Parkinson’s disease was first described in 1817 by James Parkinson, a British doctor who published an article called “the shaking palsy”, which outlined the main symptoms of the condition that later bear his name.
The brain is the great manager of the human body, and to be affected, motor coordination system is lost. Therefore, this diagnosis should has particular care. The disorder is a chronic and progressive in one of the parts of the brain that governs muscle movement. Its most important manifestation is the gradual loss of the ability to coordinate movements. It occurs when brain cells that produce a chemical called dopamine, which die or do not function properly. The most notorious of sufferers is resting tremor, slowness in initiating movements, and muscle stiffness. It is said to affect about 1% of the population over age 65 and to 0.4% of those passes the 40s.
The origin of the disease is unknown, except some cases caused by trauma or medication. In some cases, it tends to affect families. There are some theories that seek to clarify the matter; it is said that some pesticides and toxins, combined with genetic predisposition, may be triggers. Additionally it is believed that the source could be in free radicals, molecules that trigger an oxidation process that damages neurons and tissues.
You should pay attention to the signs: loss of smell, sleep disturbances and gastrointestinal, they may indicate the early onset of the disease. Given the combination of these factors, summand with discomfort in elbows and shoulders, it would be appropriate to consult a specialist. The most characteristic initial picture is pain in the joints, difficulties with movement and exhaustion. The handwriting is also affected, it begins to change and becomes small and irregular. In 80% of patients, symptoms start on one side of the body, and then generalized.
It is difficult to detect at the beginning, because it is confused with the symptoms of other diseases. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and is made from the symptoms, since there is no chemical marker. To confirm the suspicions, a tomography to detect brain injury should be made; and are also common examination of reflects.
The quality of life is not negotiable, and everyone should aim towards it. The collaboration of these patients in their treatment, is vital to cope in a better way their condition. Fall prevention and monitoring of simple recommendations in terms of clothing, like eating, and toileting, among others, can make easier to live with Parkinson. The cure may come at any time, the important thing is to live each day in a better way, and never lose hope.
ALFA