Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system affecting movement. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter concentrated in the substania nigra, part of the basal ganglia, and is important in controlling smooth, coordinated movement. When dopamine-producing cells die or fail to produce enough dopamine neurodegeneration occurs and Parkinson’s symptoms begin to appear. When the brain loses dopamine cells, dopamine and acetylcholine are put out of balance and cholinergic receptors become excited; this produces tremors and muscle rigidity.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is relatively unknown, however, it appears that men over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk. Family history also may increase the risk …show more content…
It is important to remember that not all patients diagnosed with this disease will have all these signs and symptoms. Some non-motor symptoms including mood disorders, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, vision problems, excessive sweating, and a loss of sense of smell can occur years before a Parkinson’s diagnosis is given. Other motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease …show more content…
Stage IV: may need a walker, but patient can stand on his/her own, patient cannot live alone
5. Stage V: unable to stand or walk due to stiffness, patient requires 24 hour nursing care, cognitive changes may occur (dementia, hallucinations)
Again, it is important to remember that not all patients will progress through all 5 stages in their lifetime.
There are several goals of therapy with Parkinson’s disease, but since there is no cure for this disease, the objective of each goal is to maintain the highest quality of life as possible by treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Many different healthcare professionals are involved in treating Parkinson’s symptoms.
• Neurologist – family doctors will often refer patients to neurologists who specialize in movement. Parkinson’s can take time to diagnose so multiple visits may be required to allow the neurologist to evaluate signs and symptoms before a Parkinson’s diagnosis is given.
• Pharmacists – help patients with medications used to reduce motor symptoms
• Occupational Therapist – help patients with managing eating, bathing and other daily living activities therefore allowing patients to remain at home for as long as
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease of the nervous system affecting movement. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter concentrated in the substania nigra, part of the basal ganglia, and is important in controlling smooth, coordinated movement. When dopamine-producing cells die or fail to produce enough dopamine neurodegeneration occurs and Parkinson’s symptoms begin to appear. When the brain loses dopamine cells, dopamine and acetylcholine are put out of balance and cholinergic receptors become excited; this produces tremors and muscle rigidity.
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is relatively unknown, however, it appears that men over the age of 60 are at the greatest risk. Family history also may increase the risk …show more content…
It is important to remember that not all patients diagnosed with this disease will have all these signs and symptoms. Some non-motor symptoms including mood disorders, cognitive changes, sleep disturbances, vision problems, excessive sweating, and a loss of sense of smell can occur years before a Parkinson’s diagnosis is given. Other motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease …show more content…
Stage IV: may need a walker, but patient can stand on his/her own, patient cannot live alone
5. Stage V: unable to stand or walk due to stiffness, patient requires 24 hour nursing care, cognitive changes may occur (dementia, hallucinations)
Again, it is important to remember that not all patients will progress through all 5 stages in their lifetime.
There are several goals of therapy with Parkinson’s disease, but since there is no cure for this disease, the objective of each goal is to maintain the highest quality of life as possible by treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s. Many different healthcare professionals are involved in treating Parkinson’s symptoms.
• Neurologist – family doctors will often refer patients to neurologists who specialize in movement. Parkinson’s can take time to diagnose so multiple visits may be required to allow the neurologist to evaluate signs and symptoms before a Parkinson’s diagnosis is given.
• Pharmacists – help patients with medications used to reduce motor symptoms
• Occupational Therapist – help patients with managing eating, bathing and other daily living activities therefore allowing patients to remain at home for as long as