Pathophysiology
Cellular Pathophysiology There are two major neurpathologic finding in PD. The first is the loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra which cause the motor symptoms. The other finding is the presentence of Lewy bodies which is related to the cognitive decline. It is now thought that PD is multifactorial when looking at neural cell death. In PD, there are three major contributing factors: inflammation, dysfunctional mitochondria, and oxidative stress that affect these neuropathic findings. Each of these factors can act alone, but normally is seen as a cascading event, which is triggered by epigenetics and genetic causes mentioned above.
When looking at the loss of dopaminergic neurons and the inflammatory response,
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Due to the loss of inhibition from the substantia nigra through the basal ganglia there is detrusor hyperactivity (American College of Physicians, 2012). This causes urinary symptoms related to difficulty in voiding, nocturnal polyuria, incontinences, and urinary retention. Sexual dysfunction in men and women is reportedly related to the length and severity of the disease; men have more difficulty with erectile dysfunction and women with inability to reach an orgasm. Complications would be urinary tract infection related to voiding problems such as incontinence and retention. There are dysfunctions of the thermoregulatory system due autonomic system and the presence of Lewy bodies in the hypothalamus (American College of Physicians, 2012). Many see changes in the skin related to intensification in sweating of the hands, arms, face, and back. Seborrheic dermatitis to the face and head is also seen in …show more content…
Age is the primary risk factor associated with PD. There is not a clear external cause but it is considered to be multifactorial in relation to genetics and epigenetics. The pathophysiology of the PD begins at a cellular level but have a systemic effect which encompasses most body systems and have devastating consequences.The treatment of PD is symptomatic approach. With the main pharmacological drug being levodopa. The use of therapies to increase patient independence continues to be a benefit in the treatment of PD. Complications are directly related to disease progression and pharmacologic treatment plans. There is a continued need for research to gain further understanding of the disease process that will assist with better treatment