| |
What is Parkinson's?
Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease of a part ofthe brain known as the basal ganglia. A Neurodegenerative Disease is a condition which affects the function of the brain. In the case of Parkinson's, it is a progressive movement disorder of the extrapyramidal system, which controls and adjusts communication between the brain and muscles in the human body. In other words, it stops messages being passed from the brain to the body with regards to moving muscles.
The cause of Parkinson's isn't yet known. There is also no major evidence to prove that this is a generic problem. However, there have been instances of families who have a high number of instances of Parkinson's throughout their family tree. These families are extraordinarily rare. Although having a strong inheritance pattern occurs in a very small percentage, the affected person is three to four times more likely to have a close relative with Parkinson's than one who is not affected. Either way, Parkinson's may result in a substantial reduction in quality of life.
The symptoms are normally very obvious physical ones such as failing balance and walking problems. There are also other additional symptoms that a sufferer may have such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Dementia (approx. 20% of patients)
- Constipation
- Altered sexual function
- Difficulty in swallowing
|
|
Parkinson's is a widespread disease with approximately between 150-200 cases per 100.000 population with symptoms usually appearing around the age of 60. It appears that people of European ancestry are more likely to contract the disease more than those of African ancestry. Those with East Asian ancestry have an intermediate risk. It is also more common in rural than urban areas and men are affected slightly more than women.
There have been many famous Parkinson's sufferers such as Michael J. Fox, Muhammad All, Pope John Paul II, and Adolf Hitler.
1 | 2
> Alzheimer's Disease
> Pick's Disease
> Diabetes
> Parkinson's Disease
> Crohn's Disease
> PSP
> Meningitis |
|
