Points on Parkinson’s Disease

When I was a physical therapy rehab aide, I had the chance to work with a patient who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I remember the look on his face when he told me about his condition. It was hard for him because I don’t believe he fully understood what it meant to have Parkinson’s.

Along with actor Michael J. Fox, my former patient is among an estimated 500,000 Americans who have Parkinson’s disease (PD). This is a disease that affects both men and women, but it is more commonly diagnosed in men, especially those over the age of 60. 

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that, “Parkinson's disease occurs when nerve cells, or neurons, in an area of the brain known as the substantia nigra die or become impaired.”

This also affects the dopamine level, a chemical that helps transmit signals that facilitate smooth movement. When dopamine levels are abnormal, the result is nerve impulses in the brain misfiring, causing impaired or disrupted movement.

In addition to abnormal dopamine levels, researchers have found that PD patients may have lower levels of norepinephrine, which is another chemical associated with sending messages concerning movement. Norepinephrine specifically targets the sympathetic nervous system which controls our automatic function of the body, like heartbeat and blood pressure. Some PD patients have trouble controlling their blood pressure and it can be linked to norepinephrine levels.

Patients who suffer from Parkinson’s can have a variety of symptoms that come on gradually and get more severe over time. These symptoms include, mild tremors, difficulty with getting up from a seated position, slow speech, loss of limb movement, forward posture, and rigidity.

Every Parkinson’s patient is different and can experience various symptoms and severity based on their own personal condition. Some PD patients respond well to medications, while other do not.

Unfortunately, as PD progresses patients can also experience depression, sleep disorders, fatigue, loss of appetite and diminished cognitive functioning like dementia. These symptoms can be very traumatic and difficult for the patient to experience. Their independence and quality of life can be altered by the condition, but in general, PD is not a life-threatening condition. It can lead to other complications, but patients can live for many years with Parkinson’s.

In fact, many patients with Parkinson's are living longer than people who do not have it. The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research shares some tips for caregivers regarding help for patients with PD and how to find support groups for both you and your loved one.

Take advantage of the great information shared by others who have gone through being diagnosed, are living with Parkinson’s, and/or care for someone who does.