Health Digest Daily » Parkinson’s Disease

Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Sunny — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 01:15:04 +0000

Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease is, as with any other condition, a complex and uncertain process. With symptoms very similar to that of other neurological disorders, including a variety of different forms of the disease itself, the diagnosis requires an physician experienced in dealing with the condition first hand, and an ability to differentiate between the symptoms set synonymous with this and other conditions. Some related conditions take their course very rapidly, whereas some take time to develop. Similarly, some conditions are always present, whilst some are acute, therefore it is essential for the initiation of treatment that patients are diagnosed effectively and correctly. The patient may require observation for a period of time before proper diagnosis can be made, as there are no laboratory tests which can indicate its presence for certain.

The doctor will firstly begin his patient evaluation by looking at his medical history and conducting a general health check to see if there are any obvious signs of this, or any other condition in the past, or at present. A neurological test can be conducted to assess the range of movement of the patient, and highlight any problems which may arise and point towards the presence of Parkinsonism.

There are at present no diagnostic tests to identify the presence of Parkinson's. Blood tests will seldom yield any results and depend on the specific nature of the patient's condition. On the same vein, brain scans will very rarely reveal any conclusive results as any brain changes are chemical and would therefore be neigh on impossible to detect through traditional scanning methods. The best way in which diagnosis can be reached is through the experience and judgement of the physician, who must have dealt with cases of the condition and other related neurological disorders before to have a realistic chance of correct diagnosis. The diagnostician should be expressly familiar with the key characteristics of each potential condition, and take time to diagnosis to the best of his abilities. That way, treatment can begin immediately for the correct problem, and the patient can benefit from alleviation of the symptoms he is suffering, or will be suffering in the future. Additionally, this provides a good opportunity to discuss with the patient the realistic goals and longer term prospects, although again this is very much dependent on a correct and conclusive diagnosis of the patient's condition.

If you are at all concerned about Parkinson's and feel you have experienced some of the trademark symptoms, or alternatively a family member has previously been diagnosed with the condition and you feel you may be susceptible through genetics, it is strongly advisable to consult your doctor as soon as possible. This will give him the best chance of successful diagnosis, and will give you the best chance of beginning treatment as soon as possible. Although Parkinson's can be a disabling condition, it can be well treated to make life comfortable for the patient, and there are many options to try and dampen the symptoms, so the best policy is always to consult your physician as soon as possible.

Surgery for Parkinson's Disease.

Sunny — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 00:15:12 +0000

Several years ago, surgery for Parkinson's disease was the common practice for alleviating the symptoms in sufferers of the condition in the absence of any other particularly effective treatments or medications for those with severe symptoms. However, since the availability of the drug levodopa, surgery has been the reserve of a minority of serious, more advanced cases. Surgery is today used primarily for patients in the later stages of the condition who lack any apparent responsiveness to the medication and treatment they have undergone, and are faced with extreme symptoms which make their lives unbearable. Nowadays, it is usually only these drastic circumstances which will lead a physician to recommend surgery.

Particularly effective in stopping tremors, the operation, known as a cryothalamotomy involves the insertion of a metal tip which has been cooled to extremely low temperatures, which serves to destroy the area of the brain responsible for causing the tremors in patients. This procedure, however now on the increase, and isn becoming more popular for patients suffering from extreme tremor, or suffering from the symptoms of the disease largely in only one side of their body. Other procedures available involve the removal or the cutting of parts of the brain to block or cease the processes which give rise to the symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia, and again are highly effective, if not high risk.

With constant advances in technology, and advancements in knowledge of the condition, surgical methods are constantly subject to revision. At present, these high risk surgical procedures demand a high level of surgical skill and dexterity, as well as extreme care and attention, as any error could have devastating consequences for the patient. It is hoped that in future, current research into the implant of new nerve cells into the brain will come to fruition, and uncover some other form of treatment or perhaps a cure for this utterly debilitating and frustrating disease. It is hoped that this procedure could at least supplement the production of the chemical dopamine within the brain, which would go some way to ensuring smoother movement and less rigidity in some patients with Parkinson's Disease.

As with any surgical procedure, surgery for Parkinson's disease carries an element of risk and complication. Even a minor error could result in severe brain damage, or render the patients in a permanent vegetative state. It is important that today, surgery is only considered as a last resort, or a viable option for patients in the very late stages of the disease, and should only be attempted after all available medications and treatments have been exhausted. Prior to surgery, it is important for patients and their families to meet with the surgeon and discuss the procedure. At this stage, you should ask about the potential complications and risks and make sure everyone involved is fully aware of the nature of the surgery and the realistic outcomes. It is important to alleviate or air any fears or concerns which may be present at this stage, and the physician will discuss the procedure in depth before the decision whether to consent or refuse consent is required.

Who does Parkinson's Disease affect?

Sunny — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:30:04 +0000

Parkinson's Disease affects thousands upon thousands of patients worldwide, although it is sometimes hard to ensure the count is accurate based on the number of cases which go unreported each year. It is a condition which is not synonymous with poverty, nor malnutrition, nor does it know of any geographic boundaries. The condition can affect anyone, with no known cause or reason, regardless of social status, education or race. Many patients in the early stages of the disease dismiss the symptoms as a natural part of the aging process and consequently do not seek help from their physician. It is highly recommended that if you, or someone you know is experiencing the trademark symptoms such as the tremor and loss of smooth, controlled movement, they consult a physician immediately for testing and information about the condition, its treatment, and how to live with the symptoms. This will help allay any fears or concerns which you may have, as well as begin to help the symptoms of the condition to make life more bearable for the sufferer.

Diagnosis of Parkinson's is sometimes rather complex and can be particularly uncertain, given that patients may be diagnosed with other conditions, or alternatively patients with other conditions may be diagnosed with Parkinson's. This is because there are numerous other conditions which cause the same or some of the symptoms of Parkinson's. Parkinson's Disease mainly affects the male population, with white males far more likely to be affected by the condition than Asian or Black males, or even women. This trend cannot be explained as of yet, and there seems to be no causal link between gender and race and the onset of the condition, although scientists are carefully studying the correlation between gender and ethnicity and the onset of the condition. That said, Parkinson's can still affect females, and it would be fair to say that everyone has a similar chance of developing Parkinson's Disease, at least at some stage in their life.

Furthermore, the vast majority of patients are over the age of 50, as Parkinson's is a condition affecting the late-middle aged, although most patients will not realise the onset of the symptoms until roughly age 60. There have also been numerous reports of incidents of earlier development of the disease, as a many as 10% of all cases can be attributed to patients below the age of 40. Again, there is no known cause for the earlier onset of the condition, other than those which can be attributed to head trauma and dug or alcohol abuse.

Parkinson's is a debilitating disease, which can strike anyone without warning or concern for lifestyle. It is important to ensure that any suspicious symptoms are reported at once to a medical professional to allow treatment to commence, if necessary, as soon as possible. There are also a number of support groups for sufferers and carers which help to keep the patient active and involved which are key to treating the condition.

The Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Sunny — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 23:45:04 +0000

The symptoms of Parkinson's are often dismissed by patients as part of their natural aging. Additionally, the symptoms of Parkinson's can relate to other conditions, making it hard to diagnose effectively. That aside, there are a number of major symptoms which go some way to highlighting the presence of the condition.

In the initial stages of the condition, patients may feel easily tired, and slightly shaking in their movements. It may also be noticed that handwriting begins to waver, and the timbre of the voice changes and weakens. Patients may also feel difficulty in maintaining a train of thought, and may lose a word, or forget the next point of conversation. Although these symptoms are very subtle and can last for a number of years, they are good indicators of the presence of the condition, and should not be put down to the aging process, but rather reported to a doctor immediately.

