain stimulation)
Needless to say, people living with Parkinson’s Disease can only lead a normal life if they take their medication on time and do all the supportive therapy.
If you have this condition, you should always take your medication and get timely prescription refills. If you’re an underinsured or uninsured US citizen who can’t afford the refills, you can enroll with The Rx Helper. We can help you get into an affordable prescription assistance program.
We’re based in Florida, but we can connect you with pharmaceutical companies, non-profit organizations, and state programs across the country to enroll you in their free medication and patient assistance programs.
Learn more about our costs of services and contact us to enroll now!
Disclaimer: This article is only intended for educational purposes and shouldn’t be used as a substitute for medical advice.
