Parkinson's Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Parkinson's Disease: Causes and Risk Factors

Research suggests a link between dopamine levels influenced by smoking and a decreased risk of contracting Parkinson's disease, although the exact mechanisms of such relationships remain uncertain. Furthermore, researchers at Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam suggest that there is a growing relationship between the intake of vitamin B6 from diet and supplements and a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

The symptoms of Parkinson's disease can vary, but they often include:

• Muscular stiffness and tremors of different intensities.
• Difficulty walking and poor stability.
• Difficulty starting or ending a movement (freezing of gait).
• Lack of facial expression and slowness of movement (bradykinesia).
• Akathisia and difficulty keeping the mouth closed.
• A low and monotonous tone of voice.
• Difficulty writing, eating, or moving.
• Intellectual deterioration and occasional constipation.
• Depression, anxiety, and muscular atrophy.
• Testicular pain and redness of the feet.
• Continuous vomiting, hypokinesia, and abdominal pain.

Treatment Options for Parkinson's

The treatment of the disease is based on controlling symptoms by addressing the alteration of neurotransmitters. Several drugs are useful for this disease; most of them owe their usefulness to their ability to compensate for the lack of dopamine, which is a characteristic of the condition.

Medications and Therapies

The most effective drug is Levodopa, which is converted into dopamine by the body. Other drugs called dopamine agonists are also useful, as they stimulate dopamine receptors directly. These include:

• Pramipexole, Ropinirole, and Cabergoline.
• Bromocriptine, Lisuride, and Apomorphine.
• Rasagiline, Pergolide, and others.

Administering dopamine improves the coordination of movements and is usually associated with other dopamine agonist drugs, such as Carbidopa. Amantadine is used specifically to treat tremors. Patients may also need to address other general medical problems, sometimes using antihistamines, antidepressants, or bromocriptine to treat specific symptoms. In every case, drug treatment is individualized, depending on the patient's characteristics and symptoms.

The Importance of Exercise

The patient should engage in regular exercise. Physical activity is the only way to maintain independence, and it should be paired with psychological support and treatment of the situation.

Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook

Untreated Parkinson's disease is debilitating and leads to premature death. While patients clearly show improved symptoms with medical intervention, the variability of response to treatment differs. Therefore, the prognosis of each case depends on the patient's tolerance to treatment and its overall effectiveness.