Soon after, changes may start to occur in facial expression and movement, giving the patient the appearance of being static and stiff, with no animation in the face. This can usually be seen accompanying an overall change in mood, as well as the tell-tale sign of lack of movement, or remaining within the same position for long durations. As the condition develops, the more major symptoms such as the tremor begin to take effect, and the patient begins to find everyday physical tasks more and more difficult. It is the tremor which is the symptom which drives most patients for medical assistance for their condition.

The four major symptoms of Parkinson's which affect patients in different proportions are the tremor, bradykinesia, loss of balance and stability and muscular rigidity. The tremor usually has a characteristic three motions per second, and usually takes the form of the twitching of the thumb and forefinger, although a more general tremor can develop with time. The tremor normally begins in the patient's hand, although in some cases occurs in the patients jaw or their foot during the initial stages of the condition.

Bradykinesia is the overall slowing down of movement which many Parkinson's sufferers feel as their main debilitating symptom. It is particularly problematic due to its intermittent and unpredictable nature, that is the patient can freely move one minute but find movement slow and arduous the next.

The loss of balance and stability causes patients to regularly fall over and adopt a hunched posture. Patients may also find the need to walk with very quick steps to try and maintain balance, and may fall from a stationery position, simply down to a lack of balance brought on by the condition.

The rigidity which most patients report is as a result of the weakened relax and contract motions of muscles within the body. The corresponding weakening to contracting in the muscles is not as pronounced, leaving the patient's movements particularly small and jerky.

These disabling symptoms are progressive in the patients, that is they continue to get worse over time. Although there are treatments available to dampen the effects, the symptoms can be the most frustrating part of the condition for many active sufferers, who can no longer lead their lives as before.

Treatment of Parkinson's Disease

Sunny — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 23:30:08 +0000

To date, there is no known cure for Parkinson's, despite the ongoing research efforts of scientists across the world. Having said that, there are a number of treatments available which can substantially relieve the pain many patients feel as a result of the symptoms of the disease. It is not the case that every patient will require medication and drugs to treat their condition, and these will only be administered where the severity of the symptoms has a strong adverse affect on the patient's lifestyle. The course of treatment offered to a patient will vary with the amount of disruption the symptoms cause, the state of the patient's condition and the severity of the condition within the patient. Even in these cases, it is not always a guarantee that the symptoms will be helped, although these treatments will go someway to making life more comfortable.

The most effective treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease by a long shot is the drug levodopa. This is derived from a naturally produced chemical in plant matter and animals, and works with the nerve cells to produce the dopamine which has been eroded by the patient's condition, and is thought to be an underlying cause of the disease. The drug allows the majority of patients to extend the period of time in which they can lead their normal lives, effectively stalling the development of their Parkinson's. Unfortunately, this treatment is only really effective in helping rigidity and bradykinesia, and may be of no help to the tremor or balance problems the patient may be experiencing. The drug is so effective, many patients forgot they are suffering from the disease as they continue to lead their lives as normal. However, levodopa is only a short term solution, as it can never replace the nerve cells which have been irretrievably damaged within the brain.

As with most medications, there are a number of side effects with levodopa, including restlessness, low blood pressure and vomiting. In some cases patients may also occasionally feel confused as to their surroundings , although this is a rare occurrence. It is important for physicians and patients to work together to come up with a happy medium between the benefits and side effects when using levodopa.

When combined with the drug tolcapone, levodopa significantly reduces the effects of the disease, and helps block the destruction of dopamine which worsens the condition. Having said that, this tends to increase involuntary movement and twitching over a long course of treatment, and is sometimes withdrawn for several days at a time to ensure its continued effectiveness. However, patients should never completely cease treatment with levodopa without their physician's guidance, due to the extreme and serious side effects that can emerge as a result.

Although there is no cure for the disease, these treatments can go a long way to suppressing the debilitating and disabling symptoms of the condition, and making life more bearable for the many thousands of sufferers around the world.

