Parkinson's Disease Overview

Parkinson's Disease Overview

• Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder, characterized by movement problems.
• Symptoms typically worsen over time.
• The disease affects the central nervous system.
• Early-stage symptoms may be subtle.

Naming Convention

• James Parkinson identified the condition but called it "shaking palsy".
• Jean-Martin Charcot, a French neurologist, later named it Parkinson's Disease (PD) about 50 years after Parkinson's death.

Introduction

• Parkinson's is a progressive movement disorder.
• Early symptoms can be subtle, often unnoticed.
• Symptoms include tremors, slowed movements, stiffness, and reduced facial expressions.
• Fall risk increases with progression.
• The specific cause of PD is unknown, but genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role.
• Clumps of proteins (Lewy bodies) are linked to the disease.
• Lewy bodies may also be associated with dementia.

Stages of Parkinson's Disease

• 5 stages, but symptoms vary between individuals.
• Stage 1: Mild tremors and posture changes
• Stage 2: Daily tasks become more difficult; tremors worsen and spread to the entire body.
• Stage 3: Loss of balance and consistent falls occur; motor skills worsen further.
• Stage 4: Independence becomes difficult; assistance is needed for walking.
• Stage 5: Individuals are usually bedridden and need 24/7 care.

Dopamine

• Dopamine is a neurotransmitter crucial for regulating many bodily functions, including mood, motivation, sleep, and memory.
• It also helps relax or constrict blood vessels.
• Dopamine transmits messages between brain areas.
• A lack of dopamine can lead to the motor problems seen in PD.
• In PD, dopamine levels are too low, either due to decreased production or inability of brain cells to use the dopamine.

Etiology (Cause) of Parkinson's Disease

• Genetic and environmental factors are hypothesized to contribute to the development of PD.
• Dopamine depletion/lack of dopamine is linked to the motor symptoms of PD.
• Origin of dopamine deficiency may be in the dorsal motor nucleus of the brainstem.
• A loss of neurons and dopamine, starting in the brain stem and ascending to higher brain areas, impacts motor skills.
• Accumulation of abnormal proteins (Lewy Bodies) in the brain is thought to play a role.
• Lewy Bodies are abnormal deposits of alpha-synuclein protein found in brain cells (neurons).
• Other factors such as a lack of proteins and lipids might also contribute to the disease.

Parkinson's Types

• Primary Parkinsonism: Parkinson's disease, Atypical Parkinsonian disorders
• Secondary Parkinsonism: Drug-induced Parkinsonism, Vascular Parkinsonism

Prevalence and Incidence

• Parkinson's Disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders globally.
• The number of new yearly diagnoses are somewhat higher now, than in prior years.
• PD incidence rates generally increase with age, especially for those over 65.
• The frequency of PD might vary in relation to different gender/populations.

Disease Exhibition and Impact (Musculoskeletal)

• Physical symptoms frequently include stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the shoulders, fingers, toes, and feet.
• Stooped posture is a characteristic posture in those experiencing the condition.
• Leaning to one side, as well as scoliosis, are possible symptoms in some cases.
• The condition sometimes impacts how one does things like walk, including a shuffling gait and short, rapid steps.

Disease Exhibition and Impact (Gastrointestinal)

• Gastrointestinal (GIT) problems are increasingly recognized as part of PD.
• Common experiences include bloating, nausea, vomiting, pain, and constipation.
• These experiences might be influenced by medication, drinking, exercise, and diet.
• Ongoing research is attempting to learn more about these complexities.

Disease Exhibition and Impact (Mental/Emotional)

• Patients with PD experience a range of mental and emotional changes.
• Conditions like depression, anxiety, hallucinations, and cognitive impairments are common.
• These symptoms can significantly impact quality of life.

Social Implications

• PD impacts social interactions due to a variety of factors, such as reduced facial expressions which can make it hard to show emotional cues.
• Lack of spontaneous smiles, can present a challenge for socialization.
• Social awkwardness, lack of awareness, or fear of judgement, might be influenced by social isolation.
• Individuals with PD can also experience social phobias and feelings of discomfort associated with social situations.

Sleep

• Sleep disturbances are common in PD.
• These disturbances can include reduced sleep capacity, insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder, and restless legs.
• The presence of sleep disturbances might have a negative cascading effect on other functions of the body.

Considerations (Personal experiences)

• Patients' experiences vary significantly.
• Individuals with PD can face a range of physical, mental, and emotional challenges that impact their daily lives and quality of life.
• Issues with mood and cognition may arise due to the progressive nature of PD.

Exercise Intervention (Before)

• Weakness in muscles, tremors, rigidity, sleep disturbances, and dizziness frequently impacts those with PD.
• Secondary parkinsonism is often present in those experiencing the condition, and it greatly impacts the ability to safely perform activities such as exercise.
• Personal factors, such as the mental health/emotional well-being, might impact participation.
• Current medication can trigger dehydration which can influence fitness level and quality of life.

Exercise Impact

• Exercise is crucial, but difficulties in balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness limit activity levels.
• The combination of fear of falling and difficulties in performing tasks can impact movement and participation in exercise.
• Chronotropic incompetence, where heart rate does not increase during exercise, can cause lightheadedness and exhaustion.

Hydrotherapy and PD

• Water exercise is safe and effective.
• Buoyancy reduces the fear of falling.
• Improved balance, mobility, and social interaction are possible outcomes.
• Hydrotherapy can be helpful in promoting exercise that might improve overall quality of life.

Dancing & PD

• Rhythmic auditory stimulation/dancing as a form of exercise is beneficial in various stages of PD.
• Significant advantage of rhythmic exercise compared to control conditions, especially regarding motor function.
• These types of exercises are generally safe and well-tolerated by patients. However, they have not been found to favorably affect cognitive functions.

Hydrotherapy and/or dancing interventions (After)

• Improved balance, movement, sleep, and higher confidence in the body after participating in water exercise and dancing.

Case Study

• Aquatic training programs can improve fitness, daily functioning for individuals with PD.

This quiz covers the essential aspects of Parkinson's Disease, including its history, symptoms, and progression. You’ll learn about how the disease was identified and named, as well as the stages of development it undergoes. Discover the underlying factors and the impact on the central nervous system.