Understanding Parkinson's Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

What Causes Parkinson's Disease?

Parkinson's disease is primarily caused by a reduction in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for movement. Dopamine works in conjunction with another chemical called acetylcholine, which functions oppositely. While dopamine inhibits and acetylcholine excites, a balance between these two chemicals is crucial for smooth, controlled movements.

In a healthy system, dopamine relaxes the nerves and muscles to facilitate movement, while acetylcholine excites them to initiate movement. However, in Parkinson's disease, the reduced dopamine levels lead to an imbalance, with a predominance of acetylcholine. This imbalance results in symptoms such as tremors and muscle rigidity.

Common Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease is often characterised by a triad of symptoms:

• Tremor: Typically one-sided, affecting an arm or hand with a pill-rolling motion.
• Bradykinesia: Bradykinesia means 'slow movement'. This symptom manifests as slowness in initiating and completing movements.
• Rigidity: Muscle stiffness and resistance to movement, affecting legs, arms, and fine motor skills.

Postural and Gait Changes

Individuals with Parkinson's disease may exhibit a stooped posture and a shortened gait, which can lead to shuffling. Additionally, a reduced arm swing on the affected side can impact balance and overall mobility.

Challenges in Daily Life

Daily tasks can become increasingly difficult due to Parkinson's symptoms:

• Difficulty Rolling Over in Bed: Rigidity and reduced dopamine production affect learned voluntary movements, making it challenging to perform routine tasks like rolling over in bed.
• Fine Motor Skills: Rigidity impacts fine motor skills, making tasks such as writing, fastening buttons, and tying shoelaces difficult.
• Non-Motor Symptoms: These may include excess saliva, reduced sense of smell and taste, constipation, sleep disturbances, weight loss, depression, anxiety, tiredness, memory problems, and hallucinations.

Personal Experience and Management

Managing Parkinson's disease involves addressing both motor and non-motor symptoms:

• Difficulty Getting Out of Bed: The stiffness that occurs overnight can make getting out of bed challenging. Using silk sheets, as provided by social services, can help in turning over in bed.
• Exercise and Medication: Regular exercise is beneficial. I find that doing about half an hour of exercise each morning helps manage symptoms throughout the day. Medication also plays a crucial role in symptom control.

Despite the challenges, maintaining an upbeat attitude and understanding the nature of Parkinson's disease can help in managing daily life more effectively.