Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurologic diseases and it is estimated that four million people worldwide have the condition. This neurologic disorder occurs in all races, but is somewhat more prevalent among Caucasians. Parkinson's disease belongs to a group of conditions called movement disorders. People with the disease may have trouble walking, talking or doing simple tasks. Dysfunctional antioxidative mechanisms are associated with older age as well, suggesting that the acceleration of age-related changes in dopamine production may be a factor. Parkinson's disease patients have at least one relative with Parkinsonian symptoms, suggesting that a genetic factor may be involved.
While there is no cure for Parkinson's at present, there are many effective medications used to try to control symptoms of Parkinson's. The most widely used form of treatment is L-dopa in various forms. L-dopa is transformed into dopamine in the dopaminergic neurons by L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (often known by its former name dopa-decarboxylase). One of the most commonly prescribed medications for Parkinson's symptoms is known as Sinemet. The most widely practiced treatment for the speech disorders associated with Parkinson's disease is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT). LSVT focuses on increasing vocal loudness. Regular physical exercise and/or therapy can be beneficial to the patient for maintaining and improving mobility, flexibility, balance and a range of motion. Nutrients have been used in clinical studies and are widely used by people with Parkinson's disease in order to partially treat PD or slow down its deterioration.
The cause and risk factors for Parkinson's disease is unknown, but may include free radicals, accelerated aging, environmental toxins, trauma, carbon monoxide toxicity, and genetic factors. Common signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease include depression and other emotional changes, difficulty swallowing, chewing and speaking, urinary symptoms, constipation, skin problems, sleep disruption, and tremors affecting the hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face. One of the other classic signs of Parkinson's disease is the slowing and abnormality of gait known as bradykinesia.
Successful treatment of Parkinson's disease involves much more than just the use of medications. Levodopa and carbidopa combined (Sinemet) is the mainstay of Parkinson's therapy. Tolcapone inhibits the COMT enzyme, thereby prolonging the effects of L-dopa, and so has been used to complement L-dopa. Azilect was approved for use as an initial single drug therapy in early Parkinson's disease. Azilect (rasagiline), a new molecular entity, for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.The most widely practiced treatment for the speech disorders associated with Parkinson's disease is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT).
Nutrients have been used in clinical studies and are widely used by people with Parkinson's disease in order to partially treat PD or slow down its deterioration. Physical therapy can help strengthen and tone underused muscles, and give rigid muscles a better range of motion. Surgical treatment for Parkinson's patients is generally considered for patients who do not respond to medications. Early diagnosis, and treatment with a combination of medications, and therapy under the supervision of the neurologist is the best approach for improving the quality of life of the patient with Parkinson's disease.
