Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that causes a myriad of symptoms. According to the Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation, as of 2010 it afflicts over 1 million people. Multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined fall short of that figure in the U.S. The disease received much attention when actors Katherine Hepburn and Michael J. Fox publicly discussed their own experiences with it. A progressive disease, Parkinson’s afflicts people between the ages of 45 and 65.
Motor Symptoms
While Parkinson’s presents with many symptoms, the triad of hand tremor, slowed rigidity of movement and postural instability represent the physical defining characteristics. The Parkinson’s patient develops an involuntary movement with his hand that resembles that of rolling a pill between his fingers. Seen mostly at rest, the pill rolling tremor usually starts on one side of the body but spreads to both sides as the disease progresses. Other motor characteristics include: lack of arm swinging while walking, a shuffling gait, difficulty rising from a chair, unsteadiness, especially on turns, and difficulty stopping. All of these factors make the Parkinson’s patient prone to falls.
Physical Appearance
A person with Parkinson’s wears a rigid face with little expression. She blinks infrequently and often has twitches of the eyelids. Some may have a mouth tremor and drool due to lack of oral muscle control. She bends forward in a stooped position when standing, and shuffles cautiously from one point to another to compensate for his lack of balance. The pill-rolling tremor continues as she moves, but not with the same intensity as when at rest. Parkinson's patients often keep their hands busy or hold one with the other in an attempt to control the shaking.
Cognitive Symptoms
According to "Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 4th ed.," a reduction in intellectual functioning occurs in Parkinson's. Forgetfulness and inability to say what he means plagues him, with the patient searching for words in the course of a conversation. According to Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 4th ed., dementia and detailed visual hallucinations occur as the illness progresses. The patient appears inattentive and his alertness dulls. These symptoms can raise a flag for Alzheimer's, but the physician will piece all of the symptoms together before making a diagnosis.
Emotional Symptoms
Initially, according to "Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics," the Parkinson’s patient may wrongly receive a diagnosis of primary depression. Her stooped posture, slowed gait, and tone of voice indicate a depressed state. As more symptoms appear it then becomes obvious that she suffers from a neurological disease. The text also states Parkinson’s patients do suffer from depression, however, and addressing it with medication helps them.
Organ Systems
Parkinson’s disease can affect the body’s organs. Ohio State Medical University reports that patients develop urinary frequency and urgency in the absence of any offending infection. Because of the slowness with which he moves, the Parkinson’s patient is often incontinent and must wear an adult diaper. Conversely, the OSU report states that constipation may also plague the patient as his bowels slow down like his other movements, but this can result as a side effect of Parkinson's medications. This causes great discomfort and requires medical attention to avoid impaction.
References
- Northwest Parkinson's Foundation: What is Parkinson's Disease?
- "Essentials of Clinical Geriatrics, 4th ed."; Robert L. Kane et. al., 1999
- Ohio State Medical University Medical Center: Patient education, What is Parkinson's Disease?, 2010
