Parkinson’s
Definition:
A degenerative neurological disorder characterised by movement problems, that
occurs in about 1 in every 500 people usually over age of 50
Causes:
Dopamine deficit (dopamine is needed for movement)
Brain cells producing dopamine loses the ability to produce dopamine
Not sure why do neurons lose the ability to produce dopamine; genetic component,
environmental (toxins or vial infection).
Clinical signs to look for:
Tremor
Muscle stiffness
Slow movements
Changed gait- shuffling steps, freezing of gait which all leads to falling sometimes
Stooped posture
Balance problems
Dexterity problems
Affected QoL- will not be able to button up shirt, tie shoelaces, cook etc
Symptoms: develop slowly over years
Motor symp:
o Tremor
o Muscle stiffness
o Slow movements
o Changed gait- shuffling steps, freezing of gait which all leads to falling
sometimes
o Stooped posture
o Frozen shoulder, pain in hand or pain down the leg- usual presentation in
younger people
Non-motor symp:
o Sweating
o Anxiety
o Low mood
o Constipation
o Panic attacks
Diagnosis:
based on signs and symptoms person present with
no laboratory test can diagnose
brain scans used to rule other diseases with similar symptoms
Treatment: done via a MDT as no cure. Treatment control symptoms and slows progression.
Definition:
A degenerative neurological disorder characterised by movement problems, that
occurs in about 1 in every 500 people usually over age of 50
Causes:
Dopamine deficit (dopamine is needed for movement)
Brain cells producing dopamine loses the ability to produce dopamine
Not sure why do neurons lose the ability to produce dopamine; genetic component,
environmental (toxins or vial infection).
Clinical signs to look for:
Tremor
Muscle stiffness
Slow movements
Changed gait- shuffling steps, freezing of gait which all leads to falling sometimes
Stooped posture
Balance problems
Dexterity problems
Affected QoL- will not be able to button up shirt, tie shoelaces, cook etc
Symptoms: develop slowly over years
Motor symp:
o Tremor
o Muscle stiffness
o Slow movements
o Changed gait- shuffling steps, freezing of gait which all leads to falling
sometimes
o Stooped posture
o Frozen shoulder, pain in hand or pain down the leg- usual presentation in
younger people
Non-motor symp:
o Sweating
o Anxiety
o Low mood
o Constipation
o Panic attacks
Diagnosis:
based on signs and symptoms person present with
no laboratory test can diagnose
brain scans used to rule other diseases with similar symptoms
Treatment: done via a MDT as no cure. Treatment control symptoms and slows progression.
