- In your brain, there are a group of nerve cells responsible for emitting a chemical called dopamine. This chemical is instrumental in signaling the part of the brain that tells your muscles what to do and controls smooth movement. Parkinson's disease occurs when the group of nerve cells begin to die and fail to produce sufficient levels of dopamine. Without sufficient dopamine, the signals that control muscle movement are seriously diminished or lost altogether. As a result, the person so affected has difficulty controlling his movements. There is no known cause for Parkinson's disease.
- As Parkinson's disease is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time, the early symptoms of Parkinson's disease can be very subtle. In the beginning, a person may notice her hand shaking slightly, even when at rest. Over time (usually many years), the trembling may spread to the other hand, foot, leg, jaw, head, arms and face. As the disease takes hold, it becomes more difficult for the affected person to initiate movement, change positions, write, speak or maintain balance. Facial muscles freeze into a mask-like expression, and sometimes, the person may drool or choke because her throat muscles are too stiff to control swallowing. Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, incontinence, constipation and difficulty sleeping. Some Parkinson's patients may eventually suffer from senile dementia.
- There is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but there are various treatments available that can make quality of life better for the Parkinson's sufferer. Most medicines are dopamine-like chemicals (bromocriptine and pergolide) or a chemical that helps the brain make dopamine (L-dopa). These medicines work to help reduce muscle rigidity and tremors; however, not all medicines have the same effect in all sufferers. Parkinson's patients are also encouraged to exercise to keep muscles flexible for as long as possible. In very dire situations, surgery to remove a part of the brain that effects movement can be performed on a Parkinson's sufferer. However, as serious side effects can occur with this operation, this step is usually taken only when all other treatments have failed. Alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, massage and yoga, has also helped some Parkinson's patients.
- Many Parkinson's sufferers can still lead a full life. The range and intensity of symptoms vary from person to person. Some people become severely disabled, and others only have occasional motoric disruptions. Many people respond well to medical treatment.
- Much research is being conducted to determine the cause of the disease and more effective treatments. The most controversial research involves the use of stem cells from fetal issue. Some research has shown that transplanting stem cells into a person's brain may help replace the dead or dying nerve cells that no longer produce dopamine.
