PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Parkinson's disease is a neurological disease that affects a small area of nerve cells in an specific location of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These nerve cells normally produce dopamione, a chemical (neurotransmitter) that sends messages between areas in the brain that, when functioning normally, transmits smooth and balanced muscle movements. Parkinson's disease causes these nerve cells to die and body movements are disrupted (Parkinson's Disease Basics).

Symptoms

Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease are:

Muscle Rigidity
Tremors
Bradykinesia
Changes in walking and posture patterns
Changes in speech and handwriting
Loss of balance and increased falls

Muscle rigidity is the inability of the muscles to relax normally. Most patients with the disease develop some degree of rigidity, or stiffness of muscles. This condition is caused by uncotrollable stiffening of muscles and inhibits the patients ability to move freely (What to look for).

Tremor or shaking usually begins in the hands and arms. Tremor usually involves the rubbing of the thumb against the forefinger, and is easily seen when the hand is at rest. In the early stages of the disease the tremor only affects one side of the body, but as the disease progresses it can also affect other parts of the body (What to look for).

Bradykinesia is the slowing down of movement and the gradual loss of spotaneous activity. It is due to the brain's slowness in transmitting the necessary messages to the appropriate parts of the body. This makes simple tasks and participating in daily routines extremely difficult. Bradykinesia also affects the facial muscles causing the mask-like expression seen in Parkinson's (What to look for).

Changes in Walking also referred to as Gait is the inability of the patient to swing their arms naturally while walking, taking short shuffling steps, "freezing spells" or difficulty starting to walk and stop (What to look for).


Stages of Parkinson's Disease Stage 1: During the beginning phase of the disease the patient only experiences mild symptoms such as tremors or shaking in one of the limbs (Stages of Parkinson's Disease). Stage 2: In the second stage, the patients symptoms affect both sides of the body and problems with walking and balance occur. Stage 3: In this stage of Parkinson's disease the symptoms become severe and can severely impair the patients ability to walk straight or stand. Stage 4: This stage of the disease is quite severe. Walking is often limited and rigidity and Braykinesia are visible. Tremors and shaking lessen during this stage for unknown reasons. Stage 5: The last stage of Parkinson's disease takes over the patients physical movements. The patient is usually unable to care for themselves and nursing care is needed.