Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

February 13, 2023 | Raquel Paz Bergia | Neurology

Parkinson’s Disease is a widely recognized neurodegenerative disorder. This disorder affects the dopamine-producing neurons, creating problems in the motor function of the body. Many adults, around the age of 60, suffer from the challenges of being diagnosed with PD. Parkinson’s Disease doesn’t only affect the way the body moves, including tremors and instability, but also mental aspects, such as depression and sleep behavior disorders. 

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

As defined by the National Institute on Aging, PD is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, tremors, and trouble with coordination, as well as balance. Moreover, it is neurodegenerative, meaning it gradually gets worse leading to more severe symptoms. These include, but are not limited to, loss of motor function, loss of speech, and more. This disease tends to develop in 50% more men than women, and it begins evolving around the age of 60.

What are the causes of PD?

Parkinson’s Disease is mainly caused by nerve damage in the motor area of the brain. These cells usually create dopamine, an important brain chemical, however, dopamine levels are usually low in PD patients. This causes a gradual loss of movement throughout the body. Moreover, Parkinson’s Disease causes a lower development of another important brain chemical, norepinephrine, which could be the cause of non-motor symptoms of PD, such as fatigue and irregular blood pressure. Some scientists have found a connection to heredity, however, the most likely cause of this disease is a combination between heredity and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins.

What are complications related to Parkinson’s Disease? 

Parkinson’s Disease as an independent disorder is not terminal. However, due to its many motor effects, there are certain complications associated with Parkinson’s Disease. A PD patient has a higher risk of falling and hurting themselves. This could be the cause of the patient’s death, but sometimes patients go through hard surgeries that could be their cause of death.

How has science evolved to help PD patients?

Parkinson’s Disease affects motor-sensory areas, known as substancia Niagara. A large portion of the brain remains undiscovered and therefore leading to inconclusive results. However, many neurosurgeons and neuro-technologists have focused their life studies on Parkinson’s Disease, allowing extensive research. People devoted to studying PD tend to have Ph.D. and MDs in fields such as Neurology, Biomedical Engineering, Neurotechnology, Technical Pathology, and more.

How can technology help Parkinson’s Disease patients?

Technologies are now developing to slow down this neurodegenerative disease. Many people who pursue neuro-technology or pathologies can help expand their knowledge of Parkinson’s Disease. However, certain scientists and doctors aim to find nanotechnology that can help a PD patient’s level of motor function to increase. Through extensive research, PD patients may receive the help needed through technologies and implants developed by scientists who devote their life studies to PD.

Where can you help PD patients? 

Many organizations provide information about Parkinson’s Disease. As the CDC states, the 14th cause of death in the United States is due to complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. Some organizations include The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson’s Foundation, American Parkinson’s Disease Association, and more.

How can nootropics impact PD patients?

Parkinson’s Disease mainly occurs due to low levels of dopamine, therefore certain nootropics can help recreate the neuroarchitecture. Most nootropics help with the non-motor symptoms of PD patients. However, as said by Dr. Kyoko Koshibo, there have been studies that show increased movement in PD patients. Nootropics increase the brain’s supply of neurochemicals, either by increasing the oxygen supply to the brain or by stimulating nerve growth. Therefore, these help PD patients by producing more neurochemicals and allowing certain abilities, such as focus and energy, to be regained.

Conclusion

Parkinson’s Disease is a common neurodegenerative disease that affects over 200,000 people each year. It mainly affects the dopamine supply in the brain, leading to motor symptoms, such as tremors, shakes, etc. Many scientists are aiming to help patients with PD by providing new medicines, new technologies, and new nootropics. There are many ways that people can help PD patients, including donating to research, learning and sharing valid information, and helping family members or friends with PD.