LPN
Parkinson’s disease, as well as dementia, affects the brain and is one of the most common diseases that affects older adults today. It’s a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement and often includes tremors in most individuals. The disease can last for years for some individuals, or it can be lifelong for others.
Parkinson’s disease is a condition in which a part of the brain deteriorates, causing more severe symptoms over time. This condition is best known for how it affects muscle control, balance, and movement. It can also cause a wide range of effects on the senses, thinking ability, and mental health.
The risk of developing Parkinson’s disease naturally increases with age, and according to research, the average age at which it starts is 60 years old. It’s slightly more common in men than women. Symptoms typically manifest later in life, it can happen in adults as young as 20 years old, but this is rare.
Parkinson’s disease is quite common overall, ranking second among age-related degenerative brain diseases, and it is known as the most common movement-related brain disease.
Parkinson’s disease causes the area of the brain that affects movement to deteriorate. As this area deteriorates, the ability to control movement is lost. When the brain is affected, the chemical in the brain known as dopamine is lacking, which prevents proper communication with neurotransmitters in the brain. This lack of dopamine causes the slowed movements and tremors associated with Parkinson’s. Later stages affect how the brain functions, causing dementia-like symptoms and depression.
The most well-known symptom of Parkinson’s disease is loss of muscle control. There can also be slowed movements, tremors, rigidity or stiffness, and unstable posture or walking gait. Other symptoms include blinking less often, cramped or small handwriting, drooling, facial expressions that do not change, trouble swallowing, and trouble speaking.
The main risk factor for developing Parkinson’s disease is related to genetics, though it’s possible to develop the condition without predisposing genetic factors. Another way this disease can develop is through medications, inflammation of the brain, toxins, or damage from injuries.
In order for Parkinson’s disease to be diagnosed, a thorough examination by a healthcare provider is necessary. The provider will ask questions, assess the presenting symptoms, review the patient’s medical history, and order labs or other diagnostic tests. Blood tests, Computed Tomography scans, genetic testing, spinal taps, skin biopsies, and Magnetic Resonance Imaging are among some of the testing that may be administered.
There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but treatments are available to manage symptoms. The most common and effective treatment is levodopa, which helps replace the missing dopamine, allowing patients to function better. By increasing the amount of dopamine in the brain, levodopa helps control symptoms and helps the patient perform daily activities such as dressing, walking, and handling items. Levodopa is commonly prescribed along with other medications to assist with minimizing possible side effects.
Parkinson’s disease is not fatal, but the symptoms and effects can often be contributors to death. Since most cases aren’t diagnosed until after 60 years of age and people live with the condition for quite a few years, Parkinson’s disease does not change life expectancy by more than a few years. As long as the patient is compliant with their treatment plan and medication regime, he/she can live a long time and have a good quality of life with the condition.
Parkinson’s disease is currently an incurable, but treatable disease affecting the brain. You must have a thorough understanding of the disease and ways to improve the lives of patients who have this disease. It is important to understand that consistent monitoring and noting how patients are responding to treatment is imperative when dealing with Parkinson’s disease.
Love what you read?
Share our insider knowledge and tips!
Read More
Diagnoses Is Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer the Right Choice for you? Hormone therapy for breast cancer is used to either slow or stop the growth of hormone sensitive tumors. Treatments vary widely, and a large part of what drives the therapy is the hormone...
Critical Concepts | Diagnoses What is Sundowner Syndrome? Patients with delirium or dementia can have Sundown Syndrome, a diagnosis in which emotional and behavioral changes occur beginning in the late afternoon. Mood swings, restlessness, and hallucinations can be...
Diagnoses Dialysis and Depression: The Reality of End-Stage Renal Disease Mental health, depression specifically, is not adequately addressed when it comes to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Causes of depression in the ESRD community can be both behavioral and...
