PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Millions of people were startled by Robin William's suicide, not only because of his death, but also because it was revealed that he had Parkinson's disease and had been suffering from acute despair.
WHAT IS IT?
Parkinson's disease is a degenerative nervous system ailment that affects mobility and is characterised by tremors in the hands. This illness was named after an English physician.
Parkinson, James. In 1817, who wrote the first full description of the shaking palsy in an essay.
EFFECTS ON MOOD:
According to National Parkinson foundation, more than half of persons with Parkinson's disease also suffer from clinical depression. The disease's neurochemicals and pathways in the brain are also important for mood regulation, which can have a disastrous influence on a person's view on life.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENS?
As cells in certain areas of the brain stem, particularly the crescent-shaped mass known as the substantia nigra, are killed, Parkinson's disease slowly develops. A neurotransmitter in the brain called dopamine is reduced as a result of this.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that controls movement in the body. The depletion of dopamine is responsible for the majority of Parkinson's disease symptoms. The loss of nerve cells has no obvious cause. Such alterations, according to experts, are caused by hereditary and environmental variables.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms
for Parkinson’s disease can include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Mood disorder (depression & anxiety)
- REM sleep disorder (individuals act out their dreams)
- Hyposmia (loss of smell)
- Speech and swallowing problems, drooling
- Reduce facial expression
- Low blood pressure (when standing)
- Constipation
- Bradykinesia (slowness in movement)
- Rigidity, Resting tremors
- Postural instability (problem in standing and walking)
- Unexplained pains
RISK FACTORS:
Although the specific aetiology is uncertain, research suggests a mix of genetic and environmental factors:
- Risk usually begins in middle to late life and continues to rise as people get older. Young adults are extremely unlikely to get the condition.
- Parkinson's disease is more likely to occur if you have more than one close family who has the disease.
- Males are more prone than females to contract the condition.
- Toxin exposure: Long-term herbicide/pesticide exposure increases the risk marginally.
TREATMENT:
Parkinson's disease treatment possibilities include:
1. Rehabilitative therapy: For all symptoms and phases of Parkinson's disease, rehabilitative therapy is recommended.
2. Medication: Various combinations of medications are prescribed, with medication time being adjusted frequently.
3. Surgery: Tremor, stiffness, bradykinesia, dyskinesia, and medication fluctuations are all treated with surgery.
INNOVATIVE GEL:
Researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) have invented a novel type of hydrogel in partnership with The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health that could revolutionise how we treat Parkinson's disease. Patients who have had strokes or other neurological problems can potentially benefit from the gel.
By releasing a growth-enabling protein called GDNF, the novel substance, which is produced from natural amino acids (protein building blocks), functions as a doorway to promote the safe transfer of stem cells into the brain and replace damaged tissue.
OUTLOOK:
Parkinson's disease symptoms might worsen as the disease develops, making it increasingly difficult to carry out daily activities without assistance. Many people respond well to treatment and only have mild to moderate disability, however a small percentage of persons do not respond as well and may grow more seriously impaired over time.
Although Parkinson's disease can not cause death directly, it can put a lot of pressure on the body and make some people more susceptible to serious and life-threatening diseases. However, thanks to advancements in therapy, most persons with Parkinson's disease can now expect to live a normal or near-normal life.
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