Parkinson's disease early signs and causes
The movement disorder Parkinson's disease affects the nervous system. Its symptoms are caused by insufficient levels of dopamine in the brain. Early symptoms include tremor, loss of scent, and coordination issues.
Early indicators
Parkinson's disease symptoms manifest progressively. Typically, they begin with a slight tremor in one hand and a sensation of body stiffness. Over time, additional symptoms develop, and some individuals may develop dementia.
Early symptoms of Parkinson's disease may include tremors, coordination and balance impairments, a loss of smell, gait changes, fixed facial expressions due to changes in the nerves that regulate facial muscles, a voice tremor or a softer voice, and more cramped and smaller handwriting.
Movement symptoms may begin on one side of the body and progress to the other gradually. Other symptoms that can develop over time include depression, difficulty ingesting and swallowing, fatigue, constipation, skin problems, dementia, delusions, and hallucinations.
Although the exact cause is unknown, scientists have identified some variations that occur.
Low dopamine levels
Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is responsible for the majority of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It occurs when brain cells that produce dopamine perish. Consequently, insufficient dopamine levels can make it more difficult for individuals to control their movements. As dopamine levels continue to decline, symptoms become progressively worse.
Low levels of norepinephrine
In Parkinson's disease, low levels of norepinephrine may increase the risk of motor and nonmotor symptoms, including stiffness and rigidity, postural instability, tremor, anxiety, difficulty focusing, dementia, and depression.
This may explain why Parkinson's disease patients commonly suffer from orthostatic hypotension. This condition occurs when a person's blood pressure fluctuates when they stand up, causing dizziness and a risk of stumbling.
Lewy tissues
The accumulation of Lewy bodies can result in the death of nerve cells, leading to alterations in movement, cognition, and mood. Additionally, it can cause dementia.
Genetic variables
Several gene variations appear to be associated with Parkinson's disease, but experts do not consider it to be an inherited condition. Only 10% of cases appear to be attributable to genetic factors, and the majority of these are early-onset diseases.
Autoimmune complications
Scientists discovered a probable genetic link between Parkinson's disease and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis in a 2017 study.
In 2018, Taiwanese researchers examining health records discovered that individuals with autoimmune rheumatic diseases were 1.37 times more likely to also have Parkinson's disease.
hazard variables
Multiple environmental factors may contribute to an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. These include past head trauma, exposure to toxins, gender, age, certain pharmaceuticals and medications, etc.
Prevention
Parkinson's disease cannot be prevented, but some lifelong practices, such as avoiding toxins, avoiding head trauma, and exercising, may help reduce the risk.
Some dietary decisions may also reduce the risk of Parkinson's disease and other diseases. The consumption of more antioxidant substances, such as turmeric or flavonoids, and the avoidance of aldehydes, is supported by research.
Heating and reusing certain cooking oils, such as sunflower oil, may result in the formation of aldehydes, which are toxic compounds linked to Parkinson's disease and other illnesses.
Summary
Parkinson's disease is a condition characterized by permanent neurological alterations in the body.
Parkinson's disease has no known cause, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. In particular, experts have discovered significant connections between previous traumatic brain injury and exposure to toxins.
Exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding toxins may all aid in the prevention of Parkinson's disease, but there is currently insufficient evidence to corroborate the cause.
資料來源：Yvette Brazier (2023) , “Parkinson's disease early signs and causes”. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/parkinsons-disease