PARKINSON’S DISEASE (PD) is a progressive neurological disease that affects more than one million people in the United States. Approximately 60,000 people are newly diagnosed each year, about one every 9 minutes. Onset commonly occurs after age 50; however, up to 10% of individuals with PD will receive an earlier diagnosis and are considered “young onset.”
People with PD experience movement (motor) problems, including slowness, rigidity, and tremor. Balance and gait problems may occur as the disease progresses. Some people may also experience decreased facial expression, low voice volume, small handwriting, and difficulty with fine motor movements.
A number of non-motor symptoms are associated with PD, including depression and other emotional changes; disturbances in the sense of smell; fatigue; cognitive decline; weight loss; difficulty in swallowing, chewing, and speaking; urinary problems or constipation; skin problems; and sleep disruptions. It is important to understand that symptoms vary from person to person and may change as you age. The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) PD Handbook provides an expanded description of signs and symptoms.
Dr. James Parkinson, an English physician, first described the disease as “shaking palsy” in 1817. It was not until the 1960’s, however, that research revealed that in PD there is a reduction of a brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine. Motor symptoms of PD result from the loss of the pigmented dopamine neurons (brain cells) in the substantia nigra region of the brain. Dopamine is responsible for smooth, purposeful movement. Despite advances in research, the exact cause of dopamine neuron loss is still unknown. Decreases in dopamine, however, do not account for all symptoms experienced in PD. Research is ongoing to better understand more about the biology of Parkinson’s and all the changes that occur in the brain due to the disease.
The cause of most cases of PD is still unknown, although scientists believe that both genetics and environment interact to cause PD in most people who have it. Currently there is an enormous amount of research directed at producing more answers about what causes PD and how it might be prevented or cured. When physicians diagnose PD, they often describe it as idiopathic. This simply means that the cause of PD is not known.
There is no local chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association, but there is a nationwide network of chapters and information and referral centers. To receive an informational materials packet, you can contact the APDA national office at (800) 223-2732.
Daniel J Jachimiak, BA, is a feature writer, journalist, and speaker. Dan can be reached at djachimiak@bex.net or 419 787-2036. You can have a better life. ✲
