I. Introduction
A. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder that is otherwise known as Shaking Palsy.
1. The reason for the term Shaking Palsy is because one of the core features of the disorder is tremors, with about 70% of people experiencing a slight tremor in either the foot or hand on one side of the body as a typical onset. B. PD involves malfunction and/or death of neurons in the brain, which are vital nerve cells.
1. PD affects certain areas and structures of the brain called the substantia negra, the globus pallidus, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, and a few others. In Latin, substantia negra means “black substance”, and that portion of your brain shows …show more content…
When these neurons die the dopamine levels consequently decrease. Because of this, the affected person is no longer able to adequately control their movements normally.
C. Parkinsonism is a term that refers to the category of neurological diseases that can cause slowness of movement. Parkinson’s Disease is just one type of these disorders.
a. Someone may be diagnosed with Parkinsonism when they have some of the same symptoms as PD but do not respond to dopamine or other medical treatments used for those with PD.
D. PD was discovered almost 200 years ago by James Parkinson. 1. In 1817 an essay was published titled “Shaking Palsy” that James Parkinson wrote about symptoms of trembling in different parts of the body. This essay later influenced many pathologists to study Shaking Palsy. E. PD affects more people over the age of 60 than the general population.
1. There is a 2-4% risk for Parkinson’s Disease in those over age 60 in comparison to the 1-2% risk in those who are younger.
2. In 2005 the number of people affected with PD worldwide (over the age of 50) was between 4.1 and 4.6 million and is estimated to double by …show more content…
a. Dopaminergic drugs are available to help stimulate the effects of dopamine in the brain or temporarily add dopamine. However, as with every drug, some negative side effects may occur. These types of drugs also only help temporarily.
b. Exercise such as strengthening tactics, aerobic activity, and flexibility training are essential for those with PD to help maintain balance, posture, and mobility so that they can continue their lives as normal as possible.
c. Physical therapy may also be advised to focus on balance. E. Prognosis 1. Patients with PD do not die from the disease itself, however, many of the symptoms can lead to further health problems and also, worst case scenario, fatalities. a. Balance and stability issues can lead to falls, sometimes very severe or even fatal. b. Dysphagia can lead to aspiration. F. Prevention 1. Since there is no known cause of PD, prevention is difficult. 2. Eating foods high in folic acid may help to prevent PD. a. Raw vegetables are a good source of folic acid.
III. Conclusion A. Parkinson’s Disease, also known as Shaking Palsy, is a chronic disease that
A. Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative movement disorder that is otherwise known as Shaking Palsy.
1. The reason for the term Shaking Palsy is because one of the core features of the disorder is tremors, with about 70% of people experiencing a slight tremor in either the foot or hand on one side of the body as a typical onset. B. PD involves malfunction and/or death of neurons in the brain, which are vital nerve cells.
1. PD affects certain areas and structures of the brain called the substantia negra, the globus pallidus, basal ganglia, cerebral cortex, and a few others. In Latin, substantia negra means “black substance”, and that portion of your brain shows …show more content…
When these neurons die the dopamine levels consequently decrease. Because of this, the affected person is no longer able to adequately control their movements normally.
C. Parkinsonism is a term that refers to the category of neurological diseases that can cause slowness of movement. Parkinson’s Disease is just one type of these disorders.
a. Someone may be diagnosed with Parkinsonism when they have some of the same symptoms as PD but do not respond to dopamine or other medical treatments used for those with PD.
D. PD was discovered almost 200 years ago by James Parkinson. 1. In 1817 an essay was published titled “Shaking Palsy” that James Parkinson wrote about symptoms of trembling in different parts of the body. This essay later influenced many pathologists to study Shaking Palsy. E. PD affects more people over the age of 60 than the general population.
1. There is a 2-4% risk for Parkinson’s Disease in those over age 60 in comparison to the 1-2% risk in those who are younger.
2. In 2005 the number of people affected with PD worldwide (over the age of 50) was between 4.1 and 4.6 million and is estimated to double by …show more content…
a. Dopaminergic drugs are available to help stimulate the effects of dopamine in the brain or temporarily add dopamine. However, as with every drug, some negative side effects may occur. These types of drugs also only help temporarily.
b. Exercise such as strengthening tactics, aerobic activity, and flexibility training are essential for those with PD to help maintain balance, posture, and mobility so that they can continue their lives as normal as possible.
c. Physical therapy may also be advised to focus on balance. E. Prognosis 1. Patients with PD do not die from the disease itself, however, many of the symptoms can lead to further health problems and also, worst case scenario, fatalities. a. Balance and stability issues can lead to falls, sometimes very severe or even fatal. b. Dysphagia can lead to aspiration. F. Prevention 1. Since there is no known cause of PD, prevention is difficult. 2. Eating foods high in folic acid may help to prevent PD. a. Raw vegetables are a good source of folic acid.
III. Conclusion A. Parkinson’s Disease, also known as Shaking Palsy, is a chronic disease that