Table of Contents
No one really knows exactly what the main cause of Parkinson’s disease is. Experts have determined that many of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease develop when certain nerve cells in an area of the brain called the substantia nigra are damaged or destroyed, but what is the trigger?
Environmental factors
Several studies have proven that people with unusual exposure to herbicides and pesticides are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease.
Medications
A number of drugs taken for long periods of time or in excessive dosages can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These include medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) and chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Metoclopramide (Reglan, Metoclopramide HCL). Patients should understand that these medications do not cause Parkinson's disease, but the similar symptoms that disappear when the drugs are stopped.
Risk factors for developing Parkinson’s disease
Age
Age is one of the main risk factors for Parkinson's disease.
Heredity
Having one or more close relatives with Parkinson's increases the chances that you'll also develop the disease, although your risk is still less than 5 percent.
Sex
Men are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than women are.
Reduced estrogen levels
Several studies done recently have proven that reduced estrogen levels may increase the risk of developing Parkinson's disease. This means that menopausal women or the ones who have had hysterectomy done may be at a higher risk.
Diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease
There are big problem with the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is that there are no definitive tests. The disease is paricularly hard to diagnose in it’s early stages. All the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson may be dismissed as the effects of aging.
A diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is based on three things:
- medical history,
- observations of signs
- neurological examination, which includes an evaluation of walking, coordination and some simple tasks of dexterity
After a thorough neurological exam and medical history, the neurologist may order CT scan or MRI scan to meet the other criterion for a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and rule out disorders that produce similar symptoms.
Complications if left untreated
Depression
Nearly 50% people with Parkinson's disease develop depression. In some cases, depression may occur months or even years before Parkinson's disease is diagnosed.
Dementia
Some people with Parkinson's disease develop dementia, a condition that can include memory loss, impaired judgment and personality changes.
Difficulty chewing and swallowing
The muscles patients use to swallow may be affected, making eating and speaking more difficult.
Urinary problems
It is proven that Parkinson's disease may cause either urinary incontinence or urine retention.
Constipation
Many patients develop constipation because the digestive tract works more slowly.
Sleep problems
Although the right cause still remains unclear, people with Parkinson's disease often have trouble falling asleep and may wake up frequently throughout the night.
Sexual dysfunction
Decrease in sexual desire is a very common symptom.