Netta Choma Lifshitz
Heather Marinello
Natalie Goldberg
Badri Viswanathan
Nhi Bach
Zander L
Ernest Cheng
Leslie Capriel
Introduction
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive nervous system disorder that is currently incurable and affects the motor abilities of seniors over the age of 60. It is especially devastating as it takes a toll on an affected individual slowly. By recognizing signs and risk factors of Parkinson’s, we can assist in educating the public, and also gain resources for future Parkinson’s research.
While there is no known leading cause, there are certain environmental factors that have been extensively studied and have been attributed as causes of Parkinson’s disease. The development of PD has a relationship with exposure to certain substances, such as various metals and chemicals. Exposure to metals is not easily measured and the theory of increasing the PD risk and specific metals have been proven and consistent. Males are also more likely to develop PD. Seniority can also be attributed to a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.
Lewy bodies are currently being investigated as causes of Parkinson’s disease. Lewy bodies are protein clusters that occur inside brain cells, and are major red flags of Parkinson’s. The main protein found in Lewy bodies is called alpha-synuclein, and is possibly the main reason why Lewy bodies cannot be broken down by brain cells. While Lewy bodies are strongly being considered as a possible cause, there is no proof that they are a direct cause of Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s is also a hereditary disease, and having a close relative with PD can significantly increase one’s chances of developing the disease later in life. This causes scientists to believe that there is a large genetic factor in the development of Parkinson’s disease. This genetic factor may be related to the development of lewy bodies.
Parkinson’s mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease tend to start off mild but quickly progress. They often begin on one side of the body and that side will remain worse, even when symptoms begin to transfer to the other side. This disorder mainly affects movement, such as stiffness, tremors, bradykinesia (slowed movement), rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, and loss of automatic movements. Other complications deal with separate organ systems such as swallowing problems, chewing and eating problems, bladder problems, and constipation.
Symptoms deal with more psychological difficulties, for instance, thinking difficulties, emotional changes, fatigue, as well as speech and writing changes. While these are some of the main and more common symptoms, each person reacts differently to this disease.
Medical Diagnoses
In order to diagnose PD, a neurologist will look at one’s medical history and symptoms. They may use a dopamine transporter scan to support suspicion that a patient has PD, although this is not a definitive test, and it is ultimately up to the neurologist to diagnose them with PD. In order to rule out other conditions that may cause symptoms, a doctor can order blood tests and order an MRI or PET to rule out other disorders. A doctor can also give carbidopa-levodopa, a Parkinson’s disease medication, and wait to see if symptoms alleviate to confirm your diagnosis.
Medical Treatments
There are methods of treatment that can inhibit the effects of Parkinson’s, however, there is no cure. Dopamine promoters are a current medical treatment for Parkinsons. These stimulate dopamine receptors in the brain which can help reduce symptoms of parkinsons. Anti-tremor medications are also often used to help those suffering from parkinsons have reduced symptoms.
Cognition-enhancing medication is common in PD patients to improve mental function and lower blood pressure. This may also balance the individual's mood.
Since mental health is also often affected by this disease antidepressants are often used to relieve symptoms of depression. Surgical procedures may also be used to provide relief for those suffering from Parkinson’s. This includes deep brain stimulation where electrodes are implanted in a specific part of the brain that send electrical impulses that reduce symptoms. Alternative medicine treatments are also sometimes used in addition to more medical procedures and medication in order to reduce symptoms naturally. This includes tai chi, massage, yoga, meditation, pet therapy, and the Alexander technique.
Current Research
Current research in the neurological field towards Parkinson’s has made it so that before having to resort to the extremes of brain surgery, medications have been created to try to alleviate symptoms and keep them in a more controlled state. As time has gone on and more studies have been conducted, lifestyle changes have also been a treatment option alongside the others, which have only been able to be discovered over time. Of course, medications today can only go so far in advanced cases of PD, and may require other forms of prevention for those who no longer benefit from drug therapy. The biggest disadvantage today is clearly the unknown cause of Parkinson’s, which would be the most beneficial in terms of treatment.
Works Cited
Elkouzi, A. (2019, January 9). What Is Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s Foundation. https://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons.
Mayo Clinic. (2020, December 8). Parkinson’s disease - symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055.
Parkinson's disease: Hope through research. (n.d.). Retrieved October 09, 2021, from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Parkinsons-Disease-Hope-Through-Research
