Understanding Parkinson’s Disease and Symptoms

Parkinson’s Disease, according to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, affects “more than 6 million people worldwide.” It has received a lot of attention in recent years with the help of Fox, who was diagnosed with the disease in 1991, when he was 29 years old. His disclosure of that diagnosis brought the condition into the light. Now it’s widely talked about and better understood.

What Is Parkinson’s Disease?

Simply put, Parkinson’s is a nervous system disorder that causes the brain cells that create dopamine to stop working or even to die. You’ve probably heard of dopamine as the neurotransmitter that comes into play for pleasure and the “reward center” of the brain. But it also affects movement, memory, cognition, learning, and more. It is often referred to as a “movement disease,” and it does cause “tremor, slowness, stiffness, and walking and balance problems,” but can also cause symptoms like constipation, depression, and it can affect memory.

It’s important to note that the disease affects each individual uniquely. A diagnosis of the condition doesn’t mean you will have all of these symptoms. This means that treatment is individualized as well.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

A person affected by the disease may exhibit motor and non-motor symptoms. Motor symptoms may include a tremor in a “finger, hand, or limb” while it’s in a relaxed position that goes away when you move it intentionally. Muscle stiffness, slower movement, trouble walking, and difficulty with balance and coordination may occur. Non-motor symptoms may include constipation, low blood pressure, sexual problems, excessive sweating, and urination issues. There are additional mood and thought issues, as well as physical changes, that are possible.

If you or someone you care for suspects they could have Parkinson’s, you should see a neurologist who specializes in movement disorders. They will do various tests to rule out other conditions that could cause the symptoms. Then they may order tests like a DaT scan for detailed images of the dopamine system in the brain, though that isn’t always needed.

Treatment

Treatments will vary depending on the individual’s symptoms. Medications may be prescribed to help with the movement issues and tremors. In some cases, deep brain stimulation might be recommended. That involves an invasive procedure where electrodes are placed in the brain, which are connected to a device implanted under the skin on the chest to send electrical pulses to the brain to reduce symptoms.

People dealing with this condition can improve their condition through regular exercise and a healthy diet. Support from those around you, learning as much as you can about the disease, finding the right specialist, and connecting with the Parkinson’s community can also be beneficial.

Research and a Cure

While there isn’t currently a cure or a perfect treatment for everyone, research is ongoing. Anyone can contribute through donations, volunteer work, and clinical trials. Though Michael J. Fox’s story has touched many, many more ordinary folks are directly impacted by this disease and have to cope with the effects daily. Using his platform to bring this to light was incredible, yet there’s more work to be done.