Parkinsonism

Parkinsonism disease is a neurological disorder in which there is degeneration of
dopamine producing neurons of substantia nigra.
➢ Dopamine is a chemical in the brain, known as a neurotransmitter, which sends
messages that control movement.
➢ As Parkinsonism disease progresses, more dopamine neurons in the brain are lost.
➢ It is caused due to decreased activity of dopamine or an increased activity of
acetylcholine in straitaum present in the basal ganglia.

https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3889559680771119

Causes

The exact cause of parkinsonism disease is unknown, research points to a
combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some cases may be
caused more by genetic factors and others due more to environment, with
many somewhere in between.
• Researchers have identified certain genes (pink 1, parkin ) that may play a
role in parkinsonism disease, but studies are still ongoing to understand
exactly how mutationsin these genes are associated with parkinsonism.

https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3889559680771119

RISK FACTORS

• Advancing age
• Family history
• Male gender
• Exposure to toxins, such as herbicides and pesticides
• Head injury

SIGN AND SYMPTOMS

Movement/motor-related symptoms
• Bradykinesia
• Rigidity
• Resting Tremor
• Postural Instability
• Reduced facial expression
Non-movement/ non-motor-related symptoms
• Cognitive Impairment
• Mood Changes
• Sleep disorders
• Hyposmia
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Bladder Problems
Other treatment-related symptoms
• Dyskinesia
• Impulse Control

https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3889559680771119

STAGES OF PARKINSONISM

• Stage 1: Symptoms on one side only
• Stage 2: Symptoms on both sides without balance impairment
• Stage 3: Mild to moderate disease, some postural instability,
physically independent
• Stage 4: Severe disease, able to walk or stand unassisted
• Stage 5: Wheelchair bound or bedridden unless assisted

Types of parkinsonism

Primary parkinsonism
➢known as idiopathic parkinsonism.
➢causes of disease is unknown.
➢Seen above 60 yrs of age.
➢Over the years, the dopaminergic
neurons degenerate due to H2O2, free radicals and peroxynitrite.

Secondary parkinsonism

➢Known as drug induced
parkinsonism.
➢Drugs are the cause for this type of
parkinsonism.
➢Can be seen any age of the life.
➢No degeneration of dopaminergic
neuron as in primary parkinsonism

TREATMENT

There are currently no available treatments to slow the progression of Parkinson’s
over time, but available drugs and therapies can effectively treat symptoms often for
years. Because Parkinson’s disease is highly variable, what works for one patient
may not work for another. Many different treatment approaches are used for
Parkinson’s disease

https://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3889559680771119

1. DOPAMINERGIC STRATEGIES ( eg Carbidopa , levadopa )
   Since many symptoms of Parkinsonism are due to a lack of dopamine in the brain,
   dopaminergic strategies act to temporarily increase dopamine in the brain through different
   approaches. The increase in dopamine provided by these approaches can result in improved
   motor function control.
2. ANTICHOLINERGICS
   These drugs block a different neurotransmitter (acetylcholine) that also regulates
   movement.
   3.SURGICAL THERAPIES
   Brain surgery that can supplant or supplement drug therapies for Parkinsonism disease in
   some patients. Therapies include deep brain stimulation and pallidotomy.
3. EXERCISE
   While no studies have proven the effect of exercise on slowing Parkinsonism
   progression, strength and balance from regular exercise can help overall health. You
   should talk to your physician about a safe exercise program and about how allied care
   professionals such as physical, occupational and speech therapists can help manage your
   symptoms.