Parkinson's disease is an incurable movement disorder that is most commonly diagnosed in male patients over the age of 60. For unknown reasons, nerve cells in patients with Parkinson's, specifically those that make a chemical called dopamine, don't work properly, according to the National Library of Medicine. Dopamine is used by nerve cells to coordinate muscle movement; without it, patients slowly lose basic abilities such as walking and even swallowing. Although there is no cure for Parkinson's, treatments do exist to minimize the characteristic symptoms of shaking, trembling and rigidity. The Mayo Clinic warns that over time, however, these drugs lose efficacy and other complications of Parkinson's may become more pronounced.
Psychological Complications
Many psychological complications of Parkinson's disease are not from the disease itself but rather in reaction to the diagnosis. In some cases, patients experience depression before any other symptoms of Parkinson's become present. The National Parkinson Foundation recognizes the psychological impact of diagnosis of a chronic illness, especially a progressive disease. Patients may experience anxiety and social withdrawal. In addition, they may become unable to handle frustration and control anger. Some patients may develop Alzheimer's-like dementia in later stages of the disease. The Mayo Clinic also notes that some Parkinson's drugs may cause psychological effects such as hallucinations and sleepiness.
Genito-Urinary Complications
As Parkinson's progresses, patients may develop urinary incontinence--an uncontrollable urge to urinate--or retention. Because muscles in the digestive tract do not function normally, patients may become constipated more frequently. According to the Mayo Clinic, both urinary retention and constipation may also occur as side effects of Parkinson's drugs. Patients may also experience sexual dysfunction in the form of decreased sexual desire. The causes could be psychological and physical. Alternatively, loss of desire may be attributed to just a physical problem.
Additional Muscular Complications
The National Parkinson Foundation explains that in the late stages of the disease even autonomic movements--those that individuals do not consciously control--may be affected. Some patients begin to blink less or not at all. Patients also may gradually lose control over other muscles in the head and neck, specifically those used to communicate and gesture. Smiling and basic facial expressions can become minimal. The voice is softer and patients may slur or speak in monotone. According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson's patients may even lose the ability to chew and swallow food. Although some patients may become severely disabled, the National Library of Medicine notes that many patients only develop minor symptoms.
