Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that often impairs the sufferer's motor skills and speech. It belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders and is characterized by muscle rigidity, tremor, a slowing of physical movement and, in extreme cases, a loss of physical movement.
The primary symptoms are the results of decreased stimulation of the motor cortex by the basal ganglia, normally caused by the insufficient formation and action of dopamine, which is produced in the dopaminergic neurons of the brain. Secondary symptoms may include high level cognitive dysfunction and subtle language problems. PD is both chronic and progressive.
Parkinson's does not discriminate. It afflicts people regardless of gender, race, background, behaviour, lifestyle or geographic area. Despite the common perception that PD is an "old person's" disease, the average age of diagnosis is 57 years, with many diagnosed in their 30's and even 20's; yet due to the debilitating nature of the disease, the Parkinson's community has been largely invisible to the public and the government.
The Symptoms of PD
Three main symptoms may be experienced by people with PD:
- Tremor (shaking),of one or more parts of the body.
- Muscular rigidity.
- Bradykinesia (difficulty in initiating movement and slowness of movement).
- Fatigue, difficulty with fine movements and poor handwriting are other symptoms often experienced early in the disease.
Each person's pattern of symptoms is unique. Some people have only one or two of the main symptoms. Others may have all major symptoms in varying degrees of severity.
The Causes of PD
Parkinson's disease is caused by the failure of a group of nerve cells in the brain to produce adequate amounts of a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is necessary for smooth, coordinated movement and muscle relaxation. It is not known why the cells cease producing dopamine. However, it is likely that research will soon provide the answer.
The Statistics
Parkinson's disease affects over one million people in the U.S., which is more people than Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig's Disease combined.
Every year there are 100,000 new cases, or 20 per 100,000 people, the incidence rising with age.
At present 1% of the population over 50 has Parkinson'. This number will increase in concert with the number of older people. In 1900 there were 3.5 million people over age 65; in 2000, there will be 35 million.
The annual cost of Parkinson's disease in 1997 in the U.S. was estimated to be $24,041 per patient. The pressure to provide cost effective services is mounting.
Treatment for PD
Many of the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease can be treated, even though to date there is no cure. Research has provided us with medications which are very effective over long periods of time. Physiotherapists, Nutritionists, Speech and Occupational Therapists, and Counsellors can all help to maintain and improve the quality of life for people with Parkinson's.
Help from Retire-At-Home
Our health care management team is very knowledgeable in developing a personalized Care Plan to suit you if you suffer from Parkinson’s Disease. We also have Caregivers that are experienced in working with Parkinson’s Disease to ensure you are receiving the proper care.
Receive help in dealing with Parkinson’s Disease, and contact us today to find out how Retire-At-Home can help you! |
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