| Previous Page: Types of Parkinson’s? | Next Page: Signs, Symptoms and stages |
|---|
Although Parkinson’s is commonly associated with older age, it is not a normal part of the ageing process. Parkinson’s is a complex neurological condition, and while advancing age is the biggest risk factor, it is not the direct cause. There are multiple factors that may contribute to its development, including genetics, environmental exposures and lifestyle.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Unlike diseases such as stroke or heart disease, Parkinson’s is not considered lifestyle-induced. However, certain environmental exposures and lifestyle patterns may increase or reduce the risk of developing Parkinson’s or influence its progression.
Potential contributors include:
- Long-term exposure to pesticides or industrial toxins
- Head trauma or repetitive injury
- Living in rural areas (possibly due to agricultural chemical use)
- Chronic inflammation or oxidative stress
Although there is no proven way to prevent Parkinson’s, a healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and staying mentally and socially active—may support brain health and delay the onset of symptoms.
Neurological Causes
Parkinson’s disease is caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing nerve cells in a region of the brain known as the substantia nigra. Dopamine is essential for coordinating smooth and controlled muscle movements. As these cells die, dopamine levels drop, leading to the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s.
While the exact reason why these cells die is still not fully understood, researchers have linked it to:
- Abnormal protein build-up (alpha-synuclein or Lewy bodies) inside brain cells
- Genetic mutations (in genes like LRRK2 or PARK7), which are more common in younger-onset cases
- Mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular stress
Parkinson’s-Plus Syndromes and Related Diseases
Some conditions mimic or overlap with Parkinson’s but have distinct causes and characteristics.
These include:
- Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)
- Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)
- Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD)
- Huntington’s disease
- Wilson’s disease
- Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)
These are sometimes called “atypical parkinsonian syndromes” and are caused by different patterns of nerve damage and protein build-up in the brain.
Injury-Related Parkinsonism
Although rare, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), especially when repetitive (e.g., in contact sports), have been linked to an increased risk of Parkinson’s later in life. Repeated head trauma can damage the areas of the brain involved in movement and may accelerate the loss of dopamine-producing neurons.
Reversible or Secondary Parkinsonism
Certain conditions and medications can cause Parkinson-like symptoms, referred to as secondary parkinsonism. Unlike idiopathic Parkinson’s, these cases may be partially or fully reversible.
Common reversible causes include:
- Medications that block dopamine (e.g., some antipsychotics)
- Thyroid disorders
- Severe vitamin B12 deficiency
- Liver or kidney dysfunction
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
Proper diagnosis is essential, as treatment may significantly reduce or reverse symptoms in these cases.
In summary, Parkinson’s disease results from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, but its exact cause is still being studied.
While it cannot currently be prevented, early diagnosis and appropriate management can greatly improve quality of life.
Signs, Symptoms, and Stages of Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that primarily affects movement but can also lead to cognitive and psychological changes over time. While it’s most common in people over 60, it can affect younger individuals as well. The symptoms, rate of progression and impact on daily life vary greatly between individuals.
Understanding the early signs and stages of Parkinson’s is important for managing the condition effectively, planning for the future and accessing appropriate care and support at every stage of the journey.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Parkinson’s
The hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s are often classified into motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms.
Motor Symptoms:
- Tremor (shaking), usually starting in the hands or fingers
- Bradykinesia – slowness of movement
- Muscle rigidity – stiffness in limbs and joints
- Postural instability – balance problems, especially in later stages
- Shuffling walk or freezing episodes
Non-Motor Symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Depression and anxiety
- Sleep disturbances (e.g. vivid dreams, REM sleep behaviour disorder)
- Constipation and bladder issues
- Cognitive changes – difficulty with concentration, planning and memory
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Loss of sense of smell
| Previous Page: Types of Parkinson’s? | Next Page: Signs, Symptoms and stages |
|---|
