If you’re battling Parkinson’s disease, then you might already know how stressful it might get. For those who might not know, Parkinson’s disease is a movement disorder that affects the nervous system. Its symptoms occur because of low dopamine levels in the brain. Some of the early signs include tremor, a loss of a sense of smell, and coordination problems.
Not many people know why Parkinson’s disease develops, but they currently believe that genetic changes and exposure to environmental factors, such as toxins, play a key role. In this simple guide, we take you through some of the early signs of Parkinson’s disease and what causes it.
Early Signs
As a reminder, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease tend to develop gradually. They often start with a slight tremor in one hand and a feeling of stiffness in the body. Over time, other symptoms develop, and some people might experience dementia.
Some early signs of Parkinson’s disease may include movement changes, such as tremors, a loss of sense of smell, gait changes, and fixed facial expressions due to changes in the nerves that control face muscles. Bear in mind movement symptoms may start on one side of the body and gradually affect both sides.
Causes
You should always remember that Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that develops when changes occur in the brain. Precisely what it happens is unclear, but scientists have identified some variations that occur.
One of the most common causes of Parkinson’s disease is a drop in dopamine levels. It happens when cells that produce dopamine die in the brain. Remember, dopamine plays a crucial role in sending messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As dopamine levels continue to fall, symptoms gradually become more severe.
Parkinson’s disease may also involve damage to the nerve endings that produce another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, which contributes to blood circulation and other automatic body functions. Low levels of norepinephrine in Parkinson’s disease may increase the risk of both motor and nonmotor symptoms, such as stiffness and rigidity, postural instability, tremor, anxiety, and difficulty focusing, to mention a few.
Now that you have insights into what Parkinson’s disease entails, it is in your best interest to watch out for the above signs and symptoms. In the event that you notice any of these symptoms, then you should not hesitate to see your medical practitioner.
