Parkinson’s is one of the many common degenerative disorders affecting millions of people around the world. It is a central nervous system disorder that affects the motor system of the body. Rigidity, immobility, imbalance, shivering, etc. are some of the major symptoms of this disorder. There is no complete cure for this disorder, but technology has helped reduce the pain and hassle while handling it.

Symptoms of Parkinson Disease

Since Parkinson’s is a disorder related to the genetic and neurological structure of a person, the symptoms can vary from person to person. Though there are some that might be common in a number of people suffering from Parkinson’s:

Rigidity – Rigidity can occur in the muscles as well as the ligaments and tendons of the joints in the body. Rigid muscles can cause spasms and sprains easily. It also reduces the range of motion of a person.
Tremors – Tremors are one of the most common symptoms and can occur in the limbs such as arms, hands, fingers, and feet. Tremors can be a great inconvenience while executing daily activities and hence a number of aids are required to counter it.
Slowed Movement – Parkinson’s can make a person slow down in a number of physical faculties. Physical and mental, Parkinson’s affects both functions by reducing the speed of the functions. Walking, standing, sitting, etc. might become slow and irritating to execute.
Impaired Posture and Gait – Parkinson’s might cause a person to stoop or have an improper gait. This might cause impairment in daily functions. It might result in injuries and other conditions as well.
Impaired Speech – Slurring, hesitation while speaking, stammering, etc are some common speech symptoms that can occur in a person suffering from Parkinson’s

Causes of Parkinson Disease

Though one cannot pin point on one specific factor that causes Parkinson’s, there are a number of different factors that can cause Parkinson’s, depending on the age, sex, and physicality of the individual.

Genetics – There are a number of genetic mutations that can result in Parkinson’s. Though there is a small risk of such situations where the gene is inherited from parents or previous generations.
Environmental Reasons – It has been found that there are a number of environmental factors such as toxins and pollutants that can cause Parkinson’s.
Loss of Dopamine – Dopamine is an important hormone that acts as a messenger hormone and its reducing levels can lead to symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Risk Factors of Parkinson Disease

Age –Age is one of the foremost risk factors associated with Parkinson’s. It begins in the late middle ages and mostly spikes during the old age. People above the age of 60 are most at risk
Sex – Like women are more likely to develop osteoporosis, men are more likely to develop Parkinson’s.
Heredity – Parkinson’s can travel from gene to gene and someone with a prevalent history of Parkinson’s in the family is a risk, but the risk is minor.

Treatment for Parkinson Disease

There is no cure for Parkinson’s available today, but there are a number of lifestyle changes one can make, in combination with the use of several aids, to reduce the effects of Parkinson’s and keep its symptoms in control.

Healthy Eating – Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, fish oils, and vitamins can help in enhancing the functioning of the brain thus reducing the effects of Parkinson’s. One can add different foods to their diet to reduce symptoms such as constipation, tremors, muscle pain, etc.
Exercise – Exercise therapy helps in increasing muscle strength, flexibility, and balance. It helps increase the production of serotonin and dopamine which enables the brain to function efficiently. Exercise is proven to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Fall Prevention – Fall prevention is an important step of ensuring that individuals suffering from Parkinson’s do not sustain injuries during day to day activities. Fall prevention includes fall alarms, fall prevention mats, grab bars, etc. Canes are also used to provide support during walking to prevent falls.
Daily Living Aids – Daily living aids are an important part of the life of a person suffering from Parkinson’s. The symptoms of Parkinson’s make daily activities a difficult and irritating task. Some tasks can be difficult for you, while some can be discomforting and painful. Daily aids can reduce this discomfort by providing a comfort while executing daily activities and chores. Aids such as reachers, bathroom safety aids, dining and drinking aids, writing and reading aids, grab bars and rails, etc.