Common brain disorder
Parkinson’s disease is a relatively common brain disorder that has a significant impact on daily functioning. The best known symptom is trembling and trembling of the limbs. The most famous patient is undoubtedly actor Michael J. Fox.
The Parkinson’s disease is named after the English physician James Parkinson. The brain disorder is quite common, especially among the elderly. About 1 percent of the over 55s are affected. The disease usually manifests itself between the ages of 50 and 70, but young people can also get it. People who get Parkinson’s or Parkinsonism at a young age – such as actor Michael J. Fox– are called Yoppers. The name comes from the term Young Onset Parkinsonians. Parkinson’s is a progressive condition; so the disease gets worse.
Dopamine deficiency
Parkinson’s is a brain disease in which nerve cells slowly die. The nerve cells of the so-called ‘black matter’ (substantia nigra) are particularly affected. The cells of this black substance have the main task of producing dopamine. As a result of Parkinson’s disease, less of this neurotransmitter is produced; there is a dopamine deficiency. The control of movements by the brain is made more difficult by this. The result is that arms and legs start to show the familiar vibrations, but at the same time the muscles become stiff, making movement difficult. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s is made on the basis of the symptoms, not by means of a scan.
Symptoms
The trembling and trembling arms and legs (tremor) are not the only symptoms of Parkinson’s. Incidentally, these body parts start to vibrate at rest, the opposite of an essential tremor such as in Parkinsonism MSA. Other hallmark symptoms include shuffling steps, slower reaction time, speech difficulties and a leaning posture. As Parkinson’s patients get older, the risk of getting dementia. People with Parkinson’s disease are also more susceptible to depression.
Therapy
In Parkinson’s disease, the symptoms are mainly treated. Physiotherapy For example, it helps to move more smoothly, speech therapy for speech problems and occupational therapy offers support with normal daily activities.
The drugs that are prescribed mainly focus on supplementing the dopamine deficiency. Sometimes it is decided to have a brain operation to ensure that the shaking and stiffness are reduced. This is especially the case when the excessive shaking can no longer be counteracted with medication.
