Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder. It affects the nervous system, and symptoms become worse over time.The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease develop gradually
Here are some EARLY SIGNS of Parkinson’s disease:
Movement: There may be a tremor in the hands.
Coordination: A reduced sense of coordination and balance can cause people to drop items they are holding. They may be more likely to fall.
Gait: The person’s posture may change, so that they lean forward slightly, as if they were hurrying. They may also develop a shuffling gait.
Facial expression: This can become fixed, due to changes in the nerves that control facial muscles.
Voice: There may be a tremor in the voice, or the person may speak more softly than before.
Handwriting: This may become more cramped and smaller.
Sense of smell: A loss of sense of smell can be an early sign.
Sleep problems: These are a feature of Parkinson’s, and they may be an early sign. Restless legs may contribute to this.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RECOGNIZING EARLY SYMPTOMS
Many people think that the early signs of Parkinson’s are normal signs of aging. For this reason, they may not seek help.
However, treatment is more likely to be effective if a person takes it early in the development of Parkinson’s disease. For this reason, it is important to get an early diagnosis if possible.
If treatment does not start until the person has clear symptoms, it will not be as effective
.Parkinson’s disease. It happens when nerve cells die in the brain.
A person with Parkinson’s also has changes known as Lewy bodies in the brain, they can develop dementia.
LOW DOPAMINE LEVELS: Scientists have linked low or falling levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter, with Parkinson’s disease. This happens when cells that produce dopamine die in the brain.
Dopamine plays a role in sending messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Low dopamine levels can make it harder for people to control their movements.As dopamine levels fall in a person with Parkinson’s disease, their symptoms gradually become more severe.
LOW NOR-EPINEPHRINE LEVELS: Nor-epinephrine, another neurotransmitter, is important for controlling many automatic body functions, such as the circulation of the blood.
In Parkinson’s disease, the nerve endings that produce this neurotransmitter die. This may explain why people with Parkinson’s disease experience not only movement problems but also fatigue, constipation, and orthostatic hypertension, when blood pressure changes on standing up, leading to light-headaches
Lewy bodies: A person with Parkinson’s disease may have clumps of protein in their brain known as Lewy bodies. Lewy body dementia is a different condition, but it has links with Parkinson’s disease.
Genetic factors: Sometimes, Parkinson’s disease appears to run in families, but it is not always hereditary. Researchers are trying to identify specific genetic factors that may lead to Parkinson’s disease, but it appears that not one but a number of factors are responsible.
THERE IS HOPE....EVEN WHEN YOUR BRAIN TELLS YOU... THERE ISN'T ... ...
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