Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. It effects about 3 in 1000 people in industrialized nations. Although PD affects less than 1% of the population, both the motor and non-motor symptoms are debilitating. The cause of PD remains unknown, however researchers believe it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This means the disease can vary from person to person. Aging is an important risk factor with a 2 to 4% chance of developing PD over age 60.
Genetic Factors
A majority of Parkinson’s cases are not directly inherited. Around 15 to 25% of individuals with PD report having a relative with the disease. There are several gene mutations that cause the disease directly, however they only affect a small number of families.
Environmental Factors
Parkinson’s Disease is only found in industrialized nations, therefore some researchers have suggested that PD may result from exposure to an environmental toxin. Epidemiological research identifies rural living, well water, manganese, and pesticides as important factors linked to PD. Although continued environmental exposure can be linked with PD, research demonstrates that environmental factors cannot be the sole cause of PD.
Symptoms
When we hear about someone suffering from Parkinson’s Disease (PD) we automatically picture an individual with severe tremors. The motor symptoms associated with PD are the most visual symptoms however the non-motor symptoms are often the most debilitating. Patients suffering from PD state that the non-motor symptoms create more of a challenge in daily life than the motor symptoms.
Motor Symptoms
- Resting Tremor
- Bradykinesia
- Rigidity
- Postural Instability
- Freezing Gait
- Micrographia
- Mask-like Expression
- Unwanted Accelerations
Non-Motor Symptoms
- Cognitive Impairment
- Dementia
- Psychosis
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sleep Disturbances
- Constipation
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Vision Disturbances
Society’s perception of Parkinson’s Disease is often skewed by our lack of understanding of the non-motor symptoms. PD is characterized by the tremors, but the invisible symptoms are just as deadly. As
a society, we must make an effort to understand all aspects of PD and work to support those suffering from its symptoms. Current research is focused better understanding the genetic cause of PD and developing a more effective diagnostic and treatment plan. Knowing more about the causes and symptoms of PD, what can we do to support the fight for a cure? To learn more about the fight against Parkinson’s Disease, visit www.pdf.org