Causes of Parkinson's Disease

Sunny — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 09:00:07 +0000

Parkinson's Disease is still very much baffling to physicians across the world. Although there is more knowledge on the condition, its causes and treatments today than ever before, there is still a lot to learn to uncover the truth behind Parkinson's. What is known is that Parkinson's occurs as a result of the death of certain brain cells which react to promote smooth and controlled muscle movement. Without these brain cells, and the chemical, Dopamine, which they produce, the patient is left with a lack of smooth co-ordination and the trademark tremor of the condition.

The cells in the brain which produce Dopamine are found to be seriously depleted in patients suffering from this condition, as much as 75 or 80% in some cases. The causes of these cell deaths are a mystery in the majority of cases, although some can be linked with extreme alcohol or drug abuse, or high levels of damage to the brain or the head over a sustained period of time. There are a variety of theories commonly held as to the cause of the cell deaths which are all very much under investigation, with substantial amounts of money ploughed into research each year.

One theory as to the causes of Parkinson's holds that toxins, either from internal or external sources, singles out the appropriate nerves and cells and causes extreme damage and death to those cells. This is held on the basis that there are numerous toxins which are proven to stimulate Parkinson's within patients.

A second theory, known as the free radical theory, believes that the unstable free radical molecules, which are produced in the body and are thought to have injurious effects by way of their reaction with iron for oxidation, are responsible for the onset of the condition. This works on the basis that in patients with the condition, many are found to have increased iron levels in the brain from normal readings, therefore leading theorists to believe the impact of free radical molecules may be the root cause of the problem.

A third major theory as to the cause of this condition, and one that features considerably in the researching and testing that goes on around the world is the role of genetics in Parkinson's. Around twenty percent of patients suffering from Parkinson's have a relative who also suffers, or who has experienced certain symptoms of the condition. Several of the key genes involved have been identified, and mutations of these genes or chromosomes is now known to result in Parkinson's disease.

A fourth major theory is that Parkinson's is the result of an accelerated aging process. The levels of dopamine in the body decline with age in all humans, and this theory suggests that for some reason, this process is increased in certain patients who consequently feel the effects of Parkinson's.

Most physicians believe that the truth lies somewhere in the middle, and draw on elements of all the four major theories to form their beliefs as to the causes of this frustrating and demoralising condition.

Researching Parkinson's

Sunny — Sat, 12 May 2007 12:45:05 +0000

The last three decades of research have gone a long way to lay foundations for a range of modern tests, trials and research into the causes and cures of Parkinson's. It is hoped that further progression in terms of research will ensure that in the near future, patients can benefit from heightened levels of more effective treatment and perhaps even the elusive cure, or prevention methods. Whilst some researchers are investigating the condition, and how it impacts upon the body and the brain, others focus primarily on the four main causal theories, and are attempting to definitively come up with solutions to these causes. Of the millions spent each year in research, results are slow, although comfort can be taken in the fact that they are progressing all the time, and there is a reasonable chance we will know more tomorrow than we did today about this dreadful condition.

Another subject under scrutiny is the possibility of surgically grafting nerves to the brain to promote the production of the drug dopamine, vital for movement. Until now, no procedure or treatment has come close to achieving this goal, and this is something that is the subject of numerous trials and tests to figure the most effective method of surgery as well as the actual probability of success of such an operation.

Additionally, the discovery of toxins which induce the condition has allowed scientists to continue testing to learn more about the mechanisms of Parkinson's, and how the disease evolves and develops within patients. It is now possible to artificially induce the condition in animals under laboratory conditions, and come up with suitable ways of calming the symptoms, or perhaps preventing them altogether.

Other subjects under investigation relate to the drugs currently available for treatment of Parkinson's disease and the development thereof, with particular emphasis on controlled-release properties, which would act to minimise the potential side effects and maximise the impact of the drugs designed to promote dopamine within the brain. Another treatment in testing involves the implant of dopamine capsules into the brain, with timed release capabilities, although these are still some way off mainstream medical consideration.

