What causes PD
At the moment the causes of Parkinson's disease is unknown, except for cases induced by trauma, drug addiction and medication, and some hereditary forms in certain family groups. Numerous theories try to explain the neurological deterioration that produces this pathology. Experts believe that a few pesticides and toxins, along with individual genetic predisposition, could be the triggers of the disease. Nevertheless, here are some common cause of Parkinson’s Disease.
Genetic Causes
During the past one decade,
researchers have identified a number of occasional cases where Parkinson's
disease appears to be caused by a single genetic mutation. In these cases, the
mutated gene is passed from one generation to other, resulting in a great
number of Parkinson's disease cases within an extended family. And this is one
of the greatest causes of Parkinson's disease identified till date.
Environmental Causes
Environmental causes are another
leading factor to Parkinson’s Disease. Some external toxins may particularly
extinguish the dopaminergic neurons, causing Parkinson's disease. Toxins that
may be linked to Parkinson's Disease include manganese, carbon monoxide, carbon
disulphide, and some other pesticides.
A Combination of Both
For most
Parkinson's patients, the cause is a combination of both genetic and environmental
factors. It is not necessary for a person to get the disease even if he has
family history of one or more Parkinson’s Patients. Similarly, some patients
experience Parkinson’s Disease while they got exposed to some other chemicals
and environmental toxins. So most of the scientists currently believe that both
genetic and environment factors can contribute to Parkinson’s Disease, and
unfortunately, it is impossible till date to determine the specific causes of
the condition.
Age and Gender Factors
Another risk factor for
Parkinson's disease is age. Men have a higher risk than women to get the
condition.
Other than this there are a lot
of factors associated with Parkinson's disease. For example, head injury and
accidents have been associated with higher risk.
Diagnosis of Parkinson
People with Parkinson's disease experience
several particular characteristics such as rest tremor, slowness in the
initiation of movements and muscular rigidity. Diagnosis of Parkinson is quite
difficult in its initial stages, as it is confused with the symptoms of other
pathologies. According to the latest studies, the diagnosis of Parkinson's
takes between one to five years.
Twenty percent of the diagnoses
come after five years, and in 25 percent the diagnoses are wrong. The diagnosis
is clinical and is based on the patient's symptoms. To confirm the diagnosis, a
computerized axial tomography (CT) is performed, which detects brain lesions in
the midbrain.
However, the best way to detect
this pathology is observation, exercised by both the doctor and the patient's
relatives, since the permanent contact allows them to confirm the continuity or
progression of the symptoms and possible changes of both physical and
emotional. Early diagnosis of Parkinson's disease is essential, as each type of
Parkinson has a different treatment.
Parkinson’s medication
It is a chronic pathology that,
for the moment, has no cure. The goal of such treatments is to slow the
progression of the disease, control the symptoms and side effects derived from
the drugs used to combat it.
