Parkinson's disease is an enduring and advancing neurodegenerative ailment that impacts millions globally, predominantly afflicting those aged 60 or older. This incapacitating condition, named after the british physician james Parkinson, who initially delineated its manifestations in 1817, perturbs the central nervous system, resulting in a broad spectrum of motor and non-motor impediments.
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At the core of Parkinson's disease lies the gradual deterioration of neurons responsible for producing dopamine, situated within a brain region called the substantia nigra. Dopamine functions as a neurotransmitter that conveys signals governing muscle movement. As these neurons degenerate, the brain's capacity to manage and synchronize bodily motions diminishes, giving rise to the distinctive motor symptoms of Parkinson's.
The most recognizable sign of Parkinson's is tremors, characterized by rhythmic quivering of the hands, arms, legs, or occasionally the head. In addition, individuals grappling with Parkinson's may encounter bradykinesia, a general deceleration of movements, in tandem with muscle rigidity. These three symptoms collectively serve as the basis for diagnosing the condition, though numerous other motor and non-motor manifestations frequently accompany it.
Non-motor symptoms can be just as debilitating as motor symptoms and may encompass depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and disruptions in autonomic functions. These challenges significantly impact a patient's overall quality of life, rendering Parkinson's a multifaceted ordeal.
Although a definitive cure for Parkinson's remains elusive, various treatments are geared toward alleviating its symptoms and enhancing patients' daily functioning. Medications like levodopa and dopamine agonists can mitigate motor symptoms by either replenishing dopamine levels or replicating its effects in the brain. Physical therapy and exercise regimens help preserve mobility and reduce muscular stiffness, while speech therapy addresses communication difficulties. In advanced cases, surgical procedures such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) may also be contemplated.
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