A neurological condition first discovered in 1817 by Dr. James Parkinson, Parkinson's disease affects patients' mobility, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Caused by a dopamine deficiency, Parkinson's disease results in a breakdown of communication between the brain and the body. As the disease progresses, patients lose control of many bodily and mental functions, which impact their quality of life.
Cognitive, Emotional and Behavioral Problems
Since Parkinson's disease affects the brain, it interferes in the patients' cognitive abilities. The NIH notes that Parkinson's disease patients experience confusion, dementia and memory loss. They can have hallucinations, in which the patients perceive things that do not exist. For example, a Parkinson's disease patient may hear someone talking, but no one is in the room. Parkinson's disease also affects the patients' behavior and emotional state. The Mayo Clinic notes that depression commonly occurs in Parkinson's disease patients. Other behavioral and emotional effects of Parkinson's disease include anxiety and a lack of facial expression.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Patients with Parkinson's disease can have problems with their gastrointestinal system. The Mayo Clinic notes that Parkinson's disease causes patients' digestive tracts to work slower. This digestive tract problem can lead to constipation. Other gastrointestinal issues include difficulty with swallowing and eating. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that these problems can result in weight loss.
Difficulty Moving
Since the dopamine deficiency disrupts communication between the brain and muscles, Parkinson's disease patients have problems with movement. For example, a patient with Parkinson's disease can have a stooped posture, tremors and rigid muscles, according to the NIH. These problems can result in difficulty walking or cause patients to fall. Other effects that Parkinson's disease has on mobility include impaired balance, shuffling gait and slowed movements.
Sexual Dysfunction
The University of Maryland Medical Center notes another effect of Parkinson's disease is sexual dysfunction. Patients have a decrease in libido. The Mayo Clinic states that the sexual problems stemming from Parkinson's disease may be physical, or a combination of physical and psychological causes. For example, a patient may have depression and muscle problems from the disease, causing the drop in sexual desire.
Other Effects
The Mayo Clinic states that Parkinson's disease affects sleep, resulting in sleep attacks during the day. Patients may have speech problems, which include a quieter voice or a monotonous tone when speaking. The University of Maryland Medical Center adds that the effects of Parkinson's disease can impair the patients' ability to take care of themselves.
