More than one million people in the United States currently suffer from Parkinson's disease (PD), according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation. The National Institutes of Health state that this disease is a movement disorder that affects men more than women. This disease affects the whole family in terms of how to care for and live with someone suffering from Parkinson's.
Causes
There is still no known cause for what actually starts the process but it is known that the movement disorder stems from the loss of dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine is a powerful neutrotransmitter (chemical messenger, or carrier) that moves in all areas of the brain. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, the loss of dopamine between the substantia nigra and corpus striatum, both located in the brain, is the main cause of Parkinson's movement symptoms, while the loss of norepinephrine counts for some of the nonmotor symptoms.
Symptoms
Four main movement symptoms are associated with PD. The National Institutes of Health breaks it down into tremors or trembling of the hands, arms, legs, jaw or face. Stiffness will begin to show in the legs, arms and trunk. Movement in general will be slower than normal and become more slow over time and balance and coordination will be affected. According to the National Parkinson's Foundation, nonmotor symptoms include changes in mood, such as anxiety and depression; changes in cognitive function with memory, personality, depth perception and attention; changes in blood pressure and ability to sleep; and changes in bowel and bladder function as well as drooling due to difficulty swallowing.
Testing and Diagnosis
While the symptoms of PD are well documented, there are still no specific laboratory tests to look for the presence of the disease. Usually the doctor will order blood work and brain scan tests to rule out other diseases, but the diagnosis is made on the presentation of symptoms and lack of other disorders. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that Lewy bodies are found in the brain cells of those with Parkinson's, but there's no specific test that can look at the brain cells without biopsy.
Treatment Options
No cure has yet been found for PD. Most of the treatments are drugs and supplements that help decrease the symptoms. The National Parkinson's Foundation indicates most of the treatment drugs, called dopaminergic drugs, mimic the action of dopamine or help temporarily replenish dopamine to decrease the stiffness and tremors.
Nutritional Concerns
When caring for someone with Parkinson's, several basic nutritional needs should be kept in mind. Those with PD have a problem with balance and are more likely to fall. In addition, people with Parkinson's are at risk for bone thinning, so a fall with thin bones can rapidly lead to fractures, according to the National Parkinson's Foundation. An increase in calcium, magnesium, vitamins D and K as well as sunlight and mild exercise can all help keep the bones stronger. Medications as well as PD can slow the movement of the bowels and increase the likelihood of dehydration. It is important to drink lots of water and eat foods high in natural fibers and carbohydrates to make the stools softer and easier to move.
