Parkinsons Disease

Dr. James Parkinson(1755-1824)

Parkinson was a London doctor whose famous essay entitled An Essay on the Shaking Palsy', published in 1817, established Parkinsons disease as a recognized medical condition. A remarkable man who was a pioneer not only in medicine but also in his scientific and political interests. Was born at Hoxton Square, Shoreditch London, on 11 April 1755, the son of an surgeon. Jean Martin Charcot, a french doctor who really recognized Parkinson work some 60 years later and called the condition Parkinsons Disease
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What is Parkinsons disease?

Parkinsons is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking & writing. Occurs as result of a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. With the depletion of dopamine-producing cells, these parts of the brain are unable to function normally.

Parkinsonism
The main symptoms of Parkinsons can also be symptoms of other disorders. Condition that produce these symptoms are known collectively as parkinsonism. Parkinsons the most common form of parkinsonism and often referred to as idiopathic Parkinsons disease (this means of unknown cause).

Other less common form parkinsonism include:

Multiple system atrophy(MSA)

Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP)

What causes Parkinsons?

When about 80% of the dopamine has been lost, the symptoms of Parkinsons appear and the level of dopamine will continue to fall slowly over many years. The loss of dopamine occurs in the brains of people with Parkinsons is currently unknown. Researchers believe that many factors play a role in causing Parkinsons.

Areas of Research

Genetics Research Environmental Factors

Genetic research

Scientists identified 9 genes linked to Parkinsons, of which the parkin gene is most commonly associated with the familial form of Parkinsons. Abnormalities in this parkin gene are particularly prevalent with young onset Parkinsons disease. This research help to understand which factors are involved in the formation, survival and death of dopamine-producing neurons.
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Environment research
Environmental

factors (toxins) may cause dopamine-producing neurons to die, leading to the development of Parkinsons.

Signs and Symptoms

Motor Non-motor

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Motor Symptoms

Motor Symptoms
Tremor Slowness of movement Stiffness or rigidity of muscles

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Motor Symptoms

Tremor- this usually begins in one hand. First symptoms for 70% of people with Parkinsons. Slowness of movement- people with this disease may find that they have difficulty initiating movements or that performing movements takes longer. Stiffness or rigidity of muscles- problems with activities such as standing up from a chair or rolling over in bed may be experienced.
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Non-motor Symptoms

Sleep Disturbance Constipation Urinary urgency Depression

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How many people have Parkinsons

Parkinsons disease is found all over the world. It is estimated that 4 million people worldwide have the condition. Generally, in the UK: One in 500 people, around 120,000 individuals, have Parkinson's. About 10,000 people in the UK are diagnosed each year. Symptoms first appear, on average, when a patient is older than 50 . One in 20 of those diagnosed each year will be aged under 40. Statistically, men are slightly more likely to develop Parkinsons than women

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At what age do people get Parkinsons?

After

the age of 50 the risk of developing Parkinsons increases with age. Some people may not be diagnosed until they are in their 70s or 80s. In some cases Parkinsons is diagnosed before the age of 40, it is known as young on-set Parkinsons disease. If it is diagnosed before the age of 18, it is known as juvenile Parkinsons disease.
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Disease Progression
The

symptoms usually begin slowly; develop gradually and in no particular order. Everyone with Parkinson's is very different and may have a different collection of symptoms and response to treatment. The nature of symptoms and the rate at which the condition progresses will also be individual.
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Will I die from Parkinson's?

Parkinson's by itself does not directly cause people to die. With the treatment that is now available, life expectancy for someone with Parkinson's is fairly normal and none of the drugs that are used for Parkinson's have any serious side effects that could cause death. Usually those who have had Parkinson's for many years, their general physical and mental condition can either cause or exacerbate other illnesses and so contribute to the final cause of death

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Is Parkinsons inherited?

No conclusive evidence that it is a hereditary condition that can be passed on within families apart from in exceptionally rare cases (up to 5%). Occasionally it does seem to run in particular families, in most cases the development is sporadic. Although Parkinsons is not directly inherited, some people may inherit a genetic susceptibility to develop Parkinson's.
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Living with Parkinsons

Depression and anxiety

Symptoms of Depression: Low mood Self esteem Lack of interest in usual activities Interests tiredness Difficulty sleeping

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Living with Parkinsons

Exercise

Suitable exercise is good for Parkinson's. It can also help relieve depression.

Joining & Participating in a sporting activity can also make opportunities to make new friends. Bowling, Sailing, Skiing, Swimming & Dancing are good exercise.
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Living with Parkinsons

Diet

People with Parkinsons should aim to eat a mixture of: Starchy food (bread, rice) Fruit & vegetables Dairy products Proteins (meat, fish, beans)

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Is there a cure for Parkinsons?

At

present there is no cure for Parkinsons but researchers and scientists are steadily making advance in understanding the condition, its causes, and how best to treat it.

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Treating Parkinsons

Drug Treatment

Increase the level of dopamine that reaches the brain. Stimulate the parts of the brain where dopamine works. Block of the action of other chemicals that affect dopamine.
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Treating Parkinsons

Therapies

Dietician Occupational Therapy Physiotherapy Speech and language therapy

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Treating Parkinsons

Surgery Surgery is available for some people with Parkinsons, depending on their symptoms.

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Treating Parkinsons
Surgery Deep brain Stimulation Lesioning Future development

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Treating Parkinsons

Deep brain simulation

This involves the implantation of a wire with four electrodes at is tip into one of three target sites in the brain: The thalamus The globus pallidus The sub thalamic nucleus

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Treating Parkinsons

Lesioning

This involves inserting an electrode into the brain, causing selective damage to certain cells is either the thalamus or the globus pallidus. Unlike deep brain stimulation, the procedure is irreversible.

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Treating Parkinsons

Future Development

In the future, other surgery related treatments may be shown to be safe and beneficial and could be introduced. Brain implants using brain tissue. Infusion of chemicals into basal ganglia.
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Treating Parkinsons

Complementary Therapies

May be used in addition to or alongside conventional medicine. Based on systems that have been practiced for thousand of years. One attraction for many people is that they are often perceived as being harmless.
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Complementary therapies

Acupuncture Aromatherapy Art therapy Ayurveda Breathwork Conductive education Alexander technique

Diet Herbal medicine Homeopathy Magnet therapy Massage Music therapy Spinal manipulation Yoga
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Thank you

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