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Parkinson’s Disease

First Name, Middle Initials, Last Name

Department, University

Course Code: Course Name

Instructor’s Name and Tittle

Due Date
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PARKINSON’S DISEASE

"Parkinson's disease (PD) is mainly caused by the death of dopaminergic neurons in the

substantia nigra." (Dauer et al., p. 1, 2003). The disease is characterized by balance, walking,

coordination, tremor, and stiffness. Although both men and women are affected by this disease, it

is mainly men. The disease manifests slowly and gradually worsens.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is especially dangerous for the elderly. PD is most common in middle-

aged and elderly people (Armstrong 2008).

The main cause of disease is the death or damage of sensory neurons in the brain that control

movement-these specific neurons function to produce dopamine. Little or no production of

dopamine can cause Parkinson's disease. Researchers and scientists have yet to determine the

cause of neuronal damage and death. The nerve endings responsible for the production of

norepinephrine (the most important chemical messenger of the sympathetic nerve) are

dysfunctional. This may lead to the resting effect of Parkinson's disease on the patient. H.

Reduced movement of food in the digestive system, fatigue, asymmetrical and unexpected

increase and decrease in blood pressure. (Duration et al. 2003)

(Korell and Tanner, 2004) considered farming practices, living in rural areas, and drinking water

from wells as some of the risk factors associated with Parkinson's disease. This type of

livelihood is related to exposure to pesticides. According to (Priyadarshi 2000), a meta-analysis

of the studies conducted showed a susceptibility rate to parasites of 1.94 (95% C.I. 1.49-2.53).
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In some cases, patients have inherited the disease from relatives, and only a small part of it is

caused by certain genetic mutations. However, many cases are irregular and not hereditary.

There is no cure for Parkinson's disease. Even with treatment, the patient still suffers from all

the problems caused by the disease. Many patients with this disease become depressed.

Accepting the fact that they have an incurable disease can affect their mental and emotional

health. Due to restricted exercise, patients may experience insomnia symptoms, constipation and

digestive problems, urinary tract problems caused by weakened urinary tract, eating disorders

caused by weakened neck muscles, hallucinations caused by drug side effects, sexual problems

caused by decreased libido, and activity problems. Loss of balance due to limitation and pain

caused by muscle and joint beating (Armstrong 2008).

In summary, Parkinson's disease is mainly caused by the death of sensory nerves in the brain.

PD is particularly dangerous in old age, because a larger proportion of men may have this

disease. Although there is no cure, treatment helps relieve pain and allows the patient to control

the disease.

References
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Dauer, W., & Przedborski, S. (2003). Parkinson's disease: mechanisms and

models. Neuron, 39(6), 889-909.

Marras, C., Korell, M. J., Kamel, F., Hoppin, J. A., Umbach, D. M., & Tanner, C. M. (2004,

January). The relationship between two measures of postural stability: Pull test and functional

reach in subjects with and without Parkinson's disease. In MOVEMENT DISORDERS (Vol. 19,

pp. S240-S240). DIV JOHN WILEY & SONS INC, 111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN, NJ 07030

USA: WILEY-LISS.

Priyadarshi, A., Khuder, S. A., Schaub, E. A., & Shrivastava, S. (2000). A meta-analysis of

Parkinson's disease and exposure to pesticides. Neurotoxicology, 21(4), 435-440.

Parkinson’s Disease. (n.d.). National Institute on Aging. Retrieved February 31, 2021, from

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease#:%7E:text=Parkinson’s%20disease%20is

%20a%20brain,have%20difficulty%20walking%20and%20talking.

Armstrong, R. A. (2008). Visual signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Clinical and Experimental

Optometry, 91(2), 129-138.