From Tremors to Treatment: The Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease
Apr 12, 2025
From Tremors to Treatment: The Journey Through Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson's Disease: An Overview
Parkinson's Disease: An Overview
Introduction
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder primarily affecting motor function. It is characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a region of the brain crucial for movement control.
Epidemiology
PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer's disease. It typically affects individuals over the age of 60, with a higher prevalence in men than women
Pathophysiology
The hallmark of PD is the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. This leads to a dopamine deficiency in the striatum, disrupting the balance between excitatory and inhibitory pathways in the basal ganglia. The presence of Lewy bodies, abnormal aggregates of alpha-synuclein protein, is also a key pathological feature
Genetics and Risk Factors
While most cases of PD are sporadic, genetic factors play a role in approximately 10-15% of cases. Mutations in genes such as SNCA, LRRK2, and PARK2 have been linked to familial forms of PD. Environmental factors, including exposure to pesticides and heavy metals, may also increase the risk
Clinical Features
PD presents with a combination of motor and non-motor symptoms:
- Motor Symptoms: Bradykinesia (slowness of movement), resting tremor, rigidity, and postural instability are the cardinal motor symptoms. These symptoms often begin asymmetrically and progress over time.
- Non-Motor Symptoms: Patients may experience depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, sleep disturbances, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g., constipation, orthostatic hypotension).
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the presence of characteristic motor symptoms and response to dopaminergic therapy. Imaging techniques like DaTscan can support the diagnosis by visualizing dopamine transporter activity.
Management
Management of PD involves a multidisciplinary approach:
- Pharmacological Treatment: Levodopa remains the most effective treatment for motor symptoms. Other medications include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors.
- Non-Pharmacological Treatment: Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are essential for managing motor and non-motor symptoms. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an option for patients with advanced PD who respond poorly to medication.
Research and Future Directions
Ongoing research aims to better understand the pathogenesis of PD and develop disease-modifying therapies. Biomarker development for early diagnosis and personalized medicine approaches are promising areas of investigation.
"After reading this article, you can gain even more valuable information for your studies by attending lectures in any of these specializations.
"After reading this article, you can gain even more valuable information for your studies by attending lectures in any of these specializations.
%20(700%20x%20350%20px).png)
