Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movements such as walking, talking and writing. There are around 120,000 people affected by Parkinson’s disease in the UK.
The disease usually affects people over the age of 50 years of age, but younger people can also have it. When Parkinson’s disease occurs in people aged between 21 and 40 years, it is called ‘young onset Parkinson’s disease’.
Diagnosis
At present, there isn’t a simple test that can show if someone definitely has Parkinson’s disease. So, to diagnose the condition, doctors will:
• look into a persons medical history
• examine them
• run a series of tests
This will allow the doctor to make sure that the symptoms are being caused by Parkinson’s disease, and not by some other disease or condition.
Causes
Parkinson’s disease occurs when the cells in the part of the brain that control movement begin to lose their ability to produce a ‘chemical messenger' called dopamine. When most of the dopamine cells have stopped working, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease start to appear. The reason why these cells stop working is not yet known.
The Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease has three main symptoms:
Tremor
Tremor usually begins in one hand or arm. It is more likely to occur when the affected part of the body is resting and it decreases or even disappears when the affected part is being used. Anxiety, excitement or stress can make the tremor more noticeable. Around 70% of people with Parkinson’s disease suffer from tremor.
Muscular rigidity or stiffness
Stiffness can affect many of the usual activities that we do daily, that we take for granted. For example, people can find it difficult to turn around, get out of a chair and roll over in bed. It can also be difficult to carry out tasks that require fine finger movements such as opening a door with a set of keys, writing with a pen or even sorting through loose change when out shopping. Some people find that they also develop a stooped posture. And some notice that their face becomes stiff, this can make facial expressions such as smiling more difficult.
Slowness of movement
You may hear this symptom referred to as bradykinesia. People with Parkinson’s disease often find it difficult to start movements or moving and it can take longer to perform movements. Lack of co-ordination also affects people. Other symptoms that can occur include tiredness, depression and difficulties with writing, speech and balance.
Although the symptoms of the condition are well recognised, the way that the disease progresses can be unpredictable. The symptoms usually begin very gradually, develop slowly and they can occur in any order. Each person with Parkinson’s disease has collection of symptoms and responses to treatment that are unique to them. Parkinson’s disease progresses at different rates among those affected. The exact nature and severity of the symptoms experienced also differs from person to person.
Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, but there is a range of treatment available to help control its symptoms and so make daily life easier. Helping to control the symptoms of the condition can help maintain a sufferers quality of life.
At present drug therapy is the main treatment offered to people with Parkinson’s disease. There are several types of drugs available and broadly speaking they work in one of two ways. They either:
• stimulate the parts of the brain where dopamine works, or
• block the action of other brain chemicals that can affect dopamine levels
The drugs can be used alone but they may also be used together. Everyone receives the treatment that will best suit his or her individual needs at that particular time. As the disease progresses these needs may change, so regular reviews are required with the specialist.
Sometimes surgery is offered to those who have had Parkinson’s disease for many years. This option may not be suitable for everyone.
Other types of therapy can be useful along side the drug treatment. These include:
• Physiotherapy
• Speech therapy
• Self help strategies
Updated
11 March 2010