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SEEKING A DIAGNOSIS
PARKINSON'S DISEASE
Parkinson's Disease is the result of a loss of nerve cells and the loss of a particular brain-signalling chemical (neurotransmitter) called Dopamine. Degeneration occurs in the part of the brain responsible for movement. People with Parkinson's Disease experience slowness of movement, speech and of thought. Some experience difficulty in switching their attention from one topic to another. Some, but not all, develop dementia.
The onset of Parkinson's disease is subtle, and individual patients can have significant variations in the symptoms they experience. Classic symptoms of Parkinson's disease
can include any combination of the following
- tremor, often in the hand
- rigidity of the muscles which remain constantly tensed making the patient feel stiff temporary paralysis or reduced spontaneous movement
- postural abnormalities, such as stooped posture.
Other common symptoms include
- a shuffling gait
- a masklike face with decreased blinking
- difficulty in writing and small, hard to read handwriting.
As the disease progresses, the patient may develop problems with speech, swallowing, sleep, urination, or constipation. Drooling, sweating and intolerance to heat may occur. In some patients, thought processes such as attention span, concentration, and problem-solving ability are affected. Emotional changes, including depression, often occur in Parkinson's disease patients due to the frustration and limitations of this disease. Dementia often occurs in the advanced stages of the disease.
Like Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease is progressive. Over time, the patient experiences more symptoms and a greater severity of symptoms. As the disease progresses, the patient's ability to function declines, often through the following stages
- Stage I - tremor on one side of the body, muscle rigidity, temporary paralysis or reduced spontaneous movement, or postural abnormalities only
- Stage II - tremors on both sides of the body, muscle rigidity, temporary paralysis or reduced spontaneous movement, or postural abnormalities
- Stage III - first signs of deteriorating balance, but still fully independent
- Stage IV - help required with some or all daily living activities in order to live alone
- Stage V - confined to wheelchair or bed, unless assisted.
There are significant variations in the progression of these stages with the length of time each Parkinson's Disease patient takes to advance from stage to stage differs.
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