Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder affecting the way how the brain nerve cells produce dopamine. Although also reported in younger adults, Parkinson’s disease commonly affects older adults.

Parkinson’s disease is one of the most commonly diagnosed nerve degenerating diseases, second only to Alzheimer’s disease. More than 1% of the population above the age of 60 and 5% of the population over the age of 85 suffer from Parkinson’s disease. This indicates that aging is one of the biggest risk factor involved.

What Causes Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s disease affects pars compacta, a portion of the substantia nigra, located in the midbrain. This portion of the brain is responsible to control muscle movement and produce dopamine.

While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is unknown although researchers have indicated that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

  • Genetic Causes
    Researchers have identified rare instances where Parkinson’s disease appeared to be caused by mutation of a single gene, LRRK2. The mutated gene is passed on from generations to generations which results in a great number of Parkinson’s disease within an extended family.
  • Environmental Causes
    In the early 1980s, a group of drug users in California took a drug from a batch contaminated with MPTP. After taking the drugs, the users were stricken with a form of Parkinson’s disease, which was primarily environmental in origin.

Irrespective of the genetic and environmental causes, a majority of cases are called idiopathic.

Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Some of the primary symptoms experienced by patients suffering from Parkinson’s disease include:

  • Rigidity or stiffness of hands
  • Tremor of the hands, legs, face, or arms
  • Lack of spontaneous movement
  • Slowness of movement
  • Postural instability

Additional symptoms that can be experienced by a patient include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Dementia
  • Memory loss and slow thinking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Apathy
  • Difficulty in urination
  • Increased sweating

Why are Seniors at a Higher Risk Than Young Adults?

Age is one of the greatest risk factors for Parkinson’s disease. The disease affects multiple areas of the brain and body. Death of nerve cells is largely responsible for motor symptoms such as loss of spontaneous movement, rigidity, or tremor.

As a person ages, there is a decline in the organelle’s function which is responsible to remove damaged proteins in the neurons. Thus, with the build-up of alpha-synuclein protein, Lewy bodies are formed which further damage the neurons.

People suffering from Parkinson’s disease lose 60 to 80 percent or more of the dopamine-producing neurons by the time the symptoms appear.

Treatment Options for Patients Suffering From Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease has no cure, but the symptoms can be alleviated with the available treatment options. If it is difficult for seniors to travel to visit their doctor, they can choose in home health care services offered by Utah Doctors At Home.

There are some surgical and medication treatment options available that can help seniors to address the symptoms. Apart from opting for elderly care at home, seniors should also try to include physical activity in their routine to improve motor coordination, flexibility, and balance.

Parkinson’s disease is mentally, emotionally, and physically draining. So make sure your parents are comfortable. Call Utah Doctors at Home to learn more about admission details.

Facts About Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

  • One million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s disease
  • The average age of a person suffering from PD is 60 years
  • PD does not discriminate but men are 1½ times more likely to have Parkinson’s than women
  • About 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease every year
  • Although Parkinson’s disease is not going to kill you, you can die from its complications