How does one get Parkinson's disease?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disease of the nervous system. The actual mechanism of the disease is not very clear, and its fundamental cause has not yet been identified. It is generally believed that Parkinson's disease is mainly caused by the following factors. First, genetic factors. Some cases of Parkinson's disease have a clear familial tendency, where patients may experience mutations in synaptic nuclear protein genes, leading to abnormal aggregation of these proteins. This abnormal aggregation can damage the neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain, leading to Parkinson's disease. Second, there are some external factors related to sporadic cases of Parkinson's. These may be closely related to oxidative stress, trauma, poisoning, or an excessive stress response of the body. However, the specific cause is not very clear. Parkinson's disease, which causes symptoms such as bradykinesia, tremors, and rigidity, requires active treatment to improve the quality of life of the patients.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
45sec home-news-image

How is Parkinson's disease diagnosed?

For the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, the patient's medical history and symptoms are very important, and physical examinations are also an important reference for diagnosis. The physical examination generally involves checking the patient's muscle tone and looking for signs of bradykinesia. In terms of auxiliary examinations, on one hand, it is necessary to perform ceruloplasmin tests, which primarily aim to exclude hepatolenticular degeneration. Brain MRI scans are also conducted to exclude other causes of secondary Parkinson’s disease, such as normal pressure hydrocephalus and cerebrovascular diseases. Additionally, these patients need to undergo olfactory tests and some PET-CT scans to clarify the diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
55sec home-news-image

Does Parkinson's disease cause dizziness?

For patients with Parkinson's disease, the clinical symptoms are mainly divided into two categories: motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. Among the non-motor symptoms, dysfunctions in autonomic nervous regulation can manifest as orthostatic hypotension, which generally occurs in the middle to late stages of Parkinson's disease. The main manifestation is a continuous drop in systolic blood pressure by more than 30mmHg, or diastolic blood pressure by more than 15mmHg within three minutes of the patient moving from a lying or sitting position to a standing position. This can lead to general fatigue, dizziness or light-headedness, slow thinking, and even fainting. Therefore, when patients with Parkinson’s disease experience dizziness, it is important to consider the possibility of orthostatic hypotension.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
43sec home-news-image

Can acupuncture be used for Parkinson's disease?

The treatment of Parkinson’s disease is comprehensive, where pharmacotherapy is the core method, supplemented by surgical treatments. Additionally, physical rehabilitation and psychotherapy can also be performed. For Parkinson's patients, acupuncture is an option. Since elderly Parkinson's patients may suffer from other illnesses, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of these additional ailments. If patients wish to use acupuncture to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, it is feasible. However, it cannot cure the disease or solve the fundamental problem; it can only alleviate symptoms and enhance the quality of life.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
51sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is a relatively common disease among the elderly, causing significant inconveniences in their daily lives and making it difficult for them to move. Moreover, this disease progressively worsens. Overall, the symptoms of Parkinson's disease primarily include noticeable movement slowness; patients perform tasks very slowly, such as wrapping dumplings or rolling dumpling wrappers, which are done clumsily and slowly. They also dress, turn over in bed, and tie shoelaces very slowly. Additionally, there are evident symptoms such as resting tremors and muscle rigidity. Some people may experience a panicked gait, rushing forward and unable to control their steps. Patients might also experience severe constipation, a reduced sense of smell, and some have sensory abnormalities in their limbs.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Yan
Geriatrics
34sec home-news-image

Is massage effective for Parkinson's disease?

The treatment of Parkinson's disease is comprehensive, with medication being the core method. Surgical treatments can supplement medication, and it is also important to include physical rehabilitation and psychological therapy. When patients have their symptoms and signs controlled by medication, massage can be administered to enhance their motor abilities and coordination, improving symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Massage therapy, therefore, has proven to be somewhat effective in this respect.