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.