Parkinson's disease: What it is? Understanding its causes, symptoms and treatment insights

Actress Kanakalatha, who has appeared in over 360 movies throughout her career in the Malayalam film industry, has been diagnosed with both Parkinson’s disorder as well as Dementia. The actress's sister revealed the news and informed that the 63-year-old is unable to remember her name. In order to raise awareness about the condition, here’s all you need to know about Parkinson’s Disease.

3 things you need to know

• Parkinson’s is the 2nd most common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S.
• More than 10 million people are living with Parkinson’s Disease globally.
• The likelihood of contracting Parkinson’s is 1.5 times higher for men than women.

What is Parkinson’s Disease?

Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease that originates in the specific area of the brain substantia nigra, as per Parkinson’s Foundation. It affects the dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, which leads to a variety of symptoms. The cause of Parkinson’s remains largely undiscovered, and the general scientific consensus is that it is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

What are the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease?

The symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, primarily in the hands and possibly in other parts of the body. It also leads to slow or scarce capacity for movement, which are conditions known as bradykinesia and hypokinesia, respectively. Moreover, stiffness in limbs as well as postural problems also persist in Parkinson’s.

Additionally, there are other symptoms of Parkinson’s, also known as non-motor symptoms. Some of these symptoms include depression, apathy, hallucinations, anxiety, constipation, sleep disorders, a gradual decrease in the sense of smell, orthostatic hypotension, and a set of cognitive impairments.

What is the treatment for Parkinson’s?

Parkinson’s is known to have no cure so far. However, a variety of different countermeasures such as lifestyle changes, surgery, medications, etc. are said to be effective. It is important to note that Parkinson’s Disease itself isn’t fatal, but the variety of debilitations it causes could reach a critical point.