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Parkinsons Disease Introduction |
Parkinson's
disease (PD) is a degenerative
brain disease that is caused by
nerve cell degeneration in the
basal ganglia, a particular
region of the brain that controls
voluntary muscle movement. Healthy
basal ganglia nerve cells produce
dopamine, an important neurotransmitter that
transmits impulses from one nerve
cell to another, coordinating
skeletal
movement and muscle function. In
Parkinson's disease, the basal
ganglia nerve cells are lost and
dopamine levels are reduced, causing
shaking, muscle rigidity, and
problems with movement and walking. Parkinson's disease symptoms often
begin with a slight tremor in one
hand, arm, or leg, usually when
resting. Symptoms may then progress
to a shuffling walk, muscle
stiffness, stooped posture, and a
mask-like, expressionless face.
The underlying
cause of Parkinson's disease
is unknown, although genetic
factors, viral infections,
malnutrition, and exposure to
environmental toxins have been
implicated. Parkinson-like symptoms,
known as Parkinsonism, can occur
with other disorders, including
treatment with certain drugs
(antipsychotic, anti-nausea, and
anti-vertigo drugs) and repeated head
injuries. Parkinson's disease is one
of the most common debilitating
diseases in the US. It effects men over the age
of 60 with the greatest frequency.
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Parkinsons Disease Symptoms
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The main symptoms
of Parkinson's disease may begin
gradually and progress over a period
of months or years. Signs and
symptoms of Parkinson's disease can
include;:
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tremor of one hand,
arm, or leg, usually when resting,
and may progress to both sides
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mask-like,
expressionless face
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"pill rolling"
movement of the fingers
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muscle stiffness
that may be painful
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slowness of
movement
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shuffling walk
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stooped posture
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impaired
handwriting
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slow, hesitant
speech
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depression may
occur in later stages
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dementia may occur
in later stages
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Parkinsons Disease Statistics |
According to The
National Parkinson Foundation
(1):
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Parkinson's disease
affects 1 in 100 people over the
age of 60.
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Approximately 5-10%
of Parkinson's disease patients
are age 40 or younger.
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An estimated 5-10%
of Parkinson's disease patients
have a family history of
the disease.
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Learn More About
Parkinsons Disease |
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