With Awareness There is Hope 🌟

In today's post we will talk about Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease affects 1 in every 500 people in Canada.

So what is it?

Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that affects the nervous system. Symptoms appear gradually, and can begin with a barely noticeable tremor in only one hand. Tremors are normal, but they are often accompanied by stiffness or slowed movement (MayoClinic). Moreover, scientists believe that a lack of dopamine is what causes Parkinson's disease (Emamzadeh and Surguchov, 2018).

Symptoms

• Tremor

• Slowed movement (bradykinesia)

• Rigid muscles

• Impaired posture and balance

• Loss of automatic movements

• Speech changes

• Writing changes

Causes

Genes : Researchers have identified specific genetic mutations that can cause Parkinson's disease.

Environmental triggers include exposure to certain toxins or environmental factors.

The presence of Lewy bodies : Clumps of specific substances within brain cells are microscopic markers of Parkinson's disease. These are called Lewy bodies, and researchers believe these Lewy bodies hold an important clue to the cause of Parkinson's disease.

Alpha-synuclein found within Lewy bodies : Although many substances are found within Lewy bodies, scientists believe an important one is the natural and widespread protein called alpha-synuclein (a-synuclein). It's found in all Lewy bodies in a clumped form that cells can't break down. This is currently an important focus among Parkinson's disease researchers.

Complications

Thinking difficulties,

Depression and emotional changes,

Swallowing problems,

Chewing and eating problems,

Sleep problems and sleep disorders.

Preventions

It is not possible to prevent Parkinson's disease, but some lifelong habits may help reduce the risk (i.e. exercise regularly).

If you would like a visual representation of Parkinson's disease, I suggest you take a look at this video:

As always, STAY SAFE EVERYBODY!