Understanding Parkinson’s Disease: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, coordination, and balance. It occurs when the brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical essential for smooth muscle activity, start to deteriorate. The disease develops slowly and primarily affects people over the age of 60, although it can occur earlier (called early-onset Parkinson’s).

With millions affected globally, understanding the basics of Parkinson’s disease is vital not just for healthcare professionals but also for caregivers and the community.

Key Facts About Parkinson’s Disease (PD)

• Parkinson’s is growing fast. Did you know that the number of people affected by Parkinson’s Disease is rising globally, leading to more disability and deaths.

• Clinical diagnosis of PD by trained, non-specialized healthcare workers and simplified treatment guidelines offer better management in primary care settings.

• The number of Parkinson’s disease cases globally is estimated to increase by 112% from 2021 to 2050.

• The raise in population aging was forecasted to be the greatest contributor for this.

• Over 25 million people globally will be living with Parkinson’s disease by 2050, according to a new analysis published in BMJ.

Causes and Risk Factors of Parkinson’s Disease

Although the exact cause of Parkinson’s isn’t known, genetic and environmental factors could be the possible triggers.

Potential Causes:

• Loss of dopamine-producing neurons in a part of the brain called the substantia nigra

• Abnormal protein deposits (Lewy bodies) in brain cells

• Mitochondrial dysfunction or oxidative stress

• Inflammation in the brain

Risk Factors:

• Age: Mostly occurs in population over the bae of 60.

• Gender: This disease is predominantly seen in Men than women (more common in men)

• Family history also plays a major role in occurance of Parkinson’s disease.

• Exposure to toxins, such as pesticides or heavy metals

• Any history of Head trauma or brain injury might also be a trigger for Parkinson’s disease.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s symptoms get worse over time. They usually begin on one side of the body and can be classified as motor (movement-related) or non-motor symptoms.

Motor Symptoms:

• Slow movement

• Tremor or shaking that is often seen in hands or fingers

• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)

• Involuntary movement

• Rigidity or stiffness in limbs

• Postural instability (balance problems)

• Imbalance leading to Shuffling walk or reduced arm swing

Non-Motor Symptoms:

• Depression and anxiety

• Pain

• Mental Health disorders

• Sleep disorders (REM sleep behavior disorder)

• Loss of smell (anosmia)

• Fatigue

• Sensory disturbances

• Constipation

• Cognitive impairment (memory loss, confusion in advanced stages)

Early symptoms like loss of smell or sleep issues can precede movement problems by years.

How is Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosed?

There’s no single test for Parkinson’s disease. Diagnosis is typically clinical and based on history, symptoms, and a neurological examination.

Current estimates suggest that, in 2019, PD resulted in 5.8 million disability adjusted life years (DALYs), an increase of 81% since 2000, and caused 329 000 deaths, an increase of over 100% since 2000.

Common Diagnostic Steps:

• Neurological exam by a movement disorder specialist

• Response to Parkinson’s medications (like levodopa)

• MRI/CT scans to rule out other conditions

• DaTscan imaging (in specialized cases) to assess dopamine activity

Treatment Options for Parkinson’s Disease

Global estimates in 2019 showed over 8.5 million individuals with PD. Parkinson’s has no cure, but symptoms can be managed effectively with medication, lifestyle changes, and therapies.

Drugs for Managing Motor Symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease:

1. Medications

• Levodopa-Carbidopa – This is a gold standard for dopamine replacement

• Dopamine agonists – These drugs mimic dopamine effects

• MAO-B inhibitors – These drugs prevent breakdown of dopamine

• COMT inhibitors – These drugs prolong the effect of levodopa

2. Surgical Treatments

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): The motor symptoms can be reduced by Electrodes implanted in specific brain areas.

3. Supportive Therapies

• Physiotherapy – Improves balance and flexibility

• Occupational therapy – improves the daily living skills

• Speech therapy – Guides with speech and swallowing issues

• Diet and exercise – Boost strength and mood

Latest Research & Innovations

• Gene Therapy Advancements: gene therapies are developed to target mutated genes associated with this disease.

• Neuroprotective medications: New drugs in clinical trials aim to slow down or stop the aggravation of the neuronal damage rather than just managing the symptoms.

• Stem cell therapies: Researchers are trying their best to explore stem cell therapies for dopamine-producing neuron regeneration and restore the lost brain function.

• Wearable devices and AI monitoring: to monitor symptoms and medication effects

• Research into gut-brain connection and the role of the microbiome in Parkinson’s progression

Parkinson’s Awareness: Why It Matters

Did you know that every year, the month of April is recognized as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, but this not just restricted to this moth and requires a year-round awareness. The quality of life of those affected with Parkinson’s can be improved with early detection, community support, and ongoing research.

Conclusion: Living with Parkinson’s – Hope and Progress

Parkinson’s Disease does affect the patient suffering with it but the entire family and friends would be affected emotionally. This is a life-changing diagnosis, but it doesn’t define a person’s life. With the right combination of early diagnosis, personalized treatment, and support, people with Parkinson’s can lead meaningful and active lives.

As science advances, so does hope. Continued education, awareness, and innovation will pave the way toward better care—and eventually, a cure. This topic is an important topic when it comes to the licensing like OPRA/KAPS (Australia, New Zealand), PEBC (Canada), PSI equivalence exam (Ireland) and also pharmacy related tests like GPAT (India). Elite Expertise, helps with providing information on topics related to pharmacy and the syllabus content areas for the above-mentioned exams. Therefore, do subscribe to out website blogs to be current with the pharma insights.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, including Parkinson’s disease. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The mention of specific countries or product approvals is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing but may change as regulatory decisions evolve.

About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

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Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise