Parkinson's disease is a chronic brain disorder in which vital nerve cells in the brain become impaired. This impairment slows the brains production of dopamine, a chemical that signals the brain to control movement and balance. As nerve cells die they are unable to produce adequate amounts of this chemical transmitter. A decrease in dopamine greatly effects a victim's body movement.

Who Gets Parkinson's?

It is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people are affected with Parkinson's Disease. Among the 50,000 new cases reported each young, the average victim is over the age of sixty. However, Parkinson's does affect younger victims. In fact, 20% of those affected are under the age of 50. In rare instances, some victims were diagnosed with Parkinson's as young adults. Those who develop Parkinson's early in life are characterized as having "young onset Parkinson's Disease." Individuals with young onset Parkinson's experience similar movement and balance problems as older victims. However, due to their youthful body and limited health worries, younger victims are generally able to adjust better to the illness and are ideal candidates for new surgical procedures to treat Parkinson's The progression rate for Parkinson's in younger victims is considerably slower.

Stages of Parkinson's

Parkinson's disease has five stages of development. Each individual case is different; thus, those who live with this illness may experience varying degrees of symptoms. It is also common for some victims to skip certain stages, or remain in one stage for several years.

Stage 1: Patient will begin to notice early signs of Parkinson's. These may include mild shaking or tremors in one limb. Patients may experience occasional loss of balance.

Stage 2: Patient may begin to experience symptoms on both sides of their body. Shaking may regularly occur in all limbs. Uncontrollable shaking affects patient's ability to walk, stand, and maintain balance. Patient may encounter difficulty handling otherwise simple tasks.

Stage 3: Symptoms become more severe and noticeable to others. Patients may have periods where they are unable to walk or stand.

Stage 4: Symptoms completely interrupts a patient's life. They may need daily assistance and cannot live alone. Patients may occasionally experience shaking and tremor episodes.

Stage 5: The final stage of Parkinson's disease requires patients to have constant one-on-one care. Patients are unable to walk or stand, and may be confined to home or a nursing facility.

Tremors and Shakes

Millions of people experience tremors or mild shaking. However, this condition does not necessarily mean that a person is developing Parkinson's Disease. In most cases, individuals who live with tremors suffer from a condition known as essential tremor. This illness is characterized by brief involuntary movement, trembling hands/legs/voice, and nodding head. Contrary to Parkinson's Disease, tremors are the only symptom of essential tremor. Commonly, tremors due to essential tremors are caused by stress. They lessen when a patient is calm or resting.

Unfortunately, those who suffer from Parkinson's Disease endure more symptoms than those who suffer from essential tremors. The obvious symptom of Parkinson's is shaking; however there are addition tell-tale signs that may assist with identifying Parkinson's Disease.

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

1. Muscle stiffness, shaking, loss of balance.

2. Difficulty swallowing

3. Abnormal facial expressions

4. Change in speaking voice

5. Difficulty writing, brushing teeth, combing hair, and performing other tasks that require fine motor skills.

6. Dragging one or both feet

Diagnosing Parkinson's Disease

It is estimated that nearly 40% of Parkinson' victims are unaware that they are living with this illness. Diagnosing Parkinson's is difficult. Unfortunately, there are no blood tests or imaging procedures to confirm the illness. However, after a thorough examination to check for illnesses with similar symptoms, physicians will likely come to a Parkinson's conclusion after examining inconclusive tests results, along with observing patient symptom's that are common to Parkinson's.

Treatment Options

Although there is no cure for Parkinson's, and no known preventive method, treatment options are available to those living with this condition. Physicians will likely prescribe the drug Levodopa. The brain converts this drug into dopamine which will reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's. Once the drug reaches a patients bloodstream, they may gradually begin to notice their muscles and balance functioning properly. Physicians may prescribe another anti-Parkinson's drug to patients who experience severe side effects from taking Levodopa.

Many Parkinson's patients inquire about brain surgeries to treat this illness. Surgery is great for reducing or relieving symptoms such as trembling; however, doctors generally reserve brain surgery as a final option. Several risks, such as brain injury, are involved when a patient undergoes brain surgery.

Deep Brain Stimulation: This surgical procedure will inactivate parts of the brain that cause tremors. Electrodes are placed in the brain, and they continuously send electrical pulses that are intended to block urges that cause tremors. This procedure is reasonably safe; however there is a 3% risk of paralysis or brain damage.

Pallidotomy: Surgical procedure that will correct the part of the brain that is responsible for causing slow bodily movement.

Helping a Loved One Cope with Illness

Parkinson's Disease not only affects a victim, it also affects their family and friends. Because Parkinson's can suddenly limit a person's ability to enjoy life to the fullest, they may require constant support and encouragement from family members. Caregivers and families can do a lot to help their loved one cope with this illness.

1. Do not treat a Parkinson's patient as if they were handicapped. It may take a patient longer to complete a task. Be patient and allow them to move at their own pace.

2. Encourage patient to exercise regularly. This will help them stay mobile and healthy.

3. Caregivers should remain optimistic. Parkinson's patients may become depressed or frustrated with their condition. It helps them improve their outlook if caregiver remains upbeat and positive.

4. Encourage open communication. Some patients prefer to keep their feelings bottled up for fear that they will appear as complainers. However, caregivers should encourage the patient to talk about their feelings, discomforts, and so forth.

5. Caregivers should help patients stay informed about new developments involving their disease. Information about Parkinson's is available in health magazines and on online sites that are dedicated to the illness.

Support Groups

An additional way for Parkinson's patients to cope with their illness is by joining a local support group. Support groups are great because they allow open communication between individuals who are enduring similar obstacles in life. Physicians may be able to assist a patient with locating a support group for Parkinson's. Support groups may also be found online. These groups have forums that allow patients to post comments, questions, and so forth. Online groups are ideal for patients with limited mobility. Subscribing to newsletters is a way to stay up-to-date with the illness. Newsletters pertaining to Parkinson's Disease may offer tips to coping with illness, news briefs about the disease, scientific advancements, treatment options, and possible future cures.

Nursing Care Facilities

Sadly, many Parkinson's patients suffer from declining health and will eventually require daily one-on-one care. Many families are able to care for their relatives at home. Unfortunately, many Parkinson's patients must move into a nursing facility. When selecting a nursing facility, family and friends should choose a facility that includes other Parkinson's victims. In addition, it is wise to choose a facility that includes other patients that are in the same age group as your loved one.