Essay On Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson’s disease is known as a chronic progressive movement disorder where the symptoms typically continue to get worst over time. It is cause by neurons in the brain that either are malfunctioning or they die. These neurons produce dopamine which functions as a neurotransmitter that sends signals to other nerve cells in the brain. Neurotransmitters are responsible for movement of the body because they tell the muscles when to move. When cell death or a cell malfunction occurs, this causes a decrease in the amount of dopamine which causes a person to lose control of what one considers normal body movement and function. There are many early signs of Parkinson’s disease that can be noticeable for several years before the main defining symptoms

Tremors of the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face. 2. Rigidity/ stiffness of the limbs and trunk. 3. Dyskinesia, which is slowness of movement. 4. Postural instability/ impaired balance and coordination. Although, the main noticeable symptom of Parkinson’s disease is tremors. Other symptoms of this disease include freezing or the sudden inability to move, festination which is short almost running steps. A few more symptoms related to Parkinson’s disease can include difficulty swallowing, chewing, speaking, and urinary/ constipation problems, skin problems, depression and emotional changes. A change in ones ability to write is also associated with Parkinson’s disease. Two side effects of the disease are chronic fatigue and a decreased sexual desire and

However, there is a genetic link to where it is thought that some genetic mutations can cause a person to develop Parkinson’s disease. Another cause believed to be associated with Parkinson’s disease is linked to toxins and other chemicals in the environment. Parkinson’s disease is not fatal although the disease is the fourteenth cause of deaths in the United States. The disease itself does not cause death but complications from the disease do. Also this disease is more commonly seen in men than in women, and it can start early in life but is usually seen in people sixty and