Parkinson’s Disease

James Banks; Diante X Miller; Lauryn Pierson; Clarissa Stout; Katie Weber

Overview Parkinson’s disease is a progressive condition in which internal nervous system damage causes tremors, decreased muscle coordination / movement control, and decreased balance. Statistics and prevalence of the condition is included below:

About 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's disease each year

The disease can afflict men and women, but affects 50% more men

15-25% of people with the Parkinson’s have a relative with the disease

James Banks & Clarissa Stout

EtiologyThere is a fairly significant controversy surrounding one specific cause of Parkinson’s disease. Most say familial genetic abnormalities and environmental triggers may play a role in developing the condition. What researchers and scientists have found, in terms of nervous system anatomy, is that the Dopamine - generating cells (dopaminergic neurons) in the Substantia Nigra part of the brain die. This causes Parkinson’s symptoms like tremors and decreased muscle coordination from the low/falling Dopamine levels. Overall, there are numerous ideas of different factors in developing the condition, but there is not one concise, known cause of the death of the dopaminergic neurons.

James Banks

Signs and Symptoms The severity of Parkinson's disease varies depending on the person. Early symptoms often go unnoticed because of how mild they are. Symptoms normally being on one side of the body, and get more and more severe with time and then it gradually begins to affect the other side of the body as well.Tremors -shaking in limbs often in hands and fingers

Slower Movement -reduces ability to move, simple tasks become difficult

Rigid Muscles -muscle stiffness

Loss of Balance and bad posture -stooped posture

Loss of Automatic Movements -unconscious movements become harder to perform

Change of Speech -speech becomes slow, slurred hesitant, and monotone

Lauryn Pierson

Diagnosis and TestsNo specific test exists

Diagnosed based off of medical history, signs and symptoms shown, and a neurological and physical examination.

Doctors may order tests to rule out other conditions causing the symptoms

Imaging tests (MRI’s, PET scans, ultrasounds, and SPECT’s) can also be used to rule out other conditions.

Patients could be given carbidopa-levodopa, and if there are signs of improvement, diagnosis of Parkinson’s is confirmed.

Diante X Miller

Treatment and CareSadly, there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease. The treatments for this disease vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms, but there are multiple options. Medication is a possibility, lifestyle changes or even surgery could be options too. Treatments may work for years, but often have lessening effects with time. A neurologist will help guide a patient through to make the best decision for that individual.Popular treatment options include:

Carbidopa-levodopa: a natural chemical that is converted to dopamine in your brain (medication)

Deep brain stimulation (DBS)- implanted electrodes send out pulses that may reduce symptoms (surgical)

Healthy eating and exercise- used to reduce symptoms and strengthen muscles (lifestyle)

Clarissa Stout

Living and ManagingDeveloping and maintaining a management plan is an important part of coping with Parkinson’s disease. This means finding the right doctor and keeping track of take the medication at the right time. Physical therapist, speech therapist, and occupational therapist play a big part in helping PD patients live and manage everyday life along with a nutritionist and a social worker. Activities that will benefit PD patients and their symptoms include painting, tai-chi, and exercise. Living with PD may way down the patient's, a good way to cope would to be joining in on clinical trials, advocacy, or support groups. Call the number (800) 457-6676 to find a support group in your area. Katie Weber

ReferencesEtiology

Parkinson’s Disease Causes (July, 2015) Retrieved January 11, 2016 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/causes/con-20028488

Signs and Symptoms

“Parkinson's Disease.” Symptoms. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016.< http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/symptoms/con-20028488

Diagnosis and Tests

Training Health Professionals. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12, 2016, from http://www.pdf.org/en/parkinson_health_professionals

Parkinson's disease. (n.d.). Retrieved January 12, 2016, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20028488

Treatment and Care

"Parkinson's Disease." Treatments and Drugs. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Jan. 2016. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/basics/treatment/con-20028488.

Living and Managing

"National Parkinson Foundation: Believe in Better." National Parkinson Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016. http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/treatment