Effect Of Parkinson's Disease On The Human Body And Preventive Measures
More than one million people live with
Parkinson's disease that affects individuals in different ways. For some
people, the disease may first show up as slight hand tremors, while it might
appear as an unusual level of stiffness in others. Again, the disease may
progress slowly in some people while it may spread frighteningly fast in
someone else. Parkinson's disease is a disorder in the central nervous system
that affects the region of the brain that controls movement. The disease is
termed a "movement disorder" that is associated with
neurologically-based abnormal physical behavior. Tremors, slow movements, rigid
movements are the main characteristics that help doctors recognize the disease.
Though the exact cause of the disease is not known, but as per researchers, it
may be a combination of environmental and genetic factors with the symptoms of
the disease being caused by the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells.
Parkinson's is one of the senior health
challenges that Anthem Senior Living in AZ works with. It's an award-winning assisted living Anthem facility in the region.
Symptoms:
Initial Symptoms- Constipation, decreased ability to smell, stooped posture, voice changes,
small and cramped handwriting. Motor problems include slow movements, tremors (shaking
that occurs at rest), problems with balance and tendency to fall, stiffness of
arms and legs.
Secondary Symptoms- Muffled and low-volume speech, decreased blinking and swallowing, reduced
arm swinging when walking, tendency to fall backward, blank facial expression.
Severe Symptoms- Depression, anxiety, hallucinations, problems with concentration and
memory, psychosis, higher risk of melanoma (a serious type of skin cancer),
sleep disturbances including vivid dreams, talking, etc.
How Parkinson's Affects Human Body?
The signs and symptoms of Parkinson's are usually
mild in the first and second stages. It's mainly folks who are 60 years of age
or older who are diagnosed with Parkinson's, but early onset is likely too.
Tremors, stiffness and rigidity in muscles are some of the most common symptoms
during these stages. As the disease advances, the physical symptoms become more
severe and make regular tasks more difficult. Movement and coordination are
slowed and impaired in the third and fourth stages, restricting mobility. In
the fifth and final stage, the symptoms of Parkinson's worsens to the extent
that individuals are unable to walk or live without assisted care.
Hallucinations, delusions, and even dementia may be some of the symptoms.
Although this is a life-altering disease, but
life after the onset of Parkinson's has never looked brighter in view of new
developments in treatment, medication and prevention methods.
Role Of Diet And Exercise In Preventing
Parkinson's:
Since there is no known cure, it's important that
we prevent the disease before symptoms arise. In view of the recent
advancements in modern surgical procedures, there are some safe surgeries that
can alleviate some of the more serious symptoms associated with Parkinson's.
But it's always better to keep it from getting to that point. Prevention is
better than cure, the less the number of drugs and surgery, the better.
Tips To Prevent Parkinson's Disease:
1. Consume plenty of fresh, raw vegetables. According to studies, increased
amounts of the B vitamin folic acid (which vegetables have in high amounts) can
significantly lower the risk of Parkinson's.
2. Increase intake of Omega-3 fatty acids since it can play a big role in the
prevention of cell degeneration and death.
3. The inherent antioxidant properties of green tea are known to sustain
dopamine levels in ailing brain tissue, reducing the severity of Parkinson's
symptoms for individuals who've been diagnosed.
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