Parkinson’s disease is the most common type of Parkinsonism. It is also known as idiopathic Parkinsonism. The term idiopathic means “the cause is unknown” (Duvoisin, 1984). It is more common in older adults with the average age of onset being 60 to 61 years (Duvoisin, 1984). This disease affects about 1% of the population over the age of 60 and is more common in men than women (Gulli & Davidson, 2011).
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is tissue death in the movement centers of the brain that secrete dopamine (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). The reason for this loss is unknown. It has been speculated that there is a “genetic component that predisposes some people to develop the disease when exposed to certain environmental factors” (Gulli …show more content…
The neurologist will look for common symptoms to make a diagnosis. Some early symptoms include tremors, slow movement (bradykinesia), rigidity of the limbs, poor balance, shuffling steps, and a stooped posture (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). Blood tests, x-rays, lumbar puncture, and brain scans may be done to ensure that there is not another reason for these symptoms to be occurring (Gulli & Davidson, 2011). Although there is not a test for early detection of Parkinson’s disease, if a patient knows the signs and symptoms, they are likely to see a doctor and the diagnosis can be made earlier. Unfortunately, “there is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease” (Gulli & Davidson, …show more content…
Both drugs and surgery are used as treatment. Levadopa is the main drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is effective at increasing dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in less tremors (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). There are many other drugs to treat symptoms such as carbidopa, benzaseride, and selegiline, just to name a few (Gulli & Davidson, 2011). However, “although many drugs may relieve at least some symptoms of PD [Parkinson’s disease], their effectiveness varies with the patient and the progression of the disease” (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). Another problem occurring with drug therapy is side-effects. Often, the patient will need to take another drug to counteract these
The cause of Parkinson’s disease is tissue death in the movement centers of the brain that secrete dopamine (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). The reason for this loss is unknown. It has been speculated that there is a “genetic component that predisposes some people to develop the disease when exposed to certain environmental factors” (Gulli …show more content…
The neurologist will look for common symptoms to make a diagnosis. Some early symptoms include tremors, slow movement (bradykinesia), rigidity of the limbs, poor balance, shuffling steps, and a stooped posture (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). Blood tests, x-rays, lumbar puncture, and brain scans may be done to ensure that there is not another reason for these symptoms to be occurring (Gulli & Davidson, 2011). Although there is not a test for early detection of Parkinson’s disease, if a patient knows the signs and symptoms, they are likely to see a doctor and the diagnosis can be made earlier. Unfortunately, “there is no known way to prevent Parkinson’s disease” (Gulli & Davidson, …show more content…
Both drugs and surgery are used as treatment. Levadopa is the main drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is effective at increasing dopamine levels in the brain, resulting in less tremors (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). There are many other drugs to treat symptoms such as carbidopa, benzaseride, and selegiline, just to name a few (Gulli & Davidson, 2011). However, “although many drugs may relieve at least some symptoms of PD [Parkinson’s disease], their effectiveness varies with the patient and the progression of the disease” (Ford-Martin, Alic, & Cloos, 2009). Another problem occurring with drug therapy is side-effects. Often, the patient will need to take another drug to counteract these