Best Psychologist for Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve c…read more
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Involuntary shaking or trembling, often starting in a hand or fingers
Noticeably slower movements and difficulty initiating movements.
This stiffness can limit the range of motion and cause pain.
Difficulty maintaining an upright posture.
Decreased ability to make facial expressions, often leading to a fixed, mask-like appearance.
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Our psychologists provide professional counseling that is efficient, cost-effective and customized to your needs.
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Get in touch with a therapist today, and never let anything hold you back.We’ve been using Untitled to kick start every new project and can’t imagine working without it.
Lana Steiner
Sales Person, Decan Parcel
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Lana Steiner
Layers
You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about the product and billing.
Definition
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It occurs when nerve cells (neurons) in a specific part of the brain, known as the substantia nigra, become damaged or die. This area of the brain is responsible for producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is essential for coordinating smooth and controlled movements. As dopamine levels decrease, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease become more apparent.
Primary Symptoms
Tremor
A common early symptom is a tremor or shaking, which often begins in one hand, although it can start in other parts of the body, such as the foot or jaw. This tremor is usually rhythmic and involves a characteristic back-and-forth motion, often described as a “pill-rolling” movement involving the thumb and forefinger. The tremor tends to occur at rest and may decrease with purposeful movement or during sleep.
Rigidity
Rigidity refers to stiffness or resistance to movement in the muscles. This symptom can cause discomfort and restrict movement. Rigidity is often noticeable when another person tries to move the affected limbs, resulting in a jerky, stop-and-go movement known as “cogwheel” rigidity.
Bradykinesia
This term describes a slowing down of spontaneous and automatic movements. Individuals with bradykinesia may find that tasks they once performed quickly and effortlessly, such as dressing or washing, become increasingly difficult and time-consuming. There may also be a reduction in facial expressions, known as “masked face,” where the person appears less expressive.
Postural Instability
Impaired balance and changes in posture can lead to a higher risk of falls. Individuals may develop a tendency to lean forward, walk with smaller, shuffling steps, and exhibit reduced arm swing while walking. This instability can also manifest as difficulties in initiating movement (start hesitation) and sudden stopping while walking (freezing).
Additional Motor Symptoms
- Blinking Less: Reduced blinking can be an early sign of diminished control over facial muscles.
- Cramped Handwriting: Known as micrographia, this occurs due to problems with muscle control, leading to smaller and more cramped handwriting.
- Drooling: This symptom arises from weakened control of facial muscles, making it difficult to manage saliva.
- Mask-like Facial Expression: Hypomimia refers to a significant reduction in facial expression, making the person’s face appear less expressive.
- Trouble Swallowing (Dysphagia): As the disease progresses, difficulties with swallowing may occur, increasing the risk of choking and aspiration pneumonia.
Non-Motor Symptoms
Parkinson’s disease also includes a range of non-motor symptoms that can significantly impact quality of life:
- Autonomic Nervous System Issues: This includes orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up), gastrointestinal problems like constipation, urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
- Depression: Many individuals with Parkinson’s disease experience depression, which can lead to a loss of motivation and increased dependency on family members.
- Loss of Sense of Smell (Anosmia): A diminished sense of smell can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease.
- Sleep Problems: Individuals may experience various sleep disorders, including periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), rapid eye movement (REM) behavior disorder, and restless legs syndrome. REM behavior disorder involves acting out dreams, which can lead to injury.
- Cognitive Problems: Some individuals develop cognitive difficulties, including memory problems, slow thinking, and, in later stages, Parkinson’s disease dementia (PDD). Cognitive issues can affect memory, social judgment, language, and reasoning.
Causes of Parkinson’s Disease
Genetic Causes
About 10% of Parkinson’s cases are familial, meaning they are inherited. Various genetic mutations have been linked to Parkinson’s disease, with some associated with early onset of the condition. Familial Parkinson’s disease is due to specific gene mutations that can lead to distinctive features of the disease.
Idiopathic Causes
Most cases of Parkinson’s disease are idiopathic, meaning the exact cause is unknown. Researchers believe that idiopathic Parkinson’s disease is related to abnormal processing of a protein called α-synuclein. Misfolded α-synuclein proteins accumulate in the brain, forming Lewy bodies, which contribute to neuronal damage and the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Induced Parkinsonism
Some conditions or circumstances can cause parkinsonism-like symptoms, which are similar to Parkinson’s disease but are not true Parkinson’s disease. These include:
- Medications: Certain drugs can induce symptoms similar to Parkinson’s disease, which may persist even after stopping the medication.
- Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain can sometimes lead to parkinsonism.
- Toxins and Poisons: Exposure to substances like manganese dust, carbon monoxide, or certain pesticides may lead to parkinsonism.
Damage from Injuries: Repeated head injuries, such as those from contact sports, can result in post-traumatic parkinsonism.