Scientists are also concerned with different ways in which dopamine can be created in other parts of the brain. In animal testing, it has been shown that by increasing dopamine production elsewhere in the brain, the symptoms of Parkinson's can be somewhat alleviated, which is thought to have transferable potential for humans suffering from the condition.

The future is sure to yield many promising developments, and perhaps one day Parkinson's will be a condition of the past. However, in the interim, it is crucial to keep faith in the current treatments and medications in a bid to halt the developments of the condition and promote extended healthy and happy lives for the patients this disease affects. Research is continually ongoing into a diverse range of related issues, and this will hopefully pay dividends in knowledge on the condition in the years to follow.

Other Forms of Parkinsonism

Sunny — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 03:00:08 +0000

There are various different types of Parkinson's, which vary according to their severity and the impact they have on each individual patient. There are seven main derivates of the condition, which can all be as debilitating and frustrating for the sufferer, and all have a whole host of unanswered questions surrounding their nature.

One such form of the condition is known as post encephalitic parkinsonism, a notably severe movement disorder which causes many patients to develop disabling symptoms. This condition arose from the spread of a rapid spread of a viral condition, known as 'sleeping sickness', and was the subject of the 1990 film 'Awakenings'. The by-product of this viral condition is these parkinsonian symptoms which affect different patients in differing ways.

A form of Parkinson's which can be helped and sometimes reversed is that derived from ingesting prescribed drugs for psychiatric disorders. Additionally, some medications for the stomach can also lead to similar symptoms, although they should subside after the cessation of treatment. Striatonigral degeneration is another condition with like symptoms, although this affects largely different areas of the brain, and shows further damage to the brain than patients with Parkinson's. Patients suffering Parkinson's in this form common degenerate at a faster pace, and suffer from heightened muscular rigidity.

Another form of the disease, known as psuedoparkisonism pertains to brain damage as a result of numerous minor strokes. This mainly affects mental agility, and patients with this form of the condition rarely suffer from a tremor. Sadly with this condition, medications are of very little help in alleviating the symptoms.

Parkinson's can also be triggered by the ingestion, or exposure to toxins from various elements. Physicians are now even aware of a drug which can specifically induce Parkinson's, and this has been harnessed to allow for further testing of the condition, and perhaps the development of further treatments.

Parkisonian symptoms can also occur in patients with other related conditions such as Alzheimer's Disease and Huntington's Disease, which can serve to augment the symptoms of these conditions within the sufferers. Additionally, an isolated form of Parkinson's known as the Parkinsonism-dementia complex of Guam affects the population of Guam and its contemporary Islands. The disease takes its course over a very short period of time, and is linked with a toxin which is specific to that region from a staple diet used in times of food shortage.

The symptoms of each of these types of the condition vary in their nature and in the severity of their impact on patients and their daily lives. Not only do these conditions alter the patients' lifestyles, but they also cause a rapid degeneration process which can be particularly hard for patients and their families and friends alike. Whilst these conditions are so severe, the advancement of technology and the increased knowledge of Parkinson's and its related conditions could soon pave way to a better understanding of its causes and more effective treatments for the many sufferers of this dreadful condition.

The Impact of Diet and Exercise on Parkinson's Disease

Sunny — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 09:00:07 +0000

Although there is no known cure for Parkinson's Disease, there are a number of changes patients can make to their everyday lifestyles to help with their condition, and possibly alleviate a degree of the symptoms they will be experiencing. Through simple changes in diet and exercise, patients can go some way to help themselves, and promote a longer, more sustainable period or relative normality before the further onset and development of the condition, as well as ensure the medication they are taking is working to its fullest potential.

A healthy balanced diet is a good idea for everyone, not just patients with Parkinson's disease. Unfortunately, promising clinical studies into the beneficial effects of vitamin E on Parkinson's patients yielded no positive results, and to date there is no know vitamin or food that can help patients to relieve their symptoms, other than the maintenance of a healthy, balanced diet. It is advisable, when using the drug levodopa to maintain dopamin levels in the brain, to eat a diet consisting of less protein, as this is proven to limit the responsiveness of patients to the drug, and ultimately its effectiveness in the long run. Nevertheless, studies are ongoing into different foods, vitamins and minerals which may impact upon the development of the disease, a may even halt the progression of symptoms for a substantial period of time.

Because of the movement altering properties of Parkinson's Disease, it is beneficial for patients to adopt a course of regular exercise and physical activity. This may help to improve patients mobility in the short term, and may be a motivating and worthwhile activity for many patients who feel in despair as to the progressive nature of the disease. It is not uncommon for doctors to prescribe a programme of muscular activity and movement to use weaker muscles and promote a fuller range of motion to improve body strength. Although exercise cannot halt the progression of the condition, it may mean the patient is more physically able for longer. A course of exercise can also help with balance problems, and strengthen the muscles which allow patients to speak more clearly. The main reason for exercise is the feeling of achievement that many sufferers realise when achieving physical goals. As well as the prescribed course of exercise, patients are recommended to also maintain leisure activities of a physical nature such as gardening, walking or swimming.

Although neither altering diet or increasing exercise is going to solve the problem, they will certainly help patients live an active and happy life for as long as possible, and will ensure a comfortable existence during the development of the condition. They will also go some way towards helping morale which would otherwise be low as patients feel their gradual or rapid descent into the disease's later stages. These practices are also beneficial in giving patients targets and goals to achieve in their daily lives; something to work on and take their mind off the symptoms they will be experiencing.

What is Parkinson's Disease?

Sunny — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 04:15:27 +0000

The onset of Parkinson's disease is a tragic time for any patient and their families. As a degenerative condition, patients suffering from the condition are faced with no hope of recovery, but rather a slow and wearing process of loss of movement and co-ordination. Most notably, the condition involves the tremor, whereby patients can be seen trembling uncontrollably, as well as loss in speech capabilities and gradually all functionality in its later stages.

Parkinson's disease is a disorder which takes effect on the central nervous system. A movement disorder, Parkinson's can be seen in four major symptoms; namely rigidity of muscles, a tremor of movement, slowing of overall movement (known as bradykinesia) and in certain instances loss of movement altogether. The symptoms gradually become more and more apparent in sufferers, and are progressive, that is patients do not recover, or get better. This degenerative condition is not contagious, nor passed genetically, and very little is known about the causes of most instances of the condition. Having said that, some cases can be explained through extreme drug abuse, cranial damage and other abuses of the body which have been shown to give rise to the condition.

The condition occurs as a result of the loss or destruction of brain cells which produce dopamine, a chemical associated with muscle activity. This chronic condition was first discovered and charted by James Parkinson in 1817, and concerns what he labelled as his patient's 'shaking palsy'.

A disease which has been a mystery to scientists and physicians across the world since its discovery, Parkinson's has no known cure, although there are ways to treat it and perhaps stall its development. Additionally, there are a number of support groups for both sufferers and carers, providing some much needed reassurance that all is not lost, and there are still ways to work to help the condition, which can sometimes feel like a distant fantasy.

A particularly crushing aspect of the disease is the impact it can have on a patient's everyday life. The simplest of physical tasks become impossible, leaving the sufferer eventually in need of round the clock care and attention. There is a present no way of knowing who will develop the disease, or to what extent, although reassuringly, scientists the world over are desperately trying to expand their knowledge of the condition and look for other treatments, and possibly even the elusive cure.

Sadly, for patients with Parkinson's today, there is no real way out, and it's best to try and remain as active and involved as possible in the normal daily routine to keep up morale, and keep the patient interested in life. Such a demoralising condition as Parkinson's requires a lot of patience, and it can be particularly hard and frustrating to see a family member descend into such a state. There are however, a variety of ways to significantly reduce the effects of the condition, and it is advisable for anyone worried about themselves or friend or family member to consult their physician for more information on the condition and what can be done to curb its onset.