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What is Parkinson's disease?and What You Know?

Parkinson's disease is the most common form of Parkinsonism. It is a disorder of the brain. All types of Parkinsonism occur when nerve cells in a particular part of the brain die or lose the ability to function. These cells normally produce a chemical called Dopamine, a chemical messenger that helps relay signals to different parts of the brain. This process is important in producing smooth, coordinated movement throughout the body. When Dopamine-producing cells are lost, normal movement becomes impossible. In people with late-stage Parkinson's disease, 80% or more of these important cells are dead or impaired.

Causes of Parkinson's disease

Experts agree that low dopamine levels in the brain cause the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but no one really knows why the nerve cells that produce dopamine get damaged and die. Some experts think that a change in a specific gene could explain why a person develops Parkinson's disease. Others think it could be something in the environment that causes the damage, such as pesticides or other chemicals.

Symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  •  Mask-like facial expressions
  •  Slow, shuffling gait
  • Pill-rolling movements of hands
  •   Anxiety, depression, isolation
  •  Stooping posture
  •  Tremor at rest
  • Slow response to questions
  •  Change in handwriting—gets progressively smaller over time
  •  Bradykinesia (slow movement)
  •   Excessive salivation
  •   Excessive sweating 
  •   Rigidity
  •  Trouble chewing or swallowing
  •  Drooling

Treatment of Parkinson's disease
Medications. Some medications may help you manage your condition and symptoms. Your doctor may prescribe the drug levodopa, a natural chemical that your body converts into dopamine. Often, you'll take levodopa with a medication (carbidopa) that protects levodopa from premature conversion to dopamine in your bloodstream, before it reaches your brain.
Other medications may include drugs that imitate the effects of dopamine in your brain (dopamine agonists), drugs that inhibit an enzyme (monoamine oxidase B) that metabolizes dopamine in your brain (MAO B inhibitors), drugs that inhibit another enzyme (catechol-O-methyltransferase) that breaks down dopamine (COMT inhibitors), or a medication that affects another brain chemical system (amantadine). Medications may have side effects. Your doctor will work with you to determine which medications are most appropriate for you.
Deep brain stimulation. In deep brain stimulation, surgeons implant electrodes into a specific area of your brain. The electrodes are connected to a generator that sends electrical pulses to your brain and may help control your Parkinson's disease symptoms. Surgery may involve risks, and your surgeon will work with you to determine if surgery is the most appropriate treatment for you.
Physical therapy. You may benefit from physical therapy and exercise. Physical activity may help improve your physical and mental well-being, balance, flexibility and strength.

sources
http://www.mayoclinic.org/parkinsons-disease/treatment.html
http://kidshealth.org/kid/grownup/conditions/parkinson.html#
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Ditulis oleh: Unknown - Saturday, 29 October 2011