Parkinson's disease is a disorder that causes the degeneration of neurons, or brain cells, that are located in a specific area of the brain involved in the fine tuning of body movements. In the United States, over 1 million people are suffering from Parkinson's disease; it is very common in people in their sixth decade of life. This disease is treatable by targeted drugs and managed by several supplements.
Causes
Most causes of Parkinson's disease are unknown but all causes result in low dopamine levels in the brain. Several genetic mutations have been identified as primary causes of Parkinson's disease. Secondary causes include drugs such as neuroleptics, antiemetics, lithium carbonate and valproic acid; these drugs cause Parkinson's disease indirectly by decreasing dopamine levels in the brain. Parkinson's disease may also be caused by repeated blows to the head as may be seen in boxers.
Risk Factors
A person with a family history of Parkinson's disease has an elevated risk for developing the disease. Parkinson's disease is more common in males than in females and therefore the male gender is a risk factor. Other risk factors include injuries to the head, previous exposure to pesticides and drinking water from wells.
Associated Symptoms
The symptoms typically seen with Parkinson's disease are collectively described as parkinsonism. Symptoms can be related to movement or to sensation. Symptoms related to movement include slowness of movement, rigidity, resting tremor and a flexed posture. Parkinson's may also interfere with handwriting and speech. Symptoms related to sensation include loss of smell, anxiety and problems with sleep.
Supplements
According to the study conducted by University of California, coenzyme Q10 has been shown to decrease the rate of functional decline in people with Parkinson's disease. A dose of coenzyme Q10 as high as 1,200 mg per day is safe and effective in decreasing the rate of functional decline. Acetyl-L-carnitine functions as an antioxidant and is beneficial in Parkinson's disease.
Treatments
Most treatments for Parkinson's disease are designed to enhance the level of dopamine in the brain. since the dopamine in the blood can not cross into the brain it has to be given in the form of L-dopa; L-dopa is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of dopamine in the brain. Bromocriptine, ropinirole and pramipexole are a class of drugs that behave like dopamine in the brain; the stimulates dopamine receptors. Parkinson's disease may also be treated surgically by removing certain areas of the brain.
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