James Parkinson was not aware of the importance of his medical discovery in 1817 when describing what is now known as Parkinson's Disease. What is Parkinson's Disease (PD)? Parkinson's Disease is a neurological illness that slowly but progressively affects a small area of cells in the middle of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells gradually degenerate which causes a lack of production of the vital chemical, dopamine, which helps the nervous system control muscle activity (www.parkinson.org/pdedu.htm). Due to the reduction of dopamine, symptoms of the disease begin to occur. .
There are four major symptoms which are key to be aware of when diagnosing the disease. There are also many other symptoms which have been observed in persons with Parkinson's disease. The most common of all the symptoms is the tremor. The classic PD tremor is a rhythmic back and forth movement of the thumb and forefinger, sometimes referred to as "pill rolling". However, trembling can also affect the arms, legs, face and jaw. Approximately seventy-five percent of PD patients develop tremor, particularly in the earliest of stages. Tremors tend to affect only one side of the body, which therefore may cause a feeling of unbalance. Although tremor is so common, about twenty-five percent never develop significant tremor (Cram 5). .
Another common symptom is stiffness and rigidity, or better known as "freezing". In order for the body to maneuver smoothly, opposing sets of muscles must relax and contract alternately. In a person who has been diagnosed with PD, the muscles may remain constantly tense and contracted, forcing the person to freeze, literally (Cram 6). In the early stages, rigidity is often a symptom that patients are not to aware of. The problem is usually detected through a medical examination. When the doctor moves the joints in order to stretch the affected muscles, he or she finds there to be increased resistance to the movement.
Following is a list of the primary symptoms of Parkinson's disease. ... The actual cause of Parkinson's disease is not known. ... Rocca M.D., Neurology Reviews, Sept. 2001, The Cause of Parkinson Disease: One Doctor's View). ... There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. ... Like the symptoms of Parkinson's disease itself, the side effects caused by Parkinson's medications vary from patient to patient. ...
Parkinson's Disease The world has many diseases and illnesses but we do not realize the destructiveness of these complications because there are cures for them. ... Parkinson's will continue to be a disease of mystery because the causes and cures have yet to be discovered. ... Various types of this disease are now recognized but the most common form is Parkinson's disease. ... The disease will become disabling but one will not die because of Parkinson's, rather you will die with the disease. Although we do not know why the disease occurs, we do know what exactly hap...
James Parkinson first discovered Parkinson's Disease in 1817. Parkinson's Disease is a common neurologic disorder for the elderly. ... Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by external factors. ... Parkinson's Disease has many distinct symptoms. ... The effects of Parkinson's Disease are often devastating. ...
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Parkinson's disease is a slow moving disease that slowly corrupts the brain. ... Parkinson's Disease affects about 500,000 Americans, with about 50,000 new cases diagnosed each year. ... However, about 5 percent of patients have early-onset Parkinson's Disease and are younger than 40 years old when symptoms begin. ... Antioxidants slow down the progression of existing Parkinson's Disease symptoms. ... In conclusion, Parkinson's Disease is a frightening disease. ...
One of these diseases is known as Parkinson's disease. ... Parkinson's Disease is one of the many strains of Parkinsonism. ... Besides for genetics, Parkinson's Disease and Parkinson Disease -like symptoms can be caused by drugs or certain chemicals. ... In general, there tend to be two types of groups of Parkinson's Disease. ... Overall, the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease can be treated. ...
Just about one million people living in the United States have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease ("What is Parkinson's Disease?... Works Cited "Parkinson's Disease.... "Parkinson's Disease.... "What is Parkinson's Disease?" Parkinson's Disease Foundation. ...
Description of the disease: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive disorder that affects movement, muscle control, and balance. ... Parkinson's disease is referred to as idiopathic, which means that the cause is unknown. ... What is cause: The cause of Parkinson's disease is unknown. ... Treatment: There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. ... Prevention: At present, there is no way to predict or prevent Parkinson's disease. ...
