By: Groshan
Fabiola
Parkinson's disease is easily noticeable because of its physical manifestations.
A problem that develops mostly in elderly people, Parkinson's is very
important to acknowledge so that it can be taken care of at its early
stages. Knowing what it is and what the symptoms are will help you to
catch it in the beginning and start treatment immediately. Parkinson's
disease results when brain cells deteriorate. It is a chronic condition
because it has no cure and does not go away by itself. It is also a
degenerative disease, which means that it breaks down the body of the
person it attacks. Muscle control is lost due to a lack of dopamine
in the brain and, therefore, a difficulty in walking, coordination,
and severe shaking develop.
A person with Parkinson's disease may also
notice a change in his or her voice. A person's voice may become low
and monotone, with little or no inflection. Akinesia and bradykinesia
may also manifest as trouble executing certain movements, and increased
slowness when movements are attempted. Talking more quietly is another
affect of the disease, as is difficulty with motor skills. The result
is lessened in fine motor skills dexterity and may mean the person
with Parkinson's may require help with everyday tasks such as shaving,
tying laces, fastening buttons, and handwriting. Oily skin and dandruff
is an affect of seborrheic dermatitis. Therefore, Parkinson's patients
may notice that they have developed greasier skin, especially around
the nose and eyebrows, and a greasier scalp. This symptom is often
accompanied by increased sweating. Non-specific sensory symptoms include
unusual sensory feelings such as numbness, pain, burning sensation,
restlessness and fatigue. Lastly, depression and senility, as well
as dementia, are also symptoms of Parkinson's.
Some of the signs of Parkinson's to look out
for include tremors and trembling. For nearly three quarters of patients
diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, the appearance of tremors or trembling
is the first noticeable symptom. Muscle stiffness is another symptom
of the disease. Patients experiencing stiffness or rigidity may not
notice any other symptoms of this characteristic. In fact, the person
may not even notice the signs of rigidity unless a physician notes
it during a physical examination. The presence of physical rigidity,
such as decreased arm swing, is especially useful in helping medical
personnel establish a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. This may also
include 'Freezing' which is the sudden inability to move when you
want to. If a foot on one side starts to drag, and you have difficulty
walking through doorways and hallways, you should go to a doctor.
Lacking coordination and having difficulty maintaining balance, controlling
facial muscles, are causes of akinesia and bradykinesia. These cha
racteristics may manifest themselves in the face, for example, as
reduced facial expression, infrequent blinking, and slow swallowing
resulting in increased saliva secretion, and occasionally, drooling.
Feeling
anxious, angry, discouraged or depressed is common as the brain is
undergoing a number of chemical changes. Approximately forty to seventy
percent of Parkinson's sufferers experiences depression at times,
while twenty percent of these are a major depressive disorder. Parkinson's
disease is not something to be taken lightly, as it is very serious
and can cause permanent problems.
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