Parkinson’s Disease: Causes and Cures

A problem with some nerve cells in the brain can lead to Parkinson’s disease which in turn can affect your movement.

The chemical which sends signals to the brain and thereby controls movement is Dopamine. When you have Parkinson’s disease, the nerve cells break down and this can significantly hamper your movement.  Over a period of time, Parkinson’s disease can worsen. There are lots of good treatment options using which you can lead a better life.

What causes Parkinson’s disease?

The exact cause of the breakdown of the nerve cells in not known. But research is going on for finding the exact reason. In some people, abnormal genes can cause this problem. However, there has been no sufficient proof to indicate that this is a problem related to heredity.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

The main symptoms associated with this problem are shaking or tremor which may impact your head, arms, legs or hands. Slow movement, stiff muscles and problems with balance or walking may be other problems associated with this condition. One of the most common symptoms of this condition is tremor although not everyone may suffer from this.

Almost all muscles of the body are affected by Parkinson’s disease which can also lead to problems such as constipation or swallowing. Trouble with speaking, developing a blank or fixed expression and other problems may also be suffered by such people. Dementia may also develop at a later stage. Though most people start manifesting symptoms between the ages of 50 and 60, symptoms may appear later in some people.

Diagnosis

You can know of the existence of this disease by having a neurological examination. Such an examination will include tests and questions that can indicate how your nerves are working. Your reflexes and muscle strength, your movement and your vision may also be checked by the doctor before putting you on medications. You may also have to try new medicines a lot of which have developed lately to treat Parkinson’s disease. There are no blood or lab tests for checking whether this condition is present or